Should You Clean Windows Before Holiday Guests?

Yes. Cleaning your windows a week or two before holiday guests arrive is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel brighter and more cared for. Low winter sun shines straight through the glass and shows every fingerprint, smudge and film, so the inside of your windows matters as much as the outside. Booking in early November gives you the best chance at the date you want.

Here is what to focus on and how to plan it.

Why do dirty windows stand out more in winter?

In San Diego, the winter sun sits lower in the sky, so light hits windows at a sharp angle for more of the day. That angle shows streaks, handprints and haze that are easy to miss in summer. Guests sitting in your living room or at the dinner table will see the glass in that same light.

What should you focus on inside?

Some windows matter more than others when you are hosting:

• Sliding doors and patio doors, which everyone touches.
• Living room and dining room windows, where guests spend time.
• Kitchen windows, which collect cooking film.
• Entry glass and sidelights that greet guests at the door.
• Low panes marked by kids and pets.

Do sills and tracks matter?

Yes. Clean glass over a dusty sill or a track full of dirt still looks unfinished. Sliding door tracks in particular collect sand, leaves and grime, and they are right where guests walk. Cleaning sills and tracks with the glass gives a complete look.

What does professional interior window cleaning include?

Scrubz interior window cleaning includes:

• Interior glass hand-cleaned to a streak-free shine
• Floors and sills protected with drop cloths
• Interior sills and tracks wiped as we go
• Careful, tidy work around furniture and blinds

It is a tidy job, so you can book it in the busy weeks before a holiday without worrying about the mess.

Should you clean outside too?

If you can, yes. Dirt on the outside shows just as much when the sun hits the glass, and it is hard to tell which side a smudge is on. Coastal homes collect salt film, and inland homes collect dust. Cleaning both sides at once gives the clearest result. Many homeowners also add screen cleaning so the view stays sharp.

When should you book?

Early to mid November is ideal for Thanksgiving and December gatherings. Calendars get busy as the holidays approach, so booking early gives you more choice. Aim to have the windows done a few days to a week before guests arrive.

How can you prepare for the visit?

• Clear windowsills of decor, plants and photos.
• Move small furniture a little away from the windows if you can.
• Raise or open blinds and curtains.
• Let us know about fragile items near the glass.
• Keep pets in another room during the visit.

How do you keep windows clean through the holidays?

Keep a microfiber cloth handy for quick touch-ups on sliding doors. Wipe with a light glass cleaner and buff dry, out of direct sun. A quick pass the morning of a gathering keeps the glass looking freshly cleaned.

Frequently asked questions

When should I clean windows before the holidays?

A few days to a week before guests arrive works well. Book in early November for the best date options.

Do you protect floors during interior cleaning?

Yes. Floors and sills are protected with drop cloths.

Do you clean window tracks too?

Interior sills and tracks are wiped as we go. Deeper track detailing is also available.

Do you serve my area?

We serve San Diego County, including La Jolla, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Poway, El Cajon, Chula Vista and Coronado.

Get a free quote

Tell us about your home on our free quote page and get your windows ready for the holidays.