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Signs Your Windows Need Professional Cleaning

In Oxfordshire’s villages, windows age quietly. A little film here, a soft dullness there—nothing dramatic. But over time, the signs add up.

You may not notice them at first. Then one day the glass seems tired. The light feels flat. And the home’s quiet charm begins to dim.

Here’s what to watch for if you’re unsure whether it’s time to book a professional window clean.

1. Dull Glass, Even When It’s Dry

A freshly cleaned window lets in soft, even light. But when mineral residue, dust or old water marks build up, the clarity fades—even if the glass looks ‘clean’ at a glance.

If sunlight seems more diffused than it should, or the view through your window has lost its edge, there’s likely a film on the surface.

This is especially common on south-facing windows or heritage panes in homes across Charlbury, Leafield, or Sibford Gower.

2. Streaks That Don’t Wipe Off

If you’ve tried to clean a streak and it simply shifts—or comes straight back—it’s not a smear. It’s a sign of hard water residue or atmospheric staining.

Most DIY methods can’t remove this fully. Worse, repeated rubbing can damage older glass or frames.

For more, read Why Hard Water Marks Keep Coming Back—And How to Stop Them

3. Build-Up Around the Frames

Many of the homes we care for have timber or painted sashes, leaded casements, or stone reveals. These don’t just collect dirt—they absorb it.

If you notice:

• Green or black staining on lower sills
• Cracks in old putty lines
• Residue collecting around frame edges

…it’s likely that moisture and debris are sitting where they shouldn’t. Professional cleaning can safely clear this without saturating the materials.

More on this in Why Regular Window Cleaning Protects Your Frames and Fixtures

4. Cobwebs and Insect Trails

A window doesn’t need to be muddy to need cleaning. Insects leave visible lines along the lower edges. Cobwebs cling to corners, especially on upper panes.

These show up sharply in early morning or evening light, and they quietly undermine the neatness of an otherwise cared-for façade.

We see this often in cottages near fields or trees—Bampton, Checkendon, or Tetsworth—where wildlife is part of the rhythm, and needs a steady hand to manage.

5. Visitors Notice Before You Do

It’s easy to go blind to your own windows. But if a visitor comments—politely or otherwise—it’s worth listening.

Often, the marks have built up slowly. You’ve adjusted. But someone seeing the home fresh may notice what you no longer do.

This is when many of our clients reach out—often ahead of guests, events, or simply to reset the feel of the house.

If that’s you, here’s What to Expect From Your First Visit With Garden & Glass

Good windows shouldn’t draw attention. They should let the home speak.

And when they begin to cloud, streak, or quietly lose their stillness, it’s time to step in—not with fuss, but with care.

That’s what we do—calmly, seasonally, and always with the character of your Oxfordshire village home in mind.

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