Windows are an ancient technology, but glass windows didn’t become common in homes until the 17th century in England.
Before this, things like paper and flattened animal horns were used to cover openings in the walls.
Windows have sure come a long way since then! Even though windows are much more practical and effective these days, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to take good care of them to let them do their job well.
An important part of window maintenance is regular cleanings. How often should you clean windows, though? Let’s take a look.
Benefits of Regular Window Cleaning
There are many benefits to keeping your outside windows clean, some of which are more obvious than others.
The first benefit is, of course, that dirty windows are very unsightly. This is true from both the outside and the inside of your home. When you have dirty windows, it detracts from the overall curb appeal of your home.
Another benefit of cleaning windows is that dirty windows can actually damage your window glass. This is true even if your windows don’t look visibly dirty. When grime and dirt build up on your windows, it can leave scratches on your glass.
The scratches that appear on your glass can end up being very damaging over time. This is because they make it so more debris and dust can settle on your windows. Things like construction chemicals, minerals in hard water, and acid rain can make your windows weaken and make them less insulative.
This means that dirty windows can lead to higher utility bills, with more of your climate-controlled air being released out of your building.
Another reason you want to keep your windows clean is because grime and dirt act like filters against sunlight. That means your house can feel colder in the wintertime, and your houseplants will likely suffer.
Regularly cleaning your outside windows protects your home’s exterior accessories, shutters, flower boxes, and window frames. This is because debris, cobwebs, grime, and dirt can’t build up there for nearly as long.
Residential Windows
For residential homes, you should schedule window cleaning at least twice a year. If you live on a busy street or a place with lots of pollen and trees, you might choose to get your windows cleaned three times a year.
Commercial Windows
For commercial properties, it can make sense to get your windows cleaned more often. For retail spaces and restaurants, the recommended frequency for window cleaning is at least once every month.
The windows of commercial properties are more likely to build up dust and grime and hand-print smudges. A restaurant might want to have their windows cleaned twice a month, as in this context, customers mustn’t notice dirty windows when they’re sitting and dining.
On the other hand, it’s recommended that window cleaning occur twice a year for commercial buildings or offices.
Environmental and Climate Conditions
Another factor to consider when determining how often you need to clean your windows is the climate and environmental conditions. Some places might have the right concoction of conditions to make your windows get dirtier quicker.
Here are a few things you should consider when deciding how often to schedule window cleaning:
- If you live close to busy streets
- If you have lots of trees and pollen in your vicinity
- If you live in an area with high wind
- If you’re remodeling your home
- If there’s new construction occurring in your neighborhood
- If your screens are poorly cleaned
If a number of these conditions are true for your property, you might want to clean your windows more often.
How to Clean Your Outside Windows
The most important thing to consider when you’re thinking about washing your outside windows is safety. It would be best if you never tried to climb a ladder without someone else there to make sure the ladder is steady and stable. It’s also hazardous for you to lean out your window from the inside to clean an outside window.
The supplies you’ll need to wash your windows are:
- Bucket
- Rubbing alcohol
- Liquid dish detergent
- Sponge
- Two lint-free cloths
- Squeegee
First, you’ll fill the bucket with roughly two gallons of water, one-quarter cup of detergent, and a teaspoon of rubbing alcohol. When washing with a sponge, be sure to work from top to bottom. Then, you’ll use the squeegee to wipe down the window in one smooth movement, again from top to bottom.
In between uses of the squeegee, you’ll want to wipe it off with the lint-free cloth. You’ll also want to wipe down the track and the window frame so that you can remove bugs, dirt, dust, and grime.
Washing windows safely and effectively is a lot of work. This is particularly true if your home is more than one story, as many are. That’s why it can make sense to hire professional window cleaners rather than taking on the risk, expense, and time commitment of doing it yourself.
Turn to the Professionals For Clean Windows
Keeping clean windows on your home or business is important for several different reasons. Not only does it help your home or shop seem cleaner, brighter, and more pleasant, but it will help elongate the lifespan of your windows. Replacing your windows isn’t cheap, so it makes a lot more economic sense to prevent wear and tear with regularly scheduled cleanings.
Is it time for you to get your windows cleaned? Contact us today; we’re here to help!