A customer's first impression of your building means a lot, and it could be the difference between them stopping by or continuing on their way. Part of how customers will judge your building's exterior is the appearance of your windows. If the windows are dirty and grimy, it can give off a negative feeling about how your business is run — it may even lead them to believe your business isn't thriving.
As a result, you want to put together a comprehensive approach to taking care of your building, and window cleaning should be part of that plan. Below, we discuss all you need to know about when you should clean your business's windows based on various factors. This way, you can stand out to passersby and bring in foot traffic.
Considering how busy you are managing your business and navigating daily operations, you may overlook window washing as an important element of maintaining your building. After all, other elements like overgrown grass or litter around the front door are easier to spot and address. Still, your building's entire curb appeal matters — and the windows are a subtle yet crucial part of that.
Beyond improving the appearance of your building's exterior, window cleaning offers the following benefits:
Over time, windows take on dirt, grime and even mildew, which can build up and compromise their integrity. If the windows remain dirty, the glass can become scratched and the frames might weaken, leading to potential structural issues. Keeping your windows clean helps you maintain their condition and reduces the chances of them coming loose or cracking.
If your business or office is located in a high-rise building, you likely have some beautiful views to look at throughout the day. Unfortunately, dirty windows will block that view — particularly grimy windows can even prevent sunlight from entering the space. Cleaning high-rise windows consistently will ensure they stay crystal clear and provide that stunning view you and your employees love.
According to a 2022 report, 86% of in-person shoppers spend more time in nice stores. If your building's interior is clean, visually appealing and easy to navigate, shoppers will spend time inside it — but only when you entice them to enter in the first place. Put your commercial building's best “face” forward by maintaining a tidy outdoor appearance complete with clean windows.
Many factors can play a role in window washing frequency. Here are a few different variables that may affect how often you need to have your windows cleaned:
The most significant determinant of window cleaning frequency is your location. Some location considerations that lead to higher window washing frequencies include:
These variables can all introduce airborne particles and debris that make your windows dirty on a frequent basis.
In the winter, snow might leave windows dirty and streaky. When pollen buildup is common in spring, you can expect to find your windows with sticky yellow films. Additionally, salt from the ocean can lead to dirty windows for buildings situated on the coast.
Both window and frame materials affect window washing frequency. For example, wooden frames need frequent wipe-downs to prevent moisture from accumulating and causing rot. Similarly, aluminum frames in coastal regions need regular cleaning to prevent corrosion from salt in the air. Most types of window glass can be cleaned with soap and water, but you may need to consider window treatments and how they affect cleaning frequency.
How do you know when to clean your building's windows? Based on your building's use, you may need to clean your office windows at specific intervals.
When it comes to high-rise buildings, certain environmental aspects matter. If the building is in an area that experiences a lot of smog, vehicle exhaust and other forms of pollution and debris, its windows may need cleaning on a regular basis. Additionally, the windows at the top of a building will become dirtier over a longer period of time when compared to windows lower down, so the windows' location makes a difference.
Generally, high-rise building windows need to be cleaned twice a year, once before spring and once before winter. However, if you're noticing windows getting dirty more frequently than that, you can schedule more routine cleanings according to your needs. It's best to consult with a professional window cleaning company for expert advice.
In every health care facility, from dental offices to emergency clinics, hygiene is of the utmost importance. Keeping the windows spotless internally and externally promotes cleanliness throughout the space. As a result, you can help patients remain confident in the abilities of your health care practice.
Depending on your building's location and environmental factors, you may need to schedule monthly or bi-monthly window washing.
If you run a restaurant, you know that messes are part of the job. When it comes to your restaurant's windows, dirt and grime can build up fast — especially as kids touch windows by tables and entryways or people bump into or rest up against windows when waiting outside. Additionally, windows situated near the kitchen can become dirty faster than other windows due to the presence of grease and moisture. A suitable window washing frequency for restaurants is monthly or bi-monthly.
In the retail space, first impressions are everything. When a brick-and-mortar store has an unkempt, unclean exterior, shoppers will almost always choose a different store in the area. The outdoor space in front of your building can be an indication of how it looks inside — if you neglect your building's outer appearance, customers will instantly think you do the same indoors.
Any store located on a busy street should have bi-monthly window cleaning. If your store is located in a more remote location, monthly window cleaning could still do the trick. Either way, you should pay close attention to how quickly your windows get dirty and schedule cleaning as necessary to ensure they remain clean.
While it may seem like a small aspect of your business, clean windows allow you to create a good impression with your employees and customers. However, you may not have the time or expertise to keep up with cleaning your commercial windows yourself.
At Performance Services, Inc., our team has decades of experience cleaning windows in buildings from street-side storefronts to 40-story highrises. With our commitment to high-quality, effective care standards, you can enjoy clean windows for your Mid-Atlantic business throughout the year.
Explore our service options, and contact us today at 1-800-839-5026 to get started.