What happens if you don't get your windows cleaned?

We understand that, when running a business, certain things can fall by the wayside when other tasks take priority. There is so much to think about when managing your company, from training and supporting staff to taking care of your customers. It's very reasonable, therefore, that tasks such as window cleaning can end up towards the bottom of the list.

Unfortunately, when this happens, issues you never needed to consider before can start to pile up. From lost reputation to costly replacements, dirty windows hide far more consequences than you might realise.

In this article, we're going to talk about what happens if you don't get your commercial property's windows cleaned, and why a window cleaning service is far more essential than some think.

1. Dirt builds up

The first thing that happens when your windows aren't cleaned is that dirt begins to build up, and once it starts, it doesn't stop. Layer upon layer of dust, grime, grease, soot, and all manner of other particulate matter your property's windows are exposed to will coat the panes. Not only this, but environmental debris will build up too, such as bird droppings, hard water from rainfall (depending on your location), and pollution.

All of this dirt will cake the panes, seals, and frames of your windows, resulting in a loss of transparency. This blocks sunlight, which is thought to be important for the well-being of those working inside, as well as reducing visibility from inside and outside the building. There is also the disadvantage of what significantly dirty windows do to both your business's reputation and its kerb appeal.

2. Glass panes suffer

That caked dirt on your windows doesn't just look bad; it can also cause actual damage to glass. Built-up dirt such as grit can, over time, lightly scratch glass. If it gets bad enough, this surface etching can lead to a permanent loss of transparency and a decreased failure threshold for the glass. The more scratched it is, the more likely it'll crack or shatter should something larger knock it. Keeping the glass clean can help keep it scratch-free and support its longevity.

3. Frames become damaged, and seals fail

If dirt and grime sit on your window frames for too long, ugly discolouration and permanent damage can eventually occur. In environments where dirt can trap moisture, caked-on debris has the power to cause wooden frames to start rotting and warping, and when that happens, the seals can pull away and start to split. On uPVC frames, dirt can scratch, dull, and stain the plastic, and even make frames the perfect home for unsightly green algae.

A build-up of dirt can accelerate the wear and tear of window seals, especially if the windows are regularly opened and closed. That dirt can act as an abrasive every time you move the window, scratching against seals and frames, weakening and damaging them.

4. Windows need to be repaired or replaced

What happens when your windows have become scratched, discoloured, rotted, warped, and/or cracked? They need to be repaired or replaced. When it comes to business and commercial properties, this can be incredibly costly, as if one window is dirty, it's likely that the rest are too. The investment you'd need to sink into these repair and replacement jobs can be avoided by ensuring windows are cleaned regularly enough to keep them sparkling and grime-free.

How often should windows be cleaned in a commercial property?

How often your business property's windows should be cleaned is down to several factors, with three being key:

• Environment
• Business type
• Preference

Environment

Different locations have different environmental considerations that will affect how often your windows may need to be cleaned. These include natural factors like humidity, salty air, and how often it rains, as well as anthropogenic factors like pollution, fumes, soot, and cooking grease. If the location of your property sits in an environment where a combination of these factors is present, there's a strong chance that the exterior of your commercial windows will need to be cleaned more often.

Business type

The type of business operating in the property will also influence how often the windows should be cleaned. For some businesses, such as car dealerships and retail stores, having gleaming windows is incredibly important. Dirty windows will prevent anyone from looking in to see your products and will stop natural light from brightening the space. Businesses such as these will need their windows cleaned regularly to ensure visibility and reputation are a priority.

For offices or buildings that welcome clients, grimey windows immediately do damage to your reputation that could result in a loss of deals, sales, and employee morale. In healthcare, dirty windows will lead people to assume the property is dirty too, immediately putting anyone off from trusting your services. In hospitality, dirty windows can cause potential diners to turn away, as no one wants to eat somewhere unclean. It's also worth noting that in many industries, very dirty windows can have more serious consequences for the business, such as failed inspections and broken laws.

Taking the type of business into account is essential when organising how often your exterior windows should be cleaned.

Preference

If you want your windows to be cleaned more regularly than what is possibly necessary, then that's up to you. Some businesses pride themselves on their kerb appeal, such as stores selling luxury goods, and will invest in extra window cleaning services to ensure their shop fronts look spotless.

So, with all that in mind, how often should commercial windows be cleaned? We recommend that most businesses start by arranging exterior window cleaning services once every three months, and assessing from there - and for those who use windows to display products, we recommend organising more frequent services to ensure existing and potential customers are satisfied.

Professional window cleaning services from Team Vivo

Don't let window cleaning fall by the wayside; without it, your business could lose reputation, customers and clients, and money when repairs and replacements become an inevitability. Instead, consider expert window cleaning services.

Here at Vivo Clean, we have a dedicated external cleaning service team, including several highly experienced professional window cleaners ready to tackle your property. They'll leave your windows sparkling clean thanks to the latest window cleaning technology and a commitment to delivering a job well done.

By arranging for regular window cleaning services, you can rest assured that your windows will be cleaned with care, ensuring a gleam-free finish after every Vivo Clean visit.