It's one of the first questions people ask when they get in touch: how often do my windows actually need cleaning? The honest answer is that it depends on your property, but there's a sensible starting point, and a few factors that tell you whether to clean more or less often.
The short answer: every 4 to 8 weeks
For most homes, we recommend having your windows cleaned every 4 to 8 weeks. That's frequent enough to stop dirt, hard water marks and algae from building up, and it means each clean is a quick refresh rather than a battle with months of grime.
Most of our regular customers choose either a 4-weekly or an 8-weekly round. Neither involves a contract, so you can change your schedule whenever you like.
When every 4 weeks makes sense
A 4-weekly clean suits homes where windows get dirty quickly, or where you simply want them looking their best at all times. It's worth considering if:
- You live on or near a busy road, where traffic dust and fumes settle on the glass.
- Your home is exposed to wind and rain that drives dirt onto the windows.
- There are trees nearby, dropping sap, pollen and leaves.
- You have large picture windows or glass doors where marks are more noticeable.
- You're getting your home ready to sell and want it looking its best for viewings.
When every 8 weeks is enough
An 8-weekly clean works well for many homes, particularly if:
- You're on a quieter street away from heavy traffic.
- Your windows are sheltered, with less exposure to weather.
- You're happy with windows that look good most of the time rather than immaculate every day.
Because we clean with purified water, which leaves no residue behind, windows tend to stay cleaner for longer between visits than they would after a detergent clean.
What about once or twice a year?
Leaving it for months at a time is possible, but it has drawbacks. Dirt, hard water stains and algae become harder to shift the longer they're left, and frames and sills can start to discolour. The first clean after a long gap often takes more work.
If your windows haven't been cleaned in a while, a one-off deep clean is a good way to reset them before moving onto a regular schedule.
Signs your windows are due a clean
Whatever schedule you're on, a few tell-tale signs show when windows need attention:
- They look hazy when the sun hits them. Low sunshine in spring and autumn shows up dirt that's invisible on a grey day.
- There are spots or streaks where rain has dried on dirty glass.
- Cobwebs and debris are building up in the corners and along the sills.
- Frames look grey or green, particularly on the side of the house that gets the least sun.
- Marks and fingerprints on patio doors and low windows, especially with children or pets in the house.
If you're noticing these well before your next visit, it's a sign a more frequent schedule would suit your home.
Businesses usually need more frequent cleaning
For shops, cafes, restaurants and offices, windows are part of the first impression customers get. High footfall areas pick up fingerprints and street grime quickly, so many businesses choose a more frequent schedule than homes. We price commercial window cleaning per property and offer regular contract rates for ongoing service.
Don't forget the rest of the exterior
Windows aren't the only part of your home that benefits from regular attention. As a rough guide:
- Gutters are best cleared at least once a year, ideally after the autumn leaf fall. Homes with overhanging trees may need it more often. See our gutter clearance service.
- Conservatory roofs collect algae and grime that block light, so a periodic clean keeps them bright.
- Solar panels produce less energy when they're dirty, so they benefit from regular cleaning too.
Choosing your schedule
Start with an 8-weekly clean if you're unsure. If you find the windows looking tired before the next visit, move to 4-weekly. If they still look great when we arrive, 8 weeks is right for you.
Whatever you choose, there's no contract and you don't need to be home for exterior cleans, as long as we can reach the windows. Get a free quote and we'll recommend a schedule that suits your property.