How Often Should You Clean Your Windows? A Des Moines Homeowner's Guide
The Short Answer
Most Des Moines area homes need professional window cleaning twice a year, spring and fall.
But that's the minimum. Depending on your situation, you might need three or four cleanings annually. And if you're currently on a "whenever I remember" schedule, your windows are probably overdue.
Here's how to figure out what your home actually needs.
Why Iowa Is Different
I clean windows across Waukee, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, and Johnston. After 200+ homes, I've learned that Iowa is harder on windows than most places.
We get 50+ freeze-thaw cycles per winter. Water seeps into tiny gaps around your windows, freezes, expands, and slowly damages seals. This happens dozens of times between November and March.
Our water is brutal. Iowa has some of the hardest water in the country. If your sprinklers hit your windows, or you're on well water, those minerals build up on the glass. What looks like dirt is actually mineral deposits etching into the surface.
Pollen season is no joke. That yellow-green film in April and May isn't just ugly. Left too long, it can actually etch into glass, especially when combined with rain and sun.
Prairie winds carry everything. Dust, dirt, agricultural residue. It all ends up on your windows faster than in other climates.
A cleaning schedule that works in Arizona won't work here. Iowa windows need more attention.
The Cleaning Frequency Guide
Twice a Year (Minimum for Most Homes)
This works if:
- You have city water (not well water)
- Your sprinklers don't hit your windows
- You don't have major trees directly overhead
- Your home is in a typical suburban neighborhood
When to schedule:
- Spring (late April to May): After the worst of pollen season, before summer humidity
- Fall (September to October): Clear summer buildup before winter, prep for holiday guests
This is what I recommend for about 60% of my customers.
Three Times a Year
You need three cleanings if:
- You have hard water issues (sprinkler overspray, well water)
- Your home is surrounded by mature trees
- You live near construction or a busy road
- You have mostly south or west-facing windows (more sun exposure = faster buildup)
When to schedule:
- Spring (April-May)
- Mid-summer (July)
- Fall (September-October)
That mid-summer cleaning catches hard water buildup before it has time to etch into the glass.
Four Times a Year (Quarterly)
Quarterly cleaning makes sense if:
- You have a large home with lots of windows
- Appearance matters for your work (you host clients, run a business from home)
- You entertain frequently
- You have ongoing hard water problems
- You just want your windows to always look their best
When to schedule:
- Spring (March-April)
- Early summer (June)
- Late summer (August-September)
- Late fall (November)
About 20% of my customers are on quarterly plans. They're usually people who've tried the "twice a year" schedule and found it wasn't enough for their situation.
Signs Your Windows Need Cleaning Now
Forget the schedule for a second. Here's how to tell if your windows need attention right now:
The haze test: Look at your windows in direct sunlight. See a cloudy film that doesn't wipe off with a wet cloth? That's buildup that needs professional cleaning.
The water test: Next time it rains, watch how water behaves on your windows. It should sheet off smoothly. If it beads up in spots or runs in streaky patterns, the glass has buildup.
The "when was the last time" test: If you can't remember, it's been too long.
The guest test: Would you be embarrassed if someone commented on your windows? That's your answer.
What Happens When You Wait Too Long
I get it. Window cleaning isn't exactly top of mind. But here's what I see when people wait too long:
Hard water stains become permanent. Caught within 6-12 months, hard water deposits usually come off during a regular cleaning. Wait 2-3 years? That's a restoration job with special compounds. Wait longer than that? Sometimes the etching is permanent. I've seen windows that needed replacement because the hard water damage was too severe.
Seals fail faster. Dirt and debris hold moisture against window seals. Over time, this accelerates deterioration. I see a lot of foggy windows (moisture between panes) in homes that haven't had regular cleaning. Seal failure means window replacement, not just cleaning.
Everything takes longer. A routine cleaning on well-maintained windows takes me about 45 minutes for an average home. Windows that haven't been touched in three years? That's a two-hour job with restoration work. More time means more money.
You stop noticing. This is the sneaky one. Dirty windows happen gradually. You stop seeing it. Then someone visits and you suddenly realize how bad it's gotten. I hear "I didn't realize how much I was missing" after almost every first cleaning.
The Iowa Cleaning Calendar
Here's a simple calendar for Des Moines area homeowners:
Spring (April-May)
What to address:
- Winter grime and salt residue
- Tree pollen buildup
- Any hard water spots that developed over winter
Pro tip: Wait until after the worst of tree pollen (usually mid-April) but schedule before everyone else remembers. My April calendar fills up fast.
Summer (July)
What to address:
- Hard water buildup from sprinklers
- Pollen and dust accumulation
- Bug residue (yeah, it's a thing)
Pro tip: This is the cleaning most people skip. It's also the one that prevents hard water damage from becoming permanent.
Fall (September-October)
What to address:
- Summer buildup before winter
- Prep windows for holiday guests
- Check seals before freeze-thaw season
Pro tip: Fall is almost as busy as spring. Book early September to get your preferred date.
Winter (December-February)
What to address:
- Generally nothing. Too cold for exterior cleaning in Iowa.
- Use this time to inspect for seal damage or condensation between panes.
DIY vs. Professional: When Each Makes Sense
DIY makes sense for:
- Quick touch-ups on first-floor windows
- Spot cleaning between professional visits
- If you genuinely enjoy the process
Professional makes sense for:
- Second-story windows (ladders are dangerous, seriously)
- Hard water stain removal
- Windows that haven't been cleaned in over a year
- Screens and tracks (tedious to do properly)
- When your time is worth more than the cost
I'm biased, obviously. But here's my honest take: I see a lot of DIY attempts that look worse than before. Streaks, lint from paper towels, spots where the squeegee technique wasn't quite right. If you're going to do it yourself, do it right or don't bother.
How Service Plans Work
Most of my customers are on service plans. Here's why they like them:
You never have to remember. I schedule your cleanings automatically. You show up on my calendar, I show up at your door.
Priority scheduling. When spring hits and everyone suddenly wants their windows cleaned, plan members get scheduled first. Non-members sometimes wait 3-4 weeks.
Better pricing. Plan members save $50-$100 per visit depending on frequency. That adds up.
Rain guarantee. If it rains within 7 days of cleaning, I come back and redo the affected windows free.
It's not for everyone. If you genuinely prefer to call when you need it, that's fine. But if you've ever thought "I should really get the windows done" and then forgotten for six months, a plan solves that problem.
FAQ
How often should windows be cleaned in Iowa?
At minimum, twice a year (spring and fall). Homes with hard water issues, lots of trees, or south/west-facing windows may need three or four cleanings annually.
What time of year is best for window cleaning?
Late April to May (after pollen, before summer) and September to October (before winter, in time for holidays). Avoid December through February in Iowa.
How do I know if my windows have hard water damage?
Look for white, chalky spots that don't wipe off with a wet cloth. Check your west and south-facing windows in direct sunlight. If you see a hazy film, that's mineral buildup.
Can I clean my own windows?
Yes, for first-floor windows and touch-ups. For second-story windows, hard water stains, or thorough cleaning, professional service is safer and gets better results.
How much does professional window cleaning cost in Des Moines?
For most homes, exterior cleaning runs $225-$400 depending on size. Full service (exterior, interior, tracks) ranges from $385-$825. Larger and estate homes are higher.
Ready for Clean Windows?
If your windows are overdue, or you want to get on a schedule so you never have to think about it again, I can help.
I'm Paul, owner of Birdie Window Cleaning. I serve Waukee, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Clive, and Johnston.
I'll get back to you within an hour.
