How Often Should I Have My Windows
Cleaned, Anyway?

One of the most common questions we hear from customers is, “How often should I have my windows cleaned, anyway?”

Our customer service team will often recommend a semiannual (2x / year) window cleaning schedule as a basic rule of thumb, with the caveat that there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The proper frequency for each homeowner involves an understanding of the benefits of regular window cleaning AND several environmental & situational factors related to the home itself.

Why Should I Clean My Windows Regularly?

It is important to understand the main benefits of regular window washing maintenance before discussing how often the service should take place.

Professionally cleaned windows can:

• Increase the lifespan of your window frames and window glass, minimizing the threat of glass staining and other contaminants (e.g., mold) that cause long-term degradation. This benefit cannot be overstated, as many homeowners neglect proper window maintenance until it becomes too late.
• Make your home more energy efficient by removing dirt and particles that block sunlight.
• Boost your home’s curb appeal and make a positive impression on houseguests.
• Improve your mental health through the mood-enhancing effects of natural light.
• Allow homeowners to save time and avoid the risk of working on ladder at heights.

Factors That Influence the Proper Window Cleaning Frequency

Maintaining your home is all about making tradeoffs (saving time vs. saving money, prioritizing project A vs. project B, etc.), so it will come as no surprise that there is not a scientific method to determine the right window cleaning schedule for your home. A lot of it comes down to the specifics of your home and personal preferences, but below we provide a framework of questions to help you zero in on the right frequency for your property.

Environmental

What are your local weather conditions? Does it rain frequently, or do you live in a coastal area that has salt in the air? Does your house get a lot of exposure to the sun? Do you live in an area with extreme temperature changes? Are there tall trees nearby that leave debris on your windows? Are your windows exposed to overspray from outdoor irrigation? These questions are super important because moisture, extreme temperatures, salt air, sunlight, organic debris, and hard water from irrigation all contribute to faster deterioration of your windows due to weathering and the accumulation of dirt, mold, and minerals that can cause permanent damage if left unattended for too long. All things equal, the more of the above factors at play, the more you should consider regular window washing (at least 2x / year).

Replacement Cost of Your Windows

Are your windows new or old? Did they cost a lot of money to purchase and install? How much would it cost you to replace them with brand new windows at today’s market prices? FYI, it costs between $1,000 and $1,600 (materials + labor) to install a standard double hung wooden window, which means that 3,000 square foot home with 30 windows could have a window replacement cost of over $45,000! If you’re one that prefers to avoid costly home repairs for as long as possible, you should consider more frequent window washing (at least 2x / year).

Household Budget and Personal Preference

Does your home have a long list of maintenance needs besides window washing? How does window deterioration rank on the list of risk factors for your home’s longevity and resale value? What are you willing to spend to maximize the life of your windows? Answering these questions involves a high degree of choice and personal preference, but Spotless tries to make it easy on our customers’ budgets with Service Plans that offer preferred pricing for those who desire more frequent service (Read About Our Service Plans). For the average Spotless customer, a semiannual window cleaning service costs about $600 to $700 in total, but may be as low as $400 for homes with fewer windows. If you feel that the household budget tradeoff may be worth deferring the replacement cost of new windows, you should consider more frequent window washing (at least 2x / year).

Conclusion: Make a Plan that Works for You

Just like with exercise and personal investing, successful home maintenance involves understanding the tradeoffs relative to your personal situation and setting up a plan that works for you. Whatever approach you take with your window washing needs, Spotless will be there as your trusty service provider each step of the way.