The usual window cleaning round
Domestic window cleaners in the UK typically work on rounds, visiting the same streets on a regular cycle. The most common intervals are every four weeks (monthly), every six weeks and every eight weeks. Many households settle on four or six weeks, which keeps windows looking clean without it becoming expensive.
Regular rounds cover the outside of the windows, usually including frames and sills. Inside cleaning, conservatory roofs, gutters and fascias are normally extras.
What affects how often you need it
Some homes get dirty windows much faster than others:
- Busy roads and town centres: traffic film builds up quickly – every four weeks often suits
- Coastal homes: salt spray dulls glass fast, sometimes needing fortnightly or monthly cleaning
- Rural and farm areas: dust, pollen and spray from fields and lanes
- Trees nearby: sap, pollen and bird droppings, especially in spring and summer
- Building work nearby: dust and debris until the work finishes
- Rain-exposed elevations: west and south-west facing windows take the brunt of the weather
Inside windows
Inside glass gets fingerprints, condensation marks and, in kitchens, a greasy film. Most households clean inside windows themselves when they notice it, or a few times a year. Many window cleaners offer internal cleaning every few months or as a one-off, often in spring or before Christmas.
Our guide to cleaning windows without streaks explains how to get a good finish indoors.
Conservatories, frames and the roofline
Conservatory roofs collect leaves, moss and green algae, and usually need cleaning once or twice a year. uPVC frames and sills are often cleaned as part of the regular round when water-fed poles are used. Fascias, soffits and gutters typically need attention once a year or every couple of years. See cleaning uPVC windows and conservatories, fascia and soffit cleaning and our gutter cleaning guide.
Get quotes from local cleaners
Flats and high-rise buildings
In blocks of flats, external window cleaning is often organised by the managing agent or freeholder and paid through the service charge, commonly every two to four months. Many modern windows tilt or turn inwards so residents can clean the outside themselves safely. High-rise buildings use rope access, cradles or cherry pickers, and cleaning is less frequent.
Shops and offices
Shopfronts are a business's first impression and often need weekly or fortnightly cleaning, especially on busy high streets. Offices commonly have external windows cleaned every four to twelve weeks, depending on height and location, with internal glass and partitions cleaned as part of regular office cleaning. See commercial window cleaning for more.
Do you need to be home?
For external cleaning on a regular round, usually not – as long as the cleaner can get to the back of the house through a side gate. Leave gates unlocked on your cleaning day, keep pets inside, and agree how you'll pay (many window cleaners take bank transfer or card online after each visit). Our comparison of water-fed pole and traditional window cleaning explains how the different methods work and what to expect.
Signs your windows need cleaning sooner
Some situations call for an extra clean between regular visits. After building work nearby, dust and grit settle on glass and frames. After storms, salt, sand and debris can coat windows facing the weather. In spring, pollen and tree sap build up quickly, and in autumn falling leaves leave marks on sills and conservatory roofs.
If you're selling, book a window clean just before listing photos are taken – clean glass makes rooms look brighter in pictures. See our guide to cleaning before selling your house for other quick wins.
