5 Ways to Keep Your Windows Sparkling Longer

January 15, 2025 • By Ming Chen, Owner

You've just had your windows professionally cleaned, and they look absolutely stunning. The sun streams through crystal-clear glass, and everything feels brighter and fresher. Now the question is: how do you keep them that way for as long as possible?

After cleaning thousands of windows across the Twin Cities over the past 12+ years, we've learned a thing or two about what helps clean windows stay clean — and what makes them get dirty faster. Here are our top professional tips for maintaining that fresh-clean look.

1. Watch the Water (And the Weather)

In Minnesota, our water is notoriously hard. Those mineral deposits that make your glasses spotty in the dishwasher? They're equally tough on windows. After rainstorms, especially, you'll notice water spots forming as the water evaporates and leaves minerals behind.

The Fix: If you can, hose off your windows after heavy rain. Use plain water — no soap needed. This washes away the mineral-rich rainwater before it can evaporate and leave spots. Pay extra attention to the bottom edges where water tends to pool.

2. Keep Screens Clean (And In Good Repair)

Dirty window screens are like dirty furnace filters — they push dirty air back into your home and make your windows look dirty faster. Pollen, dust, and debris accumulate on screens and get blown or washed onto your clean glass.

The Fix: Remove your screens at least once a season and hose them down. For a deeper clean, wash them in a tub with mild soap. Check for holes or tears while they're out — damaged screens let more debris through and look unsightly themselves.

3. Address Condensation Promptly

Minnesota winters mean cozy homes with windows that fog up. That condensation isn't just annoying — it's actually bad for your windows. Excess moisture can lead to mold growth on seals and frames, water damage to wood, and mineral deposits as the water evaporates.

The Fix: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens when cooking or showering. If you notice persistent condensation, consider a dehumidifier. Wipe up condensation promptly with a clean, dry cloth rather than letting it evaporate.

4. Trim Back That Landscaping

We love a beautiful garden as much as anyone, but shrubs and trees pressed up against your windows are window-cleaning enemies. They trap moisture (hello, mold and mildew), rub dirt and pollen onto the glass, and make cleaning difficult.

The Fix: Maintain at least 12-18 inches of clearance between shrubs and your windows. This improves air circulation, reduces moisture buildup, and makes professional cleaning easier and more effective.

5. Skip the Paper Towels (Seriously)

We know it's tempting — you're wiping up a spill or fingerprints and reach for a paper towel. But paper towels leave behind lint and small fibers that actually attract dirt. Within hours, you might see streaks reappearing.

The Fix: If you need to spot-clean between professional cleanings, use a microfiber cloth and plain water or a tiny bit of white vinegar. Microfiber captures dirt rather than just moving it around, and it won't leave lint behind.

The Bottom Line

Even with perfect maintenance, Minnesota's climate is hard on windows. Hard water, pollen, humidity, snow, and temperature extremes all take their toll. Most homeowners find that professional cleaning every 3-4 months — combined with these maintenance tips — keeps windows looking their best year-round.

Ready to schedule your next professional cleaning? We're here to help. Give us a call at (612) 695-3004 or book online today.