How to Keep Your Windows Cleaner for Longer

You’ve had the windows cleaned. They look great for a day. Then the dust, smears, or bird droppings return — and you start wondering if it was even worth it.

The truth is, village homes face a different set of problems than city houses. There’s more pollen, more bugs, more muck kicked up from nearby fields or country lanes. The good news? A few small changes can make a big difference.

Here’s what we tell our clients across Oxfordshire.

1. Don’t Let the Dirt Settle

When dirt sits for too long on the glass or frames, it bonds — especially if there’s condensation or tree sap involved. Even if you’re not planning to clean it yourself, giving the sills and corners a quick wipe every couple of weeks stops that sticky buildup.

A dry microfibre cloth works fine. You don’t need to go mad with sprays or soaps.

2. Watch Out for What’s Around the Window

Climbers like ivy or roses can look great, but if they touch the glass or trap damp, they’ll start leaving marks. The same goes for nearby hanging baskets, bird feeders, or even open vents.

We’re not saying rip the charm out of your garden — but if something keeps brushing against the pane or dripping on the frame, it’s going to need more regular cleaning.

3. Condensation = Dust Magnet

If you get mist on the inside of the windows (especially in colder months), try to keep it wiped down. That damp surface grabs dust like a magnet — and it shows up badly on sunny days.

A dehumidifier or just cracking the windows now and then can help. So can keeping the trickle vents open, even if it feels counterintuitive in winter.

4. Timing Is Everything

Believe it or not, when you clean your windows affects how long they stay clean. Early morning or a cloudy day is best. Bright sunlight dries the water too fast and leaves smears behind — even for pros.

We book most window cleaning visits around the weather to avoid this exact issue. That’s why we don’t just say “Wednesday at 10” and turn up no matter what.

5. Choose the Right Cleaner (and Routine)

A lot of people overdo it with strong sprays and end up with cloudy patches. A mix of water and white vinegar can work wonders. But more important than what you use is how often you do it.

Most of our regular clients stick to a 4-week or 6-week cycle. That keeps things looking sharp without letting grime build up. Want to know what would suit your house? We’re happy to take a look — just send us a quick message.

Bonus Tip: Keep the Insides Clean Too

It’s surprising how often people forget the inside of the glass. You can have a perfect external clean, but if the dog’s been licking the patio door or the kids have left fingerprints, it’ll still look a mess.

We don’t do inside cleans unless arranged in advance — but if you’re doing them yourself, soft cloths and circular motion usually works best.

Final Thoughts

You can’t stop the weather or the birds. But with a few simple habits, your windows can stay looking clean for much longer between visits.

We keep things looking sharp for homes right across Oxfordshire’s villages — from Stonesfield to Kingham. Whether you want a one-off or regular visits, we’ll fit around you.

Want to see how we do it? Visit our window cleaning page or just get in touch.