Michigan winters are cold, long, and unpredictable. According to NOAA’s local climate data, Michigan experiences 64–90 inches of snow per year based on the area of the state. Michigan also experiences more than 100 days of freezing temperatures annually. All of this makes it exceptionally difficult to keep windows clean, safe, and undamaged.
Homeowners often consider cleaning windows in winter by themselves. In Michigan’s winter environment, cleaning the windows requires a level of experience, equipment, and safe methods that simply go above and beyond any normal DIY cleaning. Often, this leads to cracked glass, unremovable window streaking, and potentially unsafe or damaging behaviors required to even attempt the cleaning.
It is no wonder that each winter so many homeowners search for Window Cleaning Services Near Me to have a professional provide the cleaning safely, correctly, and without people getting hurt in the process.
This blog goes into detail about why winter is too cold to clean windows, the value of professional window cleaning services, and the most proven methods for delivering excellent results.
Why Window Cleaning Differs in Michigan in the Winter
The weather has a way of creating specific events, resulting in windows gaining more residue at a faster rate and becoming more difficult to clean during the winter months. The combination of lake-effect snow accumulation, road salt, freezing temperatures, and extreme conditions can make maintaining windows during the winter months uniquely difficult.
Freezing Temperatures Negate DIY Cleaning
As outdoor temperatures fall below freezing, regular cleaning solutions will freeze directly to the glass, resulting in streaks, dirt residue, and even a cloudy film, all of which can become even more difficult to remove later. DIY cleaning products are not designed for winter freeze cycles, resulting in an inefficient cleaning option for your windows during the winter months.
Cold temperatures will also cause glass to become more susceptible to thermal shock. Warm water poured against icy glass, whether as a cleaner or straight from the faucet, can risk cracking the glass, or worse, shattering the glass.
Road Salt and Ice Melter Create Heavy Residue
In a Michigan winter, the salt and brine used on the roads travel through the air and land on homes, cars, and windows. The layer of salt is extremely difficult to remove with household cleaners, and if left on the window too long, the residue can micro-etch glass surfaces.
Why Winter DIY Window Cleaning Becomes Dangerous
Most homeowners don’t realize how dangerous cleaning their windows in winter can be until they are in the process of doing it. All winter, MI creates dangerous surfaces and unsafe cleaning environments.
Ladders Become Extremely Dangerous on Ice and Snow
Using a ladder in freezing temperatures is one of the main reasons for winter home-maintenance injuries. Even a small amount of powdery snow or a thin layer of ice on surfaces makes the feet of ladders exceptionally unstable. Professional cleaners use winter-rated ladder stabilizers, traction systems, and safety anchors, and homeowners don’t have the capability for any of these things.
Slippery Surfaces Increase the Likelihood of Falling
When sidewalks, porches, and decks become slippery from water or melting snow, they can develop invisible “micro ice.” Homeowners can slip and fall while standing, even at ground level. Professionals receive extensive winter-safe training and wear non-slip footwear and stabilizing gear, which helps them navigate hazardous winter conditions.
How Cleaning Windows in Winter Improperly Impacts Your Windows
In addition to the safety aspect, DIY window cleaning during the winter months can be damaging to your home’s windows. Cold weather changes the interaction between cleaning products and glass, the seal, and the frame.
Glass Can Shatter from Temperature Shocks
A temperature difference of only a few degrees between the cleaning solution and the glass surface can cause cracking immediately. In the winter, the temperature difference can be as much as 60 degrees, which is far above what most home windows safely tolerate.
Scratching Can Happen Easily During Winter Months
Salt crystals, ice particles, and wind-blown debris stick to glass in the winter months. When homeowners simply wipe the cleaning solution from the window without pre-treating, the abrasive particles cause micro-scratches and dull clarity permanently.
Cold Impacts the Seal of the Window
Winter seals will contract in freezing temperatures, making them more susceptible to pressure and scrubbing. Too much force on the window seal can break the seal, which can cause long-lasting problems with condensation, drafts, and additional window issues.
Why Having a Professional Clean the Windows in the Winter Matters More
Professional window cleaners in Michigan take a different approach when it comes to cleaning windows during the winter months. They use commercial-grade materials, cold-weather cleaning products, and techniques to keep both the glass and the homeowner safe.
