How to Keep Your Windows Cleaner, Longer

Let's be honest — windows get dirty. Between dust storms, pollen season, rain splatter, and good old-fashioned California dust, keeping windows clean feels like a losing battle. But it doesn't have to be.

After cleaning thousands of windows in Riverside County over the past 12 years, we've learned a thing or two about what makes windows stay clean longer. Here are our insider tips.

1. The Golden Rule: Clean from Top to Bottom

This isn't just about efficiency — it's physics. When you clean from bottom to top, dirty water drips onto areas you've already cleaned. Start at the top (highest windows or highest portion of the window) and work your way down. Let the dirt fall to areas you haven't touched yet.

2. Mind Your Sprinklers

This is the #1 cause of hard water stains in Riverside County. If your sprinklers hit your windows, you're fighting a losing battle. Water from sprinklers contains minerals that leave deposits on glass. Over time, these deposits bond to the surface and become increasingly difficult to remove.

The solution: Adjust your sprinkler heads to miss the house entirely. Yes, it might leave a small dry spot in your landscaping. But your windows will thank you — and you'll save money on professional cleaning.

3. Don't Wait for Rain

Here's a myth we hear all the time: "The rain will clean my windows." Nope. Rain actually makes windows dirtier. Rainwater contains minerals and, as it dries, leaves deposits behind. Plus, rain splatter kicks up all the dirt from your windowsill onto the glass.

Pro tip: If you're planning to have your windows cleaned, don't wash your car or water your lawn the day before. Less dust means better results.

4. The Right Tools Matter

If you're going to clean your own windows between professional visits, equip yourself properly:

• Microfiber cloths: Paper towels and regular rags leave lint and scratches
• Squeegee: The single tool that makes the biggest difference
• Distilled water: Tap water leaves mineral deposits
• White vinegar solution: Cheap and effective for light cleaning (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water)

5. Don't Forget the Frames

Dirt accumulates in window frames, especially in the tracks where windows slide. This grime gets onto clean glass when you open or close windows. Give frames a quick wipe down weekly, and you'll notice your glass stays cleaner longer.

6. Address Spills Immediately

Hard water stains, bird droppings, and spider droppings are much easier to remove when they're fresh. Let them sit for days and they bond to the glass, requiring professional restoration to remove.

7. Schedule Professional Cleaning

No matter how diligent you are between visits, professional cleaning does things you can't: high-reach equipment for second-story windows, purified water systems that eliminate streaking, specialized treatments for hard water stains, and a trained eye for detail.

We recommend professional cleaning twice a year — once in spring after pollen season, and once in fall before winter rains.

The Bottom Line

Keeping windows clean is a combination of regular maintenance and professional help. Following these tips will extend the time between professional cleanings and keep your windows looking better year-round.

Need help with window cleaning or restoration? Give us a call at (951) 707-6020. We're here to help.