How often should I clean my windows?

For most homes, clean the windows inside and out twice a year, once in spring and once in fall. That is what Andersen recommends, and MI Windows and Doors sets once a year as the floor. Some houses need more: those near salt water, on dusty or busy roads, under heavy pollen, or with sprinklers that reach the glass. Smudged inside glass can be wiped whenever it bothers you.

The baseline: twice a year

Andersen recommends washing windows twice a year.^[1] The timing has a reason: a fall cleaning clears away the debris of summer, and a spring cleaning gets rid of road salt from the winter.^[1]

MI Windows and Doors sets a floor: clean all the window and door materials in its guide at a minimum once a year.^[2] That covers the frames, screens and hardware as well as the glass, and it is part of looking after the windows, not just how they look.

When to clean more often

Near salt water. If you live in a coastal area, MI says to clean them at least once a month.^[2] Marvin says a coastal home exposed to harsh elements may need its aluminum-clad windows and doors cleaned four or five times a year, while once or twice a year may be enough in a drier climate.^[3]

Sprinklers and hard water. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium,^[5] and the spots it leaves get harder to remove the longer they sit. Andersen warns that hosing windows leaves mineral spots and to be wary of spraying windows with a sprinkler.^[1] If sprinklers reach some windows, clean those more often, and better, aim the heads away. For more, see why windows get cloudy spots after rain.

Roads, construction and trees. Houses on gravel or busy roads, next to construction, or under trees that drop sap and pollen collect grime faster. Clean the windows that face the source more often than the rest.

Inside glass that gets touched. Patio doors, windows by a kitchen table and anything at a child's or dog's height usually need a quick wipe between full cleanings.

What to do at each cleaning besides the glass

A cleaning day is the easiest time to look after the rest of the window.

Tracks and rollers. MI's guide says to lubricate sliding window and door tracks and rollers with a dry silicone spray at least once a year, twice a year in areas with high salt air,^[2] and to vacuum the tracks on sliding doors and windows to remove dirt.

Weep holes. Many frames have small drainage slots at the outside bottom. Periodically inspect the weep holes on the outside bottom rails to make sure they are clear of dirt and debris.^[2] Blocked weeps can leave water standing in the sill.

Weatherstrip, hinges and fasteners. Marvin's annual checklist adds checking that the weatherstrip still works, cleaning sand, dirt and dust from hinges, sills and tracks, and checking that screen and storm panel fasteners are secure.^[3] If you feel a draft, see why there is a draft around windows.

Screens. Clean them with the glass so they do not drip dirt back onto it. Andersen notes that patio door insect screens should be checked once a year for operation and condition,^[1] and suggests storing screens after the fall cleaning to protect them from ice and other winter damage.^[1] For screens that tear easily, see how to keep window screens from tearing.

Inside condensation. If the inside of the glass fogs and drips in winter, the cause is indoor humidity, not dirty glass. MI's advice includes opening windows for a few minutes each day, especially while showering, doing laundry or cooking.^[2]

For the method itself, see how to clean windows without streaks.

Stop and call a pro if

• Keeping to the schedule means working from a tall extension ladder or a roof. See whether a window cleaner is worth it.
• A ladder would go near the service wire or a power line.
• You find fog between the panes: condensation between the two panes of a double-pane window means the seal has failed.^[4]
• A sash sticks, a sill is soft or rotten, or water stands in the frame after the weep holes are clear. That is a window repair.

You can browse window cleaning businesses, look up cleaning services around Blacksburg, or read the other cleaning answers. For a recurring visit, describe the window cleaning job once and local businesses can quote it.