How Often Should Windows Be Cleaned?

Maintaining clean windows throughout the year doesn’t just make your home or business look good, it helps protect the glass as well. Knowing that you should keep your windows clean doesn’t help you determine how frequently you should wash them though. This is an important question to answer before cleaning the windows yourself or hiring a pro to come and handle the window cleaning. 

How Often Should You Clean Glass and Acrylic Surfaces?

You should clean the glass and acrylic surfaces in your home as frequently as they become dirty. For something like an acrylic fish tank, that is about once every two weeks. For glass windows or doors, you should clean them once every 3-6 months. 

You won’t damage glass or acrylic surfaces by cleaning them too frequently if you use the proper cleaning solution, but there’s no point in cleaning more than you need to. 

What Is the Best Time of Day to Clean Windows?

Try and clean your windows early in the morning or during an overcast part of the day. Cleaning your windows in direct sunlight can cause your solution to dry before it’s removed, which leads to streaking and water spots. 

Before you have someone clean your exterior windows, or tackle the job yourself, ensure the conditions are good. Try to clean windows early in the day or during a cloudy day. Avoid direct sunlight to help prevent water spots and streaks. 

The best temperature to wash outside windows is between 50 degrees and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Try and clean the windows outside in this temperature range whenever you can. Temperatures above 75 degrees make windows dry too fast, and colder temperatures can result in excessive dry times. 

What to Consider When Cleaning Windows?

A sparkling window isn’t just about aesthetics but health and maintenance. Ideally, aim for a window wash twice a year. However, depending on your locale and window type, you might need to grab that squeegee more often.

Factors Affecting Window Cleaning Frequency:

Nature’s Effects: Harsh snow, playful rain, or even the delicate touch of pollen can leave behind smudges, streaks, and layers on your windows. Remember, it’s not just about clarity. Pollen, especially, can affect indoor air quality, and prolonged exposure can cause health issues, as highlighted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Pro tip: Spring is your go-to season, helping you wave goodbye to winter residue and the anticipated pollen invasion. Fall, on the other hand, is perfect for sweeping off the summer’s grime.

Your Location Speaks Volumes: The frequency of window cleaning is heavily influenced by your surroundings. Here’s when you might need to wash more:

• Residing in bustling urban environments.
• Living in wildfire-prone zones.
• Homes nestled amidst trees or in high-pollen regions.
• Proximity to ongoing construction or if you’re amidst a home renovation.

The Window’s Material: The design and material of your windows can dictate their cleaning needs. Top-tier window brands might come with specific care guidelines, so always keep the manual handy.

• Wooden frames yearn for regular wipe-downs to stay robust.
• Aluminum frames, particularly in coastal zones, demand frequent cleaning to prevent salt-induced corrosion.
• Windows with intricate designs or patterns may accumulate dirt faster in their nooks and crannies, warranting more frequent attention.

How Frequently Should You Clean Interior Windows?

Interior windows are simpler to clean than exterior windows, and they’re more likely to get dirty throughout the year. That’s why we recommend cleaning the interior side of your windows at least once every three months. Follow this cleaning schedule to protect your windows while keeping them looking clean. 

You may have to clean high-traffic windows that are exposed to children or pets more frequently than this. Use the three-month guidelines for cleaning interior windows unless your windows become very dirty sooner than that. 

How Often Should You Clean Exterior Windows?

As a general guideline, it’s important to clean the exterior windows of your home or business twice a year. Cleaning your windows once every six months is good enough to keep them looking clear throughout the year in many locations. 

If you live in an area that’s particularly dusty or that has a high level of pollen, you may need to clean exterior windows more regularly. Follow the 6-month schedule unless the exterior windows become dirty sooner. 

How Often Should You Clean Glass Doors?

Glass doors should be cleaned just like the windows around your home, but they don’t have to be cleaned at the exact same interval. 

Professionals clean glass doors using a squeegee, a scrubber, and soap and water. These glass surfaces should be cleaned two to three times per year to keep them in good condition. 

Be careful to consider the condition of the glass on your doors throughout the year and increase the frequency of cleanings if the door is in a high-traffic location and becomes dirty more frequently. 

Using the Right Cleaning Solution

When cleaning glass windows or acrylic surfaces in and around your home, you should take care to use the best cleaning solution. Professionals rely on a mixture of distilled water and dish soap for a smooth and streak-free clean. 

On average you should add 30 mL of dish soap to 2 liters of water. 

Should You Hire A Professional Window Cleaner?

Keeping your windows clean can help reduce heating costs, can slow glass wear and tear, and help you get more life from your windows. That’s why it’s worthwhile to pay for residential window cleaning services if you don’t want to do the work yourself. 

Window cleaning services normally charge between $3 and $7 per window pane or approximately $8 to $15 per window. Exterior windows cost more than interior. You could possibly be charged by the square foot as well. Costs vary by provider and some cleaners charge an hourly rate of $30 to $80. 

Let S&K Building Services Inc. Maintain Your Windows

The team of window cleaning professionals at S&K Building services is equipped to handle any type of window cleaning job. Whether you need a residential or commercial cleaning, call us for a quote today.