How Often Do Window Cleaners Come? Rounds, Timing and What It Costs
Most window cleaners work a fixed round rather than one-off bookings, and the usual cycle is every 4 to 12 weeks. We run a 6-weekly round through Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages, with a 12-weekly option for quieter homes. Here is what decides which one suits your house.
What a "round" actually means
A round is a fixed route a cleaner repeats on a set cycle. Your house sits at the same point in that route each time, so the visits land at roughly the same interval rather than whenever you remember to ring. That is why most cleaners quote a per-visit price and an agreed frequency instead of pricing every job from scratch — the work is predictable, so the price can be too.
It also means the first clean is different from the ones that follow. A house that has not been done in a year carries a season of grime, so the first visit takes longer. We charge roughly double the regular price for it, then the round price applies from the second visit onward.
Six weeks or twelve?
Six weeks keeps most homes consistently clear. Twelve suits quieter, sheltered properties. The difference is almost entirely about what your house is exposed to:
- Near mature trees — sap, pollen and leaf debris land on the glass constantly. Six weeks.
- On a busy road — road film and brake dust build fast and dull the glass. Six weeks.
- Facing open fields — wind-blown dust and agricultural spray in season. Six weeks.
- Sheltered, set back, few trees — twelve weeks is usually plenty.
North-facing elevations are the other thing worth watching. They dry slowly and hold green growth on the frames long after the south side has cleared.
What happens if you stretch it
Nothing dramatic, but the cleans stop being maintenance and start being recovery. Once dirt has had six months to bake on, it takes longer to shift and the result is less consistent — you are paying more for a worse finish. The point of a round is that each visit is a light touch on glass that was already clean.
The frames and sills matter here too. Grime that sits in the frame channel holds moisture against the seal, and that is where the slow damage happens. We clean frames and sills as part of every visit, not as an extra.
What it costs on a round
Regular cleans start at £15 for a 2-bed, £15–£20 for a 3-bed, and from £20 for 4-bed and larger. The first clean is around double. We use a pure-water pole system, so upstairs glass is reached from the ground and there is no ladder against your house.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you have a window cleaner?
Every 4 to 12 weeks for most UK homes. Six weeks keeps the glass consistently clear; twelve works for sheltered properties away from trees and traffic.
How often should window cleaners come to a normal house?
Most customers are on a 6 or 12-weekly round. Exposure decides it — trees, a busy road or open fields all mean the shorter cycle.
Do I need to be home when the window cleaner comes?
Not for the outside. We clean exterior windows, frames and sills from the ground with a pure-water pole, so all we need is access to the boundary of the property.
Why is the first window clean more expensive?
A house that has not been cleaned recently carries months of built-up grime, so the first visit takes considerably longer. It is around double the regular price, then the round price applies from the second visit.
What happens if it rains after a clean?
Pure water dries without spotting, so rain on freshly cleaned glass does not undo the work. Rain is dirty only once it has run over a dirty surface.
Ready to Get Started?
Based in Saffron Walden, covering Essex villages. Free quotes within 24 hours — no hard sell.
Join the round — regular cleans from £15