Do you remember the last time you cleaned your home's windows? Some folks make sure their windows are routinely clean as part of their regular house maintenance while others hardly give it much thought.
As the owner of a window tinting company, on occasion I have had some people tell me it is pointless to clean windows because they just get dirty again. For fun, sometimes I ask them if they own a car and most respond by saying, "Yes, of course I do." I then ask if they wash it. Their answer is usually something along the lines of, "I sure do! I paid a lot of money for it and I want to keep it looking nice." Once they say that, most people come around to my way of thinking when it comes to cleaning the windows around their home.
I don't challenge their assumptions about window cleaning to shame or ridicule them, but I ask those pointed questions about whether they are a car owner or not to demonstrate something important: The windows around your home are an investment and should be cared for as such.
There are a number of reasons why routine window cleaning around your home is important. The first, and obvious reason, is very clear.
Get a Better View
Clean windows will improve the clarity of your glass, let more light into your rooms, and provide an overall more satisfying state to your home environment. Some customers have even told us that once they get their windows cleaned it really boosts their spirits. If you entertain guests in your home, it leaves them with a positive impression. More importantly, if you have ever sold a home you know that a property with clean windows has a much better chance to sell at a higher price than a property with the same features but dirty windows.
The Structure of Glass Demands Greater Care
Believe it or not, glass is porous and collects dirt over time. This collection of dirt can cause glass degradation, loss of transparency, and become spotted with stains - both organic and inorganic if not cleaned on a regular basis. The elements in the environment are the primary enemy of your glass and can be attacked by the following contaminates:
- Hard water stains and calcification
- Oxidation from metal screens
- Etching from acid rain
- Over spray from paint, calk, or mortar
- Regular window cleaning prevents build-up from from these and many more harmful contaminates and can help prolong the life of your glass.
Your Home's Energy Efficiency Depends on It
It may come as a surprise to you, but dirty windows can effect your home's energy efficiency, especially if you have insulated dual pane windows. Clean windows perform better by keeping cold air out during the winter and warm air out during the summer. By cleaning windows on a regular basis you will allow them to function as they were designed.
Do it Yourself or Hire a Pro?
So, now we come to the big question - should you clean your windows yourself or should you hire a professional window cleaner?
There is certainly nothing wrong with cleaning windows on your own, but consider the following before adding window cleaning to your list of household chores:
- What is your time worth? Would you prefer to spend your time cleaning windows or would you like to do something else instead?
- How comfortable are you working on ladders?
- Do you have all the necessary tools to properly clean your windows and get them cleaned to your satisfaction?
Hiring a professional may offer more advantages to you, the homeowner. More importantly, a window cleaning professional can save you time and even spot general problems related to windows, such as hard water stains or broken screens, that they can either fix by them or they can recommend other professionals you can call on to help.
How Often Should You Get Your Windows Cleaned?
Finally, we get to the all important question - How often should I clean my windows? The answer to that question is determined by two things. First, your personal preference and second, where you live.
If you are a person that enjoys the look and feel of clean windows around your home, you may want to consider getting them cleaned twice a year (spring and fall) or have them cleaned on a quarterly basis (every three months).
The area where you live will also play a role on how often you may want to have your windows cleaned. In areas where you have frequent rains and some pollutants in the air, you may want to consider more frequent cleanings. In dry, more balanced environmental conditions, you may want consider fewer cleanings.
Check with your area window cleaning professional to find out what people on average have been scheduling.