How Often Should You Get Your Windows Professionally Cleaned?
TL;DR: Clean windows brighten your living space and reduce electricity bills by allowing more natural light. To maintain spotless windows, follow a cleaning schedule tailored to your home’s environment. Assess window condition, make seasonal adjustments, and seek professional advice. DIY cleaning can be cost-effective but may lack the thoroughness and safety of professional services. Regular maintenance, like cleaning panes and checking seals, extends the time between professional cleanings. Opt for professional help when dealing with stubborn stains, allergies, or hard-to-reach windows. Certified Softwash offers expert exterior cleaning services to keep your windows in top condition.
Waking up to a sunlit morning, with rays streaming through spotless windows, makes your living room feel fresh and vibrant. Clean windows improve your view and allow more natural light in your living space.
According to a nationwide study, light electricity consumption accounts for 81 billion kWh in US homes. One way your electricity bills can significantly go down is by using natural sunlight from clean windows.
This guide will help you discover the optimal times for window cleaning and learn how to keep them spotless between professional cleanings, ensuring a clear, welcoming space every day.
Understanding the Basics: Why Clean Windows Matter
When your windows are clean, the overall quality of your living space is better. They boost natural light, maintain indoor air quality, and, most importantly, professional window cleaning services free up your schedule.
Benefits of Clean Windows
Aside from aesthetics, when kept clean, windows let more natural light come inside your house. This has been shown to boost mood and make you more productive by increasing the body’s production of hormones.
Moreover, clean windows can significantly increase your home’s energy efficiency. By allowing more sunlight to penetrate, there is less reliance on artificial lighting, which, in turn, reduces energy costs. During warmer months, clean windows can reflect heat away from your property, keeping indoor spaces cooler and further reducing the need for air conditioning.
Additionally, clean windows provide an opportunity to inspect for and prevent damage, ensuring the longevity of your windows.
Common Issues Caused by Dirty Windows
Dirty windows can lead to a host of problems that affect both the health of the occupants and the integrity of the building. When there is dust, pollen, and other allergens on windows, it can worsen your indoor air quality, which in turn exacerbates respiratory health and allergies.
The accumulation of dirt and grime can also make the structure of window glass more weak, and it can expose them to cracks or breakage. Lastly, windows in poor condition can attract insects, leading to increased pest populations and potential structural damage.
Determining Your Window Cleaning Schedule
For residential properties, the minimal frequency of window cleaning should be twice a year. But, when you create an effective window cleaning schedule, think about your specific needs and circumstances.
Assessing Window Condition and Exposure
When setting up your window cleaning schedule, first assess the condition and exposure of your windows. You should consider how environmental elements like pollution, dust, and pollen affect your windows.
For instance, if your home is near a construction site or busy street, your windows may accumulate dirt faster, necessitating more frequent cleanings. Aside from that, you can also check the structural condition of your windows and see if they need any immediate attention.
Seasonal Adjustments
Your window cleaning schedule should adapt to the changing seasons, each bringing its unique challenges. In spring, focus on removing pollen and allergens that can obscure your windows.
Summer may require frequent cleanings due to high dust levels and visible grime, while fall cleaning should address debris from falling leaves. Winter cleaning, though less frequent, is crucial for removing ice and salt residues that can damage window frames and panes.
Personal Preferences and Professional Advice
Finally, consider your personal preferences for window cleanliness and seek professional advice when necessary. Some homeowners prefer their windows to be cleaned more frequently to maintain a pristine appearance, while others might opt for less frequent cleanings due to budgetary constraints.
Consulting with a professional window cleaning service can provide tailored advice based on your home’s specific needs and environmental factors, ensuring your windows remain in optimal condition throughout the year.
DIY vs. Professional Window Cleaning
Of course, you can always decide to clean your windows yourself. However, you need to think about the time you need to invest and decide if it’s worth it.
Pros and Cons of DIY Cleaning
DIY approaches are known to be more budget-friendly and allow you to clean on your schedule. However, this method can be time-consuming, particularly for hard-to-reach windows, and there’s a risk of accidents when using ladders or dealing with stubborn grime.
Additionally, the results might not be as polished as those achieved by professionals, potentially leaving streaks or not effectively removing all contaminants.
Benefits of Professional Services
Professional window cleaners have the know-how and equipment to handle various window types and conditions, ensuring a thorough cleaning without damage.
They are also trained in safety protocols, significantly reducing the risk of injuries. With professional cleaning your windows can last longer. This is caused by removing corrosive substances that damage your windows.
How to Choose the Right Service Provider
When choosing the right professionals, start by researching local companies and checking customer reviews to gauge their reliability and professionalism.
Find a licensed and insured company because you never know when a damage can occur. Make sure they have experience cleaning similar properties and ask about the cleaning solutions and methods they use. Choose a company with good pricing that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Maintaining Windows Between Cleanings
It’s always beneficial to know how to take care of your windows between professional cleanings. Simple maintenance tips can help you extend the time between thorough cleanings and make results last longer.
Routine Maintenance Tips
Start by regularly cleaning the window panes and tracks. Remove any dirt, dust, and debris using a dry brush or vacuum, and then wipe down with a mild soap solution.
You should also inspect your windows annually and note cracks in the sealant or moisture around the frame. Have these problems fixed immediately to rule out further deterioration.
Preventing Common Window Issues
Ensure that the caulking around your windows is in good shape. Don’t hesitate to replace it if needed. This can protect your windows from moisture, and it can prevent water damage, which can lead to mold growth.
Additionally, check the weatherstripping and replace it if worn out to maintain an effective air seal and improve energy efficiency. Regularly check for and clean off any buildup of pollutants like pollen or dust, which can degrade air quality and window functionality over time.
When to Call in the Professionals
While routine maintenance can be managed DIY, certain conditions necessitate professional attention. If you notice stubborn stains or water spots that regular cleaning can’t remove, it might be due to mineral deposits from hard water, which professional cleaners can effectively handle.
Increased allergies in the home can also indicate the need for professional cleaning, as pollen and dust accumulate on windows. Lastly, if your windows are in hard-to-reach places or cleaning them poses any risk, professional cleaners equipped with the necessary tools and safety equipment are your best bet to ensure thorough and safe cleaning.
Bottom Line: Get Your Windows Professionally Cleaned
Answering the question how often should you get your windows professionally cleaned requires considering various factors to ensure optimal aesthetics, well-being, and energy efficiency, ultimately safeguarding your investment and enhancing indoor air quality.
At Certified Softwash, we specialize in providing quality exterior cleaning services, including roof cleaning, house washing, and commercial property maintenance. Our advanced soft washing techniques ensure a thorough clean without damaging surfaces, making us the best in the region. Contact us today to keep your windows looking their best.