Clean windows make a huge difference to your home or business. They improve appearance, increase natural light in every room, and protect the glass surface, frames, and sills from long-term grime build up. But how often should you get them cleaned?
The answer depends on your location, property type, budget, and environmental conditions. This guide explains everything you need to know so you can plan a regular service that keeps your windows looking their best.
Most homes should have their windows cleaned every 6–8 weeks, while businesses and properties on a busy main road often need a professional window clean every 2–4 weeks. Environmental conditions such as pollution, rain, passing traffic, sea salt, dust, and general dirt build up affect how long your windows stay clean. A regular cleaning schedule maintains your glass, protects frames and sills, and keeps your property looking bright year round.
Example Timeline:
Recommended Window Cleaning Frequency (At a Glance)
| Property Type / Location | Recommended Frequency | Why |
| Standard suburban house | Every 6–8 weeks | Prevents dirt build up and keeps glass bright year round |
| House on a busy main road | Every 4–6 weeks | More dust, pollution, and passing traffic |
| Coastal / sea-facing property | Every 3–4 weeks | Salt, wind, and moisture make windows dirty quickly |
| New builds / construction areas | Every 3–4 weeks | Cement dust and debris settle fast |
| Shops & retail | Weekly or fortnightly | Essential for visibility and customer appeal |
| Cafés, restaurants, salons | Weekly | High appearance standards needed |
| Office buildings | Monthly external | Keeps professional appearance without over-cleaning |
| Schools, gyms, healthcare | Monthly external / quarterly internal | Balances cleanliness and budget |
What Affects Window Cleaning Frequency?
Window cleaning frequency isn’t the same for every property. Several factors affect how clean your windows remain:
Location
- Homes on a main road or near heavy passing traffic accumulate dirt and dust quickly.
- Coastal homes experience salt in the air, meaning more frequent cleaning.
- Urban properties face pollution, grime, bird droppings, and construction dust.
Weather & Environmental Conditions
- Rain, wind, winter grit, and pollen all affect how dirty your windows become.
- Wet weather doesn’t always cause dirty windows, but if the glass already has dust on it, rain can leave streaks.
Property Type
- Houses with large panes, roof lights, conservatories, or hard-to-reach windows generally need more frequent cleaning.
- Businesses need high external cleanliness for appearance and safety.
Personal Preference & Use
Some customers simply prefer their windows spotless year round. Others choose a more budget-friendly plan and only book a clean every few weeks.
How Often Should You Clean Windows at Home?
Standard Houses
Most homeowners choose a professional window clean every 6–8 weeks. This keeps the glass clear, prevents grime build up, and helps maintain frames and seals.
Homes on a Busy Main Road
If your property faces pollution, dust, or heavy traffic, aim for a clean every 4–6 weeks. You’ll notice a big difference in how quickly windows become dirty.
Coastal Properties (Near the Sea)
Salt, wind, and moisture stick to the glass and frames:
Recommended frequency: every 3–4 weeks.
New Builds or Areas With Construction
Cement dust and debris settle on glass extremely fast.
Recommended: every 3–4 weeks.
Internal Window Cleaning
Inside windows stay cleaner for longer.
A professional clean every 2–3 months keeps rooms bright and tidy.
How Often Should Businesses Clean Their Windows?
Shops & Retail Units
Visibility is essential for attracting customers.
Recommended: weekly or fortnightly.
Restaurants, Cafés, Salons & Hospitality
Appearance is everything. Clean, streak-free glass is essential.
Recommended: weekly.
Office Buildings
- Exterior: monthly
- Interior: every 8–12 weeks
Schools, Gyms, Healthcare Facilities
Monthly external cleans and quarterly internal cleans maintain appearance, safety, and hygiene.
Internal vs External Window Cleaning
External windows naturally get dirty more quickly due to dust, grime, and weather. Internal windows stay clean longer, but fingerprints, cooking steam, pets, and condensation can leave marks.
- External: every 4–8 weeks
- Internal: every 8–12 weeks
A combined service is the most cost-effective way to keep both sides spotless.
Best Time of Year to Clean Windows
There’s no bad time to clean your windows, but each season has benefits:
Spring
Ideal for washing away winter grime, grit, and dirt.
Summer
Windows dry quickly, but they should be cleaned early before strong sun affects the shine.
Autumn
Leaves, pollen, and bird activity make this a good time for regular cleaning.
Winter
Less pollen, but rain and road salt mean windows still need monthly care to maintain clarity.
Signs Your Windows Need Cleaning More Frequently
You might notice:
- Reduced natural light
- Streaks or smudges on the glass
- Thick dirt build up
- Dust marks after dry weather
- Hard water stains
- Windows looking dirty shortly after rain
If this happens, increasing your cleaning frequency will help the glass stay clear for several weeks at a time.
Benefits of a Regular Window Maintenance Schedule
A consistent plan helps:
- Protect the glass and frames
- Improve energy efficiency and natural light
- Prevent permanent staining and etching
- Keep your property looking fresh and well-kept
- Save money long-term by avoiding costly repairs
- Ensure a spotless appearance for homes and businesses
A regular cleaning schedule is far more cost effective than waiting until dirt becomes hard to remove.
How often you should have your windows cleaned depends on your location, property, and personal preference, but most homes benefit from a regular clean every 6–8 weeks. Businesses and properties near heavy traffic need more frequent cleaning to keep up with dirt, dust, and environmental elements.
A consistent schedule ensures your windows remain clear, bright, and protected year round.
FAQs
How often should you clean your windows?
Generally every 6–8 weeks, depending on location and environmental conditions.
Does rain make windows dirty?
Rain alone doesn’t cause dirty windows, it’s the dust and grime already on the glass that mixes with rain and leaves marks.
Should I clean windows in winter?
Yes. Winter dirt, salt, and grit from roads can stick to the glass and should be washed away to maintain clarity.
How long does a professional window clean last?
Anywhere from 4–8 weeks, depending on weather, location, and traffic.
Is it better to hire a professional?
A professional uses the right tools, purified water, and proper techniques to ensure a streak-free shine and safer cleaning at height.