Window cleaning is an essential part of maintaining a clean and presentable home or business. According to the National Glass Association, windows need to be cleaned at least twice a year. However, with so many other things to think about, it’s easy to let this task fall by the wayside. If you’re wondering “How often should windows be cleaned?”, All Clean London will provide you with some information that may be useful to know.
What Happens If You Don't Clean Your Windows?
Your windows are one of the first things people see when they look at your home or business, so it’s important to keep them clean, but what happens if you don’t?
Unsightly Glass
The first and most obvious thing you can expect after neglecting to clean your windows is dirty glass. Virtually every window out there, regardless of its size and location, is prone to the build-up of filth.
Beyond direct afflictions like pooping birds and fingerprints, there’s also the constant onslaught of pollen, dust and general air-borne particles that all contribute to a grubby-looking window.
Higher Energy Bills
Dirt windows are not only unsightly, but they can also lead to higher energy bills.
When a window becomes covered in grime, it becomes less effective at doing its job, which is to let natural light in and keep heat out (or vice versa).
This means that your home’s heating and cooling system has to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to higher energy bills.
Potential Damage
Even if they don’t seem visibly dirty, windows are always exposed to and accumulate dirt and grime over time. If left unchecked, this can lead to potential damage to the window itself.
The build up of filth can eat away at certain types of glass, and if left unaddressed for long enough, can lead to scratches, cracks and breakages.
What’s more, dirty windows provide the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew, both of which can cause serious damage to your window and home.
So How Often Should Windows Be Cleaned?
So, how often should you clean your windows? Well, it depends on your property type and a number of circumstance-specific factors:
Residential
Window cleaning is essential for modern homes that want to boost their curb appeal and keep their property looking its best.
For the average home, we recommend cleaning your windows at least once or twice a year.
Spring and Autumn are typically the best times to clean since they correspond with the season change and your home’s HVAC system will be running less frequently.
Commercial
Being representative of businesses and their operations, commercial buildings require a bit of extra care when it comes to window cleaning.
After all, first impressions are important, and grubby windows could give off the wrong message to potential customers and partners.
The problem is that commercial window cleaning can be tricky when it comes to window cleaning schedules.
Anything from a storefront to office tower falls into the category, and it’s not hard to see how differing circumstances like these may play into how often you should clean your building’s glass. We also have a guide on how to clean hard-to-reach windows, for taller properties.
However, as a general rule of thumb, most experts recommend that commercial buildings have their windows cleaned at least every three months.
A number of other factors will influence this decision, but three months is a good starting point for most businesses.
Other Window Cleaning Schedule Factors
Every situation and building is unique, which means that there are a number of other factors you’ll need to consider when trying to determine how often your windows should be cleaned.
The following is a breakdown of the most important and what they mean for your care schedule.
The Number Of Windows
The first thing you’ll want to consider is the number of windows your building has. The more windows there are, the more time-consuming the cleaning process will be and the more often you’ll need to clean them.
Buildings with lots of windows, like offices, may need to be cleaned more frequently than those with only a few, while a business with a small storefront may be able to get away with cleaning less often than one with an expansive showroom.
The Location of Your Building
Another key factor is the location of your building. If it’s situated in a dusty, high-traffic area, then your windows will likely need to be cleaned more often to prevent a build-up of grime.
On the other hand, if it’s in a relatively clean and quiet neighbourhood, then you may be able to clean less often.
The main thing is to use your best judgement and keep an eye on how quickly dirt and debris seem to be accumulating.
If you can wipe a cloth across your glass and streaks or smudges, then it’s probably time for a cleaning.
The Type Of Glass
The type of glass you have will also play a role in how often it needs to be cleaned. Some materials, like tempered glass, are more resistant to scratches and damage, so they won’t need to be cleaned as frequently.
Other types of glass, such as leaded or bevelled glass, are more delicate and may require special care and attention.
You may already know what type of glass you have, but if not, then your best bet is to consult with a professional. They’ll be able to advise you on your specific windows and the recommended care to give them.
The Climate
The climate you live in is another important consideration to make. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, then your windows may not need to be cleaned as often since they’ll already be getting a good rinse.
On the other hand, if you live in a dry climate, then your windows will probably need to be cleaned more often to prevent a build-up of dust and dirt.
This isn’t to say that places with frequent rain should forgo window cleaning altogether though.
While the rain may help to keep your windows clean in the short-term, over time it can cause damage to the glass and frames. So even if you live in a wet climate, it’s still a good idea to have your windows cleaned on a regular basis.
The Importance Of Your Property's Cleanliness
No one’s judging here, but it’s worth considering how important it is to you that your property always looks its best. If first impressions are important for your business, then you’ll probably want to clean your windows more often.
However, if your home is in the backwood and you couldn’t care less about what the neighbours think, then you may be able to get away with cleaning a little less.
Keeping Your Windows Clean Year-Round
At the end of the day, there’s no magic number for how often should windows be cleaned. It all comes down to your specific circumstances and what you feel comfortable with.
If you’re unsure, then it’s always best to proceed with caution and clean more often rather than less. Doing so will help to keep your windows looking their best and prevent any damage that could occur over time.
Struggling to keep the windows clean for your commercial premises? Get in touch with our window cleaning specialists today and receive a free quote.
