How Often Should I Clean My Windows?

Well… it depends.

I know, not the answer you were looking for but it’s a very personal question and there are many factors to consider…especially personal preference.

Some people want their windows to sparkle – 100% clean and free of any spot, dirt and debris. Always!

Others prefer to wait until they can no longer see through the glass (or maybe they just like it to seem foggy all the time).

Most people fall in between.

Residential Windows

This Cat Wants Clean Windows

We recommend cleaning your residential windows at least twice per year.  Bi-annual cleaning keeps build-up in check and also allows the window cleaner to inspect your windows frequently enough to identify potential concerns (broken window seals, chipped glass, hard water spots from the sprinklers, etc.) before they become actual issues.

If you live near the ocean or in windy, high-pollen areas you should consider cleaning your windows every 8 weeks or at least quarterly.

Ocean salt build-up is quite corrosive, makes the windows spotty and shortens the lifespan of your windows.

Pollen, beep poop (those little orange/yellowish spots on your car and windows) and other particulates like wildfire debris can be highly acidic and ultimately abrasive.

Cleaning your windows regularly will remove or reduce these corrosive elements and help lengthen the lifespan, and look, of your windows.

Remember: Window Cleaning frequency depends on your personal preference though you should consider your environment’s affect on your windows too.

Commercial Windows

Customers pay attention to a business’ appearance and in these economic times, it’s more crucial than ever to send a message of strength, vitality and optimism.

When approaching a business, what do customers see first?  The sign, the windows and the glass door.

Therefore, commercial window cleaning frequency depends on the type business, the budget, and the type of image the business needs to project for their customers.

Restaurants serve food – If the window are dirty, what does that say about the kitchen?  Would you rather shop at a shiny, well-kept store or one with cobwebs, finger prints and dust on the sills?  If your Dentist’s windows are filthy, do you want to “open wide?”

Regularly scheduled cleanings, based upon the type of business, keeps their windows clean, enables proper budgeting and keeps their image appropriate for their customers.

Remember: Businesses only get one chance to make a “first Impression”.  Make it a good one!

So…How often should you clean your windows?

Here are my Recommendations:

Residential Windows:	2 – 4 times per year.
Restaurants:	Every 1 or 2 Weeks
Retail Stores (High Traffic):	Every 2 or 4 weeks.
Office / Retail Stores (Low Traffic):	Every 4 or 8 weeks.
Office Building Lobbies:	Every 4 or 8 weeks.
Entire Office Buildings:	1 – 2 times per year

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About the Author

John Gran (@JohnSouthBay) is an entrepreneur and management consultant. From 2008 to 2018, John owned and operated local window cleaning franchise and has cleaned 10,000+ windows.

With his popular blog A Clear View Through Clean Windows, John shares his window cleaning expertise and uses window cleaning pictures, inspirations and stories about his business to demonstrate the fundamentals for building a strong, healthy, thriving business.

John lives & works with his wife Cynthia in Redondo Beach, CA