Short answer: most Houston homes should have their windows professionally cleaned twice a year — but our climate pushes a lot of homes to quarterly. Here's how to tell which one is you.
"How often should I clean my windows?" is the question we get most on quotes around The Woodlands and North Houston. The honest answer depends less on a calendar and more on what's landing on your glass — and in this part of Texas, a lot is landing on your glass.
Why Houston is tough on windows
A few local factors mean windows here get dirty faster than the national average:
- Pollen. The pines and oaks that make The Woodlands beautiful dump yellow-green pollen every spring. It cakes onto glass and screens.
- Humidity & mildew. Gulf humidity leaves a film and encourages mildew in shaded corners and on north-facing panes.
- Hard water. Sprinklers that hit the glass leave mineral spots that bake on in the sun. (More on hard water spots →)
- Dust & storms. Dry spells coat windows in dust; then a storm turns that dust into muddy streaks.
- Construction. New builds and nearby lots throw fine dust that sticks to everything.
A realistic cleaning schedule
| Your situation | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|
| Typical home, average exposure | Twice a year (spring & fall) |
| Heavy tree cover, pollen, or lots of sprinklers | Quarterly (every 3 months) |
| Allergy sufferers in the home | Quarterly — clean glass & screens cut indoor allergens |
| Lakefront / high-dust / near construction | Quarterly or more |
| Storefront or office | Monthly (busy entrances: bi-weekly) |
Signs it's time (regardless of the calendar)
- Cloudy or spotty glass you can see from inside, especially in morning light
- A gritty or filmy feel when you touch the pane
- Pollen or dust visible on the frames and sills
- Water spots that won't wipe off with a paper towel
Twice a year vs. a plan
If you're cleaning twice a year, the easiest way to stay ahead is a recurring plan — you lock in a lower price, get priority scheduling, and never have to remember to book. Our plans map directly to the schedule above:
- Clear View — quarterly, 15% off (best for tree-heavy or allergy homes)
- Fresh Start — tri-annual, 10% off
- Spring & Fall — semi-annual, 5% off (the classic twice-a-year)
Curious what a single clean runs first? See our window cleaning cost guide for Houston, or compare the plans here.