How Often Should You Clean Your Windows in Utah?

February 17, 2026 · 5 min read · Utah Tips

If you live along the Wasatch Front, you already know: Utah is tough on windows. Between seasonal dust storms, winter inversions, construction activity, and sprinkler overspray, your windows take a beating that homeowners in other states simply don't deal with.

So how often should you actually clean your windows? The short answer: 2 to 4 times per year for most residential properties. But let's break that down by season so you can plan accordingly.

Spring: Dust, Pollen & Wind

Spring along the Wasatch Front brings gusty winds that carry dust, pollen, and debris straight onto your glass. If you have cottonwood trees nearby, you'll see a fuzzy film building up on your windows by late April. Spring is the most popular time for window cleaning in Utah — and for good reason. A thorough cleaning in March or April sets you up with clear views heading into the warmer months.

Summer: Hard Water & Sprinkler Season

Once sprinkler systems kick on, hard water stains become the number one enemy of Utah windows. The water along the Wasatch Front is exceptionally hard — rich in calcium and magnesium from Rocky Mountain snowmelt. When sprinkler overspray hits your windows and dries in the summer sun, it leaves behind white mineral deposits that get harder to remove the longer they sit.

A mid-summer cleaning (June or July) helps prevent buildup before it becomes permanent etching. If your sprinklers regularly hit your windows, you may want to address that separately — or schedule more frequent cleanings.

Fall: Leaves, Debris & Pre-Winter Prep

Fall is the ideal time to get your windows cleaned before winter sets in. Leaves, tree sap, and organic debris accumulate on glass and sills throughout autumn. Cleaning in September or October means you'll have clear windows heading into the holidays and won't be dealing with grime that freezes onto the glass during Utah's cold months.

This is also a great time to clean window screens and tracks — all the pollen and dust from spring and summer has been collecting there for months.

Winter: Inversions & Road Grime

Utah's infamous winter inversions trap a layer of smog and particulates in the Salt Lake Valley for days or weeks at a time. This pollution settles on every surface — including your windows. Add road salt spray and general winter grime, and your windows can look pretty rough by February.

While winter window cleaning is less common (and weather-dependent), a late-winter cleaning in February or early March can make a dramatic difference, especially for homes in the valley floor where inversions hit hardest.

Utah-Specific Factors to Consider

• Construction dust: Salt Lake City is booming. If there's new construction near your home, you'll need more frequent cleanings — possibly monthly until the project wraps up.
• Proximity to I-15 or major roads: Highway grime travels further than you'd think. Homes near busy roads accumulate film faster.
• Elevation and exposure: Homes on the east bench or in exposed areas get more wind-driven debris.
• Sprinkler overspray: The single biggest cause of window damage in Utah. Adjust your sprinklers and schedule regular hard water stain removal.

Recommended Cleaning Schedule

Residential homes: 2-4 times per year (spring, mid-summer, fall, and optionally late winter). Homes with heavy sprinkler exposure or nearby construction may benefit from every other month.

Commercial properties: Monthly or quarterly cleaning is standard. Storefronts and customer-facing businesses should clean at least monthly to maintain curb appeal.

Recurring service plans save money and ensure your windows never get to the point where they need heavy restoration. Most professional window cleaners — including us — offer discounts for scheduled recurring service.

The Bottom Line

Utah's climate demands more window maintenance than the national average. Between hard water, inversions, dust, and construction, your windows are working against you year-round. A simple 2-4x per year cleaning schedule keeps your home looking great, protects your glass from permanent damage, and costs far less than window replacement down the road.