Cleaning Solutions Engineered for Cold-Weather Cleaning
Professionals utilize cleaning products formulated so they will not freeze, streak, or leave residue when it is cold out. These products are capable of eliminating salty residue, icy remnants, and winter debris without compromising the glass’s integrity.
Heated Pure Water Systems
Several professional teams utilize heated purified water that eliminates minerals to counteract spotting and streaking, despite the extreme cold temperatures. The temperature is continually monitored to avoid thermal shock.
Winter Safety & Equipment for Window Cleaning
Professional window cleaning in Michigan utilizes the following:
- Cold-rated ladders with stabilizers
- Non-slip footwear
- Harnessing and anchoring systems
- Snow-resistant extension poles
- Commercial squeegees rated for freezing temperatures
This equipment helps prevent slips, protects the glass from shattering in the event of a slip, and allows for a long-lasting, clean appearance.
The Winter Grime Issue: Why Michigan Windows Get Dirty at a Quicker Rate
Winter weather in Michigan causes window build-ups at a faster rate than most homeowners realize.
Salt Spray from Roads/Highways
Depending on where you live, especially near busy roads or in larger cities, winter salt spray builds quickly. Road salt contains minerals that cling to glass and become heavy smudges that only get worse over time.
Soot from Fireplaces and Furnaces
With the cold weather, we tend to use our furnace and fireplace more than in warmer months. If not vented properly, heating systems release very fine soot particles into the air in your home. The particles settle on the inside surface of the windows.
Condensation Due to Fluctuating Temperatures
When freezing temperatures at night move to warm temperatures during the day, moisture in the air condenses on the glass, and once it evaporates, it leaves mineral deposits behind.
Clean Windows Matter During Michigan Winters
Most homeowners don’t even think of window cleaning in Michigan during the winter months, and when they do, it usually isn’t until spring. However, winter is the most important time to have clean windows.
Dirty Windows Block Winter Light
Short days create more darkness in winter months, and dirty windows can hinder the remaining natural light.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Clean windows allow far more solar heat to enter your home naturally, decreasing heating costs in the winter months.
Prevent Long-Term Damage
Salt, soot, and ice residue can lead to serious issues with your windows, including:
- Scratching that leads to permanent damage
- An etching of the glass surface that cannot be repaired
- Deterioration of the frames
- The need for premature replacement of windows
Cleaning your windows in the winter helps maximize the lifespan of your windows.
When Homeowners Should Consider Scheduling a Professional Winter Window Cleaning
The best time for homeowners to schedule a winter window cleaning is after:
- Heavy snow has fallen
- Several cycles of freezing and thawing
- A rain or snowstorm that brought severe winds
- Water mineral marks appear on the glass
- Windows look cloudy or streaked
- Daylight looks dimmer through the glass
At Your Service By Pat is Michigan’s trusted choice for professional window cleaning services. Our trained technicians utilize winter-formulated cleaning solutions, purified water systems, and cold-weather safety equipment to safely and effectively clean windows in the middle of winter.
Whether you are dealing with winter salt film, exteriors that are built up with winter cold-weather contaminants, or general seasonal debris, feel free to contact us to make your windows look their very best.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I clean my windows myself in the winter months?
Yes, you can clean your own interior windows, but it is not safe to clean exterior windows in the winter, as it risks cracking. Professional winter window cleaning is highly recommended. - Will cleaning windows while freezing damage them?
Yes. Cleaning using hot or warm solutions or improper chemicals can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks in your windows. Professionals use products formulated to be winter-safe, so there is no risk of damage. - How often should I clean windows in Michigan during winter?
Every 6–8 weeks is ideal based on salt buildup, ice-melt residue, and soot buildup from heating systems. - Why do my windows look cloudy in the winter?
Cloudy windows are most commonly caused by salt spray, minerals from condensation, or a film of soot, which are all typical of Michigan winters. - Do professionals clean windows when it is freezing?
Yes. Professionals use equipment and solutions made specifically for winter cleaning to ensure safe and streak-free performance in freezing conditions.
