TABLE OF CONTENTS
How Often Should You Clean Your Windows? A London Homeowner’s Guide
Clean windows make a room brighter, help a house look cared for from the street and stop dirt from slowly marking the glass and frames. But how often do they actually need cleaning? The honest answer is that it depends on where you live, the type of property and how much the windows are exposed to traffic, trees and weather.
In this guide we explain the schedules most London households choose, the factors that make windows dirty faster, and how to tell when it is time for a clean. If you would rather leave it to a professional, our window cleaning in London page explains how our regular rounds work.
The short answer: every four to eight weeks for most homes
For most houses and flats in London, the outside of the windows looks its best when cleaned every four to eight weeks. That is why most window cleaning rounds run on a four-weekly or eight-weekly cycle.
- Every 4 weeks: homes on busy roads, near building sites, close to the river or under trees; shop fronts and cafés.
- Every 8 weeks: most houses and flats on quieter residential streets.
- Every 12 weeks or less often: sheltered properties where a little dirt is not a concern, or homes that only want a clean before special occasions.
Inside windows usually need cleaning less often, perhaps two to four times a year, unless you have children, pets or a kitchen window that steams up.
What makes London windows dirty faster?
Two houses on the same street can need very different schedules. These are the main things that make a difference.
Traffic and pollution
Homes on main roads such as the South Circular, the A20 or Holloway Road collect a grey film from exhaust and brake dust. This film builds up quickly and can make glass look dull within a few weeks.
Trees, pollen and sap
Leafy streets in places like Bromley or around Greenwich Park look lovely, but trees drop pollen in spring, sap in summer and leaves in autumn. Sap is sticky and attracts dust, so windows under trees often need more frequent cleans.
Birds
Pigeons and gulls are common in London. Droppings on glass and sills are acidic and are best removed sooner rather than later.
Building work nearby
Construction, loft conversions and road works create fine dust that settles on every surface, including windows.
Rain
Rain does not clean windows. Rainwater carries dust from the air and from roofs and gutters, then dries leaving spots behind, especially if the glass had soap residue on it.
Recommended schedules by property type
Terraced and semi-detached houses
An eight-weekly clean suits most terraced and semi-detached homes. If you are on a main road or have a lot of trees, four weeks may be better. In areas such as Catford and Lewisham, many customers choose four weeks for the front of the house and eight weeks for the back.
Flats and maisonettes
Upper-floor flats are hard to clean yourself and often get dirtier than you expect because they face the weather. Every four to eight weeks is common, depending on the street.
Period houses with sash windows
Tall sash windows in places like Islington and Chelsea are a big feature of the house, so many owners prefer a four or six-weekly clean to keep them looking sharp.
Conservatories
Conservatory sides can follow the same schedule as the rest of the house. The roof usually needs cleaning once or twice a year, or more often if it sits under trees and turns green.
Shop fronts, cafés and offices
Customers notice dirty glass straight away. Most businesses choose weekly, fortnightly or four-weekly cleans, depending on footfall and location.
Signs it is time to clean your windows
- The glass looks hazy or grey when the sun shines on it.
- You can see spots or streaks after rain.
- Frames and sills have a layer of dust, cobwebs or green algae.
- Bird droppings or sap marks have appeared.
- You are about to sell, let or photograph the property.
Why regular cleaning is easier than occasional deep cleans
When windows are left for many months, dirt, algae and mineral deposits build up and become harder to remove. The first clean after a long gap usually takes longer. Regular cleaning keeps the build-up under control, so each visit is quicker and the windows always look cared for. That is also why regular rounds usually cost less per visit than a one-off clean.
DIY or professional window cleaning?
Ground-floor windows are easy enough to clean yourself with warm water, a little washing-up liquid, a squeegee and a microfibre cloth. Upper floors are a different story. Leaning out of windows or using ladders on uneven ground is risky, and soap often leaves streaks that attract dirt again.
Professional window cleaners using water fed poles can clean first and second floor windows from the ground. Purified water rinses the glass and dries clear without leaving residue, so windows stay cleaner for longer. You can read more in our guide to water fed pole vs traditional window cleaning.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth cleaning windows in winter?
Yes. Low winter sun shows every mark on the glass, and regular cleans stop dirt and algae from building up through the wet months. Purified water cleaning works in cold weather unless it is freezing.
Should I clean the inside and outside at the same time?
It is not essential. Most people clean the outside more often because it gets dirtier. Cleaning the inside two to four times a year is usually enough.
Does rain undo a window clean?
Not usually when purified water has been used, because there is no soap left on the glass for rain spots to stick to. If windows were cleaned with detergent, rain is more likely to leave marks.
How often should I clean my gutters?
Most homes need their gutters cleared once or twice a year, often after the leaves have fallen. Homes under trees may need it more often.
Need a regular window cleaner?
If you live in south east London or nearby, we clean windows on regular four and eight-weekly rounds from our base in Catford, including Greenwich, Lewisham and Bromley. Send us your address and we will suggest a schedule that suits your home.