Should You Clean Your Windows In The Winter?

Winter is coming, and overused quotes aside, you need clean windows that let plenty of natural light in and that allow you to see your view clearly. If your windows are dirty, you may wonder if it’s possible to clean your windows in the winter or if you should hold off until spring and suffer the grime until then. If you clean your windows in the winter, will this damage them in any way? Would it end up just inviting ice to form on the panes? Or is it possible to both safely and effectively clean your windows in the winter?

Here’s what you need to know about winter and window cleaning so that you can decide whether to clean your windows in the winter. Let’s jump into it!

Winter Window Cleaning: Should You Do It?

First things first, is winter window cleaning even in the realm of possibility or would it be a grave, if well-intentioned, mistake to make? In short, yes, you can clean your windows in the winter, but there are some important things to keep in mind with this. While it’s better to have your windows cleaned in the warmer months, it’s still possible to clean them when it’s cold out. 

Important Tips For Winter Window Cleaning

Done wrong, winter window cleaning can end in disaster. The wrong cleaning solution or water temperatures can affect your windows, a ladder placed on a patch of ice can result in a hospital visit, and cleaning your windows on a day when there’s bad weather can render your efforts completely useless.

For your safety and for the preservation of your windows, it’s best to leave window cleaning to the professionals, regardless of the time of year. Many window cleaning companies provide year-round service and are happy to come out and take care of your dirty windows for you. 

That said, here are some key factors to clean your windows in the winter safely.

#1. Never Use Hot Water

You enjoy a nice, hot shower in the winter (and let’s be honest, probably year-round, too). It stands to reason that hot water should be your go-to when cleaning your windows in the winter, right? It would melt any ice, wouldn’t it?

In truth, you should never use hot water to clean your windows in the winter. This is because the difference in temperature between your cold windows and the hot water can cause your windows to crack. Cracks are infinitely worse than dirt and necessitate window repair or replacement. 

Instead of using hot water, one ought to use room-temperature water, in order to avoid damaging your windows when you’re just trying to clean them. 

#2. Pick A Good Day For The Job

If there’s a chance of bad weather, you shouldn’t clean your windows this day. Imagine trying to clean your windows as the rain and the snow leave hard water spots all over them. Talk about a waste of time, effort, and money! 

If you work with a professional window cleaning company, they’ll already be keeping a close eye on the weather, and let you know whether or not your window cleaning needs to be rescheduled in order to ensure that it goes well. 

You also don’t want to pick a day that’s too sunny. This is because this increases the chance of streaking. However, if done by professionals or with the correct window cleaning fluid, you shouldn’t have to worry about streaks, regardless of whether it’s sunny or overcast.

#3. Select The Correct Window Cleaner

Professional window cleaners know what types of window cleaners to use for different temperatures and to avoid problems like streaking. When it’s cold out, you’ll need to use a freeze-resistant cleaner, like a windshield cleaner that has been diluted. If you use the wrong window cleaner, then you run the risk of it freezing on your windows, which nobody wants. 

If the temperature drops below freezing, there are different additives that can be added to your window cleaner in order to prevent freezing. Bear in mind though that these additives can cause a film to form over your windows, which can attract dirt and grime. As such, it’s better to clean your windows in the winter when the temperature is above freezing.

Winter Window Repair And Replacement

For optimal results, it’s better to leave your winter window cleaning to an experienced window cleaner. If you make the mistake of using hot water to clean your windows and they crack, Moyes Glass can provide you with window repair and replacement services all year round. Contact us today to learn more about our new and replacement windows, or swing by our showroom in Ogden!