You just had your windows professionally cleaned. They look incredible. Now you want to keep them that way as long as possible.
Good news: you don't need to do much. A few simple habits extend your results by weeks. And the things most people do to "maintain" their windows? They actually make things worse.
How Long Do Clean Windows Last?
| Home Location | ClearCoat™ Cleaned | Tap Water Cleaned |
|---|---|---|
| New suburb (less trees) | 10-14 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
| Standard neighbourhood | 8-12 weeks | 4-6 weeks |
| Heavy canopy (Lawrence Park, Forest Hill) | 6-8 weeks | 3-4 weeks |
| Lakefront (Port Credit, Mimico) | 6-8 weeks | 3-5 weeks |
| Near highway (DVP, 401, 427) | 6-8 weeks | 3-5 weeks |
| Near construction | 4-6 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
The 5 Things That Actually Help
✅ 1. Damp Microfibre Cloth
For interior spot touch-ups (fingerprints, pet nose prints, kitchen splatter): dampen a microfibre cloth with plain water. Wipe, then dry with a second cloth. No chemicals needed. Takes 30 seconds per window.
✅ 2. Keep Screens Clean
Dirty screens filter dirty air onto your glass every time the wind blows. Once a month, hose down screens from the inside out (water pushing dirt outward). This single step extends window clarity by 2-3 weeks.
✅ 3. Redirect Sprinklers
Sprinkler water on windows = mineral spots within hours. Adjust sprinkler heads so they don't hit glass. This is the #1 cause of "my windows got dirty fast" complaints — and it's the easiest fix.
✅ 4. Trim Touching Branches
Branches that touch or hang directly over windows deposit sap, pollen, bird droppings, and insect residue. Trim any branch within 2 feet of glass. This also reduces gutter debris significantly.
✅ 5. Use Your Range Hood
Kitchen windows get dirty faster than any other window in the house. Cooking produces grease aerosol that coats glass with a sticky film. Running your range hood during cooking reduces kitchen window grease buildup by 70%+.
The 5 Things That Make It Worse
Seasonal Maintenance Tips
Spring (April-June)
- Schedule professional cleaning for mid-May (after peak pollen). Pollen guide →
- Redirect sprinklers before they run for the season
- Trim branches that grew over winter
Summer (July-August)
- Run range hood during cooking — kitchen windows get greasiest in summer
- Hose screens monthly
- Wipe interior condensation from AC-cooled rooms
Fall (September-November)
- Schedule professional cleaning for October (after leaf drop starts)
- Keep gutters clear — overflowing gutters splash dirty water onto windows below
- Remove storm window screens and clean before winter storage
Winter (December-March)
- Don't try to clean exterior windows in winter — water freezes on contact below 0°C
- Use range hood to minimize interior kitchen grease
- Interior windows: microfibre + warm water for condensation marks
When to Call Us Back
Most homes do well with 2-3 professional cleanings per year:
- 2x/year: Spring (May) + Fall (October) — works for most homes
- 3x/year: Add a summer cleaning for heavy canopy, lakefront, or highway-adjacent homes
- 4x/year (quarterly): Near construction, heavy tree exposure, or simply wanting crystal clarity year-round
Ready for Your Next Cleaning?
Or start a Year-Round plan and never think about it again.
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