Quick answers:
- How often? Exterior every 2–3 months, interior every 3–6 months.
- Time on site? Most homes finish in 1–3 hours.
- Cost drivers: Window count, stories/access, screens, tracks, skylights, hard‑water removal.
- Good DIY vs. pro line: Ground‑level glass = DIY friendly; multi‑story, skylights, hard water, or heavy buildup = pro.
- Service area: Renton, Seattle, Bellevue, Newcastle, Issaquah, Sammamish, Kirkland, Redmond, Mercer Island, Tukwila, Burien, Shoreline, Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, Des Moines, Maple Valley, Tacoma.
- Quote: Call/text 206‑423‑7408.
Why Windows Get Dirty Faster in Puget Sound
Our region mixes light rain, pollen bursts, coastal influence, and road spray. Rain itself isn’t the villain; it’s the film already on glass that turns tiny droplets into visible spots when they dry. Add pollen on screens, dust from roadways, and sprinkler overspray containing minerals and you get haze, spotting, and the occasional hard‑water stain.
Common local contributors:
- Pollen (spring through early summer) coating screens and frames.
- Road dust + drizzle, turning into a light film.
- Mineral‑rich overspray from sprinklers that dries into deposits.
- Coastal air that leaves micro‑residue attractive to moisture.
Keep these in mind when building your cleaning calendar.
The Ideal Window Cleaning Schedule
- Exterior panes: every 2–3 months. This keeps curb appeal high and prevents mineral bonding that’s harder to remove later.
- Interior panes: every 3–6 months. Kitchens and patio sliders may benefit from monthly touch‑ups.
- Skylights & glass railings: at least twice per year (debris + UV exposure).
- After special events: post‑construction, painting, landscaping, wildfire smoke—do a focused deep clean.
If you’re noticing glare even after you wipe the inside, the exterior probably needs attention.
Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Windows Now
- A persistent haze you can’t wipe away from the inside.
- Water spots that shrug off household glass cleaner.
- Dirty screens leaving marks on freshly cleaned interior panes.
- Tracks gritting when you slide windows.
Pro tip: If your windows photograph poorly at sunset, it’s time.
DIY vs. Pro: Where to Draw the Line
DIY works for: ground‑level glass, interior panes, and routine upkeep. Use a quality squeegee, a bucket with a few drops of dish soap, and microfiber towels for edges.
Call a pro for:
- Multi‑story or tricky access (slopes, landscaping obstacles).
- Skylights and high, awkward panes.
- Hard water stains that need controlled abrasion and mineral removers.
- Post‑construction debris (paint, stucco, silicone) where the wrong move means permanent scratches.
We show up with water‑fed poles using purified water for spot‑free exteriors, professional squeegees for interiors, and the safety gear to do the work efficiently.
What a Professional Window Cleaning Includes
- Scope & prep: confirm inside/outside, screens, skylights, mirrors, and access.
- Exterior method: rinse frames, brush with purified water, controlled agitation, and spot‑free rinse.
- Interior method: applicator solution, smooth squeegee pulls, and lint‑free detailing of edges.
- Screens: washed or wiped, dried, and reinstalled.
- Tracks & sills: light detailing included (deep clean available).
- Final walkthrough: a quick inspection to confirm crystal‑clear results.
Tools of the trade: standoff ladders, stabilizers, water‑fed poles, microfiber detailing, non‑abrasive pads, and screen washers.
Pricing: What Actually Affects It
- Pane count & style: true divided lights take longer than large modern panes.
- Stories & access: more ladder work = more time.
- Screens & tracks: washing screens and deep track work add labor.
- Add‑ons: skylights, glass railings, mirrors, and solar panels.
- Condition: heavy debris, sap, or mineral staining may require restoration steps.
Ways to save: bundle services (windows + screens + skylights), book maintenance plans, and clear access before we arrive.
Safety Matters (and Saves Money)
Falls and scratches are the two big risks. We manage both with the right tools and methods—stabilized ladders, no pressure‑washing on windows, and controlled use of safe pads and chemicals. Doing it right the first time protects your glass and frames.
Seasonal Strategy for Best Results
- Early spring: pollen + winter residue—start fresh.
- Mid‑summer: touch‑up exteriors if near busy roads or sprinklers.
- Early fall: pre‑rain deep clean for holiday clarity (and before holiday lights go up).
- Mid‑winter: selective refresh if storms drop debris.
A scheduled plan (bi‑monthly or quarterly) keeps the view consistent and prevents buildup.
Preparing for Our Visit
- Clear sills and move fragile decor.
- Unlock gates and ensure pets are secure.
- Let us know about tricky windows, privacy concerns, or special film/coatings.
We’ll handle the rest and put things back the way we found them.
Aftercare & Keeping Windows Clear Longer
- Keep sprinklers aimed away from glass.
- Rinse salt or dust film during long dry spells.
- Wipe interior smudges with microfiber, not paper towels.
- Consider screen cleaning with every exterior service—clean screens equal cleaner glass.
Common Myths to Ignore
- “Rain makes clean windows dirty.” Clean glass beads and sheds water; it’s pre‑existing film that makes spots.
- “Newspaper is best.” Modern inks and coatings can streak—use microfiber.
- “Any pad will do.” Abrasives can permanently scratch tempered or coated glass.
Ready for Crystal‑Clear Views?
Text a few photos of the front and back of your home to 206‑423‑7408 for a fast, itemized quote and our next available slot.