A Guide for Navigating Winter Window Cleaning

“It doesn’t matter what the temperature the room is, it’s always room temperature,” states comedian Steven Wright. While this sage observation is true, when it comes to window cleaning, temperature has to be a more serious consideration.

The outside temperature can affect tasks such as window cleaning, especially on the exterior. Within the greater Cincinnati area, it’s common for average low temps during the winter months to be well below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit, zero degrees Celsius).

While the cold may make you want to stay cozy inside with a hot beverage, blankie, and show to binge, there are always chores that linger on the to-do list—like winter window cleaning.

Threshold Temperatures for Window Cleaning

Certain cleaning solutions can fail and freeze when the temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or zero degrees Celsius. DIY attempts at window washing when the temps are below freezing can cause scratches, etching, and even breakage of glass.

While the ideal minimum temp for exterior window washing is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer, professional window cleaners may be able to tackle the job. The pros like United Window Cleaning use specialized solutions that won’t freeze and that are designed to safely clean window glass even in colder temperatures.

Cold Weather Window Cleaning Tips

The number one tip when cleaning exterior window glass when the temperatures are at the threshold or below is to use a cleaning solution that won’t freeze. This is critical for its effectiveness and to help prevent damage from happening. Other tips include but are not limited to:

• Work quickly to help minimize the freezing risks of the cleaning solution on the glass
• Use the right equipment, including squeegees and microfiber cloth to help reduce streaking
• Adding a small amount of lukewarm water to the cleaning solution may help if it doesn’t have antifreeze ingredients

Why Winter Window Cleaning?

Your home’s window glass accumulates dirt and dust year-round. This can etch and create scratches that have the potential to cause splinters and cracks within the glass. Regular window cleaning can work to prevent this and help reduce the risk of costly glass repair/replacement.

To maintain your windows year-round, including during even the coldest months, consider the following:

• Opt to clean windows on days with sunshine and when temperatures are above 32 degrees Fahrenheit
• Create a twice-year window cleaning schedule: once in the spring and once in the fall to avoid extreme temperatures of heat or cold
• If winter window cleaning is a must, make safety a priority. Avoid icy days when possible, as ladders on slippery surfaces are not a good combination

Maintaining a consistent cleaning schedule can help prolong the life of your windows. However, we know that life also gets in the way, and it can be a challenge to get some of the must-do chores done. Give yourself a break. Consider hiring the professionals at United Window Cleaning. Let us tackle the winter (or any season!) window cleaning for you.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.