How often should you clean your windows?

Key points

• Wash the inside of your windows monthly to avoid grime buildup.

• Wash your windows’ exteriors at least twice yearly to prepare for the upcoming season.

• If you don’t wash your windows regularly, the surrounding frames may get damaged.

The first sunny day of spring can signal a return to weekend barbecues, short sleeves and household cleaning. From organizing closets to giving your car a good scrub, spring cleaning should consist of tidying up outside as much as inside. This begs the question: How often should your windows be cleaned?

Home windows, with hard-to-reach areas and stubborn wintry grime, may require calling in professional help. But you can also DIY your window cleaning routine if the frames are not too out of reach.

As you prepare to bring your windows back to their original shine, tune in to our experts’ advice on how often you should clean your windows.

When should you clean your windows?

Perhaps easier to overlook than vacuuming or freshening up the bathroom, you should wash your windows — inside and out. While frequent cleaning is not discouraged, you can get away with washing the exterior of your windows twice per year. “​​The best times to clean your outside windows would be spring and fall,” explained Andrew Prchal, cofounder of Gunner Roofing based in Stamford, Connecticut. 

While some might consider washing windows a hassle, with regular cleaning, the task can remain manageable. If you live in a pollen-heavy region, Prchal advised cleaning your windows for a third time, as pollen can cause windows “to stick” and generally cause the windows to be more burdensome to clean as pollen builds up.

Spring cleaning

Spring window cleaning consists of removing grime from the winter and preparing for an influx of pollen. Depending on where you live, tree pollen season can span the entirety of spring — from February to May. 

A good rule of thumb is to include monthly interior window washing as part of your cleaning schedule. Monthly interior window cleaning reduces the likelihood of buildup and allergens.

“Avoid the buildup of gunk and grime both on the window itself as well as the windowsill,” said Katie Dills, brand president of The Cleaning Authority, a national cleaning service. 

“While windows may fall lower on the priority list when it comes to cleaning in a busy household, it’s an important task that can keep dust and germs away and help keep your home looking fresh throughout the year.”

Arm yourself with a bucket of sudsy water and clean the exterior of your windows once the pollen subsides a bit. If your windows have removable screens, make sure to take them out and clean them separately. Use a hose to get rid of the accumulated debris.

Fall cleaning

To address and prepare for the shift of seasons and any detritus that might remain, consider adding exterior window cleaning to your fall chore list, before the temperature drops too low to be outside.

Exterior window cleaning can clear out any remaining pollen and buildup caused by summer storms or high wind, Prchal said. Once the task is done, clean the inside of the windows as well to get them ready for winter. 

This is a good time to seal up any cracks with caulk. If you put up storm windows, ensure you don’t trap dirt.

How can you clean your windows yourself?

You can clean window panes yourself, especially if you have a one-story house. Cleaning large windows may require a ladder, but the process is typically manageable. 

Window interiors

Cleaning the interior of your windows requires a little planning and preparation. To start, dust and clear out accumulations of lint, pet hair or other common elements that might accrue over time. 

Next, mix a cleaning solution. To do so, “mix one part distilled vinegar with 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle to apply to the window,” Dills said. Use a microfiber, lint-free cloth to wipe the window for streak-free cleaning. “Be sure to not apply the solution to fiberglass, wood or vinyl frames as it could cause discoloration to the finish.” 

If your windowsills get extra dirty, “Vacuum out as much as you can from the tracks before using a spray bottle of water with one tablespoon of baking soda and then scrub with a toothbrush,” Dills said.

Once you’ve dusted, sprayed and wiped away any grime, use a fresh and dry microfiber cloth to finish cleaning the window. 

Window exteriors

Like cleaning your windows’ interiors, you can wash your windows’ exteriors with simple household materials. Prchal suggested using a soft towel to clean the windows with a glass cleaner solution of mild soap, water and white vinegar. Spray the mixture onto the windows and wipe away any dirt with gentle pressure. 

You may want to repeat the window cleaning process if you live on a busy street or somewhere tree-lined that can result in pollen and other allergens. Bonus: Extra-clean windows will add to your home’s curb appeal. 

When should you call a professional window cleaner?

Consider hiring a professional window cleaning service when you’re short on time, or most importantly, if you’re concerned about safety, Prchal said. An unsafe environment may look like a multistory house or tree branches that can knock you off a ladder.

Before cleaners arrive, Prchal recommended clearing out spaces surrounding the windows and keeping young children or pets away from the area. 

Professional cleaners should come prepared to clean dirty windows and bring with them a “squeegee, microfiber cloth, an extension pull, towel and sponges,” Prchal said. 

What happens if you don’t clean your windows?

If you neglect cleaning the inside of your windows, they might become cloudy, smeared or dirty. The dirtier the window, the more difficult it will be for natural light to come through. 

“Like all areas of the home, avoiding cleaning your windows will result in dust, gunk and germs building up around the glass, frame and windowsill,” Dills said. “Streaks, smudges, pollen and other signs of use may also become prominent on the glass of the window.”

Meanwhile, if the exteriors of your windows aren’t cleaned at least twice per year, “you risk damaging your windows with buildup of contaminants,” Prchal said.

Windows exposed to recurring moisture may lead to mold and mildew growth. Window rails and seals can also become scratched, Prchal added.

What’s next?

To maximize window cleaning, check the status of the surrounding components. For example, Prchal recommended inspecting the caulking around window frames and refreshing it if it’s cracked or deteriorated. This will foster window cleanliness, as it can reduce moisture and potential mold growth.

“It is important to address any signs of damage as soon as you catch them,” Dills said. “Whether that’s a crack in the glass, a rotting frame or even a broken pane. Prevent the issue [from] becoming more expensive or complicated to fix down the line.”

For the exterior of your windows, clear out any landscaping that could potentially scratch or break nearby windows, Prchal concluded.