When Should Window Cleaning Be Added to Janitorial Services?
Clean windows can contribute to a professional appearance and allow more natural light into commercial spaces. However, window cleaning is often treated differently from routine janitorial tasks. Businesses may need to schedule it separately or add it to a broader commercial cleaning service plan based on building conditions and cleaning priorities.
So, when should window cleaning be added to janitorial services? The answer depends on the building’s location, window type, foot traffic, weather exposure, accessibility, and desired appearance.
What Is Commercial Window Cleaning?
Commercial window cleaning involves cleaning accessible interior and/or exterior glass surfaces in business facilities. Depending on the service agreement, it may include:
- Interior window cleaning
- Exterior window cleaning
- Glass doors
- Interior glass partitions
- Storefront windows
- Window frames and sills
- Spot cleaning
- Removal of fingerprints and smudges
Not every janitorial company provides exterior or high-access window cleaning. Businesses should confirm the provider’s equipment, training, insurance, and service capabilities before scheduling specialized work.
When Should Businesses Add Window Cleaning?
1. When Windows Show Visible Dirt
Visible dust, fingerprints, water spots, smudges, and environmental buildup are clear signs that windows need attention.
Dirty windows can make an otherwise clean commercial facility appear poorly maintained. Adding scheduled window cleaning can help maintain a consistent appearance.
2. Before Important Events
Businesses may benefit from window cleaning before:
- Corporate events
- Customer visits
- Open houses
- Property tours
- Conferences
- Grand openings
- Seasonal promotions
Clean glass can help create a more polished appearance for visitors and customers.
3. After Construction or Renovation
Construction and renovation work can leave dust and debris on nearby glass surfaces.
Once construction work is complete, businesses may schedule appropriate post-construction window cleaning as part of the final facility cleanup.
The cleaning method should be appropriate for the type and condition of the glass.
4. For Retail Storefronts
Retail storefront windows are highly visible to customers and pedestrians.
Fingerprints, dust, rain marks, and other buildup can affect the appearance of a storefront. Businesses with high customer traffic may require more frequent window cleaning than lower-traffic facilities.
5. After Severe Weather
Heavy rain, wind, dust, and other weather conditions can leave residue on exterior windows.
After significant weather events, businesses can inspect their windows and determine whether additional cleaning is necessary.
6. When Natural Light Is Important
Clean windows allow more natural light to enter many commercial spaces.
Offices, showrooms, reception areas, and other customer-facing environments may benefit from keeping interior glass surfaces clean and free of noticeable buildup.
7. During Seasonal Maintenance
Many businesses include window cleaning in a seasonal facility-maintenance schedule.
For example, a business may schedule more detailed window cleaning several times per year while using routine janitorial services for basic interior glass maintenance.
The ideal frequency depends on local conditions and the facility’s appearance standards.
How Often Should Commercial Windows Be Cleaned?
There is no universal window-cleaning schedule for every business.
Factors that can influence frequency include:
- Building location
- Weather conditions
- Traffic levels
- Window accessibility
- Type of business
- Amount of exterior exposure
- Customer expectations
- Building appearance standards
A high-traffic retail storefront may require frequent cleaning, while an office building with less visible glass may need service less often.
Should Window Cleaning Be Part of Routine Janitorial Services?
It can be, but the scope should be clearly defined.
Routine janitorial services may include basic interior glass and door cleaning. More extensive window cleaning—particularly exterior, high-access, or specialized glass cleaning—may require separate scheduling and specialized equipment.
Businesses should ask their janitorial services company exactly what type of window cleaning is included in the contract.
Interior vs. Exterior Window Cleaning
Interior Window Cleaning
Interior glass can accumulate fingerprints, dust, smudges, and other marks.
Routine cleaning may include accessible windows, glass doors, mirrors, and partitions depending on the service agreement.
Exterior Window Cleaning
Exterior glass is exposed to weather, dust, pollution, water spots, and environmental debris.
Exterior window cleaning may require specialized equipment depending on building height and accessibility. High-rise or difficult-to-access windows should be handled by appropriately trained professionals.
What Should Businesses Consider Before Hiring Window Cleaners?
Before adding window cleaning to a commercial janitorial service, consider:
Accessibility
Determine whether windows can be safely reached using standard equipment or require specialized access equipment.
Frequency
Decide how often windows need cleaning based on appearance, traffic, weather, and building conditions.
Scope
Clarify whether the service includes interior glass, exterior glass, frames, sills, glass doors, or other surfaces.
Safety
High-access window cleaning involves additional safety considerations. Businesses should verify that providers have appropriate training, equipment, and insurance.
Scheduling
Window cleaning can often be scheduled outside peak business hours to minimize disruption.
Benefits of Professional Commercial Window Cleaning
Adding professional window cleaning to a facility-maintenance plan can help businesses:
- Maintain a professional appearance
- Keep storefronts presentable
- Reduce visible smudges and buildup
- Improve the appearance of reception areas
- Maintain interior glass surfaces
- Support seasonal facility maintenance
- Reduce cleaning responsibilities for employees
Window cleaning should complement—not replace—routine janitorial cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should commercial windows be cleaned?
Frequency depends on location, weather, building type, traffic, accessibility, and appearance requirements. High-visibility windows may require more frequent service.
Is window cleaning included in janitorial services?
Sometimes. Basic interior glass cleaning may be included, while extensive exterior or high-access window cleaning may be offered as an additional service.
Should businesses clean windows before an event?
Yes. Scheduling window cleaning before important events can help maintain a polished and professional appearance for visitors.
Can janitorial companies clean exterior windows?
Some do, while others specialize only in routine interior cleaning. Businesses should confirm the provider’s equipment, training, insurance, and ability to safely perform exterior window cleaning.
How to Add Window Cleaning to Your Janitorial Plan
Start by evaluating the condition of your windows and identifying which areas require regular attention. Then discuss the scope and frequency with your commercial cleaning company.
A customized plan can combine routine janitorial cleaning with periodic window cleaning based on your facility’s needs. This approach can help businesses maintain both everyday cleanliness and the overall appearance of their commercial property.
Keep Commercial Windows Clean and Presentable
Window cleaning can be a valuable addition to a commercial janitorial services program, particularly for retail storefronts, offices, showrooms, reception areas, and other customer-facing facilities.
By considering visibility, weather exposure, traffic, accessibility, and cleaning frequency, businesses can create a practical window-maintenance schedule. Professional window cleaning, combined with consistent janitorial services, can help maintain a cleaner, brighter, and more professional commercial environment.
