Inside vs. outside — what's really needed?
Most Oregon homeowners get more mileage out of exterior cleanings than interior. The outside faces rain, pollen, sprinkler spots, dust, and window screens shedding — it gets dirty a lot faster. Interior glass typically only needs attention once or twice a year unless you have pets, kids, or a fireplace.
How often should windows be cleaned?
- Exteriors: Two to three times a year for most homes
- Interiors: Once or twice a year
- Post-construction or after painting: A single deep-clean visit to remove overspray and dust
- Homes near trees or gravel roads: Every quarter to stay ahead of buildup
What a professional cleaning includes
A residential visit from Halen Homes covers each window inside and/or out, plus the frame and sill:
- Pure-water systems or traditional squeegee work depending on the window and setting
- Screens removed, rinsed, and reinstalled
- Frames and sills wiped down
- Tracks vacuumed on interior visits (on request)
- Care around landscaping, patios, and pets
Why not just DIY?
You absolutely can clean ground-floor windows yourself. The reason homeowners hire it out usually comes down to three things: hard-to-reach second-story glass, streak-free results on large panes, and time. A professional with the right tools cleans a full house in a fraction of the time it takes on a ladder with a spray bottle.
Protecting your glass long-term
Left alone, minerals from sprinklers, hard water, and pollen etch into the glass over time. Regular cleaning prevents that permanent damage — it's the same reason detailers recommend washing a car instead of letting bug splatter bake on. It's easier and cheaper to maintain glass than to restore it.
Halen Homes serves homeowners across Oregon. Licensed and insured.