How Often Should You Clean Your Windows in Coquitlam? A Local Guide
Coquitlam gets a lot of rain. We get over 1,600 mm each year. That is more than three times what most of Canada gets. All this water makes windows dirty fast. You will see water spots, white marks, and green slime on your glass. This is a big problem for homes in the Tri Cities.
This guide will help you know when to clean your windows. We will talk about what makes windows dirty here. We will show you how often to clean based on your home type. And we will share tips from local window cleaners who work in our rainy weather every day.
How Often Should You Clean Your Windows in Coquitlam?
Most homes in Coquitlam need window cleaning 2 to 3 times a year. Our heavy rain and warm winters make it easy for water spots and green slime to grow. Homes near busy roads may need cleaning every 2 to 3 months. Homes near trees do best with a spring cleaning and a fall cleaning. Townhomes often get cleaned 4 times a year.
Want to see how clean windows can change your home? Get pricing for window cleaning in Coquitlam.
Why Coquitlam Weather Makes Windows Dirty
Living in Coquitlam means dealing with weather that most of Canada does not have. Our area has its own climate. This makes keeping windows clean harder than in other places.
Rain Does Not Clean Your Windows
Many people think rain cleans windows. But it does not. Rain picks up dust and dirt from the air as it falls. When rain lands on your windows, it leaves behind tiny bits of stuff. Each time it rains, more dirt builds up. This dries into spots and streaks you can see.
Warm Winters Mean Green Slime Grows All Year
Most of Canada gets very cold winters. But Coquitlam stays pretty warm. This means green slime and mold can grow on your windows all year long. That green or black stuff you see on window edges is not just dirt. It is alive and it keeps spreading if you do not clean it off.
Trees and Mountains Add More Mess
Coquitlam sits near mountains and is full of trees. Homes near Burke Mountain, Westwood Plateau, and Minnekhada Park get extra pollen, tree sap, and bits of leaves. This stuff sticks to windows. Rain cannot wash it away.
Local window cleaners see these problems every day. The most common issue on Coquitlam windows is hard water stains mixed with green slime. This happens most on windows that face north and stay in the shade.
How Often to Clean Windows Based on Your Home Type
How often you need to clean depends on where you live and what kind of home you have. Here is what works best for different homes in the Tri Cities.
Houses
Most houses in Coquitlam do well with 2 to 3 cleanings a year. The best times are spring (March or April) to clear winter gunk, late summer (August) to remove pollen, and fall (September or October) before the big rains start. A window cleaning service in Coquitlam can help you pick a schedule that works for your home and budget.
Townhomes and Condos
Townhomes and condo buildings often get cleaned 4 times a year. This is set up by the building manager. If your building does not include window cleaning, you can follow this same schedule on your own. Your unit will look better than your neighbors.
Homes Near Parks and Trails
If you live near Burke Mountain trails, Mundy Park, or other wooded areas, plan for more cleaning. Pollen, sap, and bits of trees make your windows dirty faster. Cleaning every 2 to 3 months keeps them looking good.
Homes on Busy Streets
Homes along Lougheed Highway, Austin Avenue, or other busy roads get more car exhaust and road dust on them. Cleaning every 2 to 3 months stops this grime from sticking to the glass for good.
Homes in New Neighborhoods
Homes in areas like Burke Mountain or Partington Creek deal with dust from building sites. This dust seems to never stop. You may need to clean every 6 to 8 weeks until the building nearby is done.
Signs Your Windows Need Cleaning Now
Even if you have a cleaning schedule, sometimes your windows need help sooner. Here are signs to look for.
1. You see spots or streaks when it is not raining: This means minerals have built up on the glass.
2. Green or black stuff along the edges: This is slime or mold. It will spread if you do not clean it.
3. Rooms feel darker than normal: Dirty windows block light from coming in.
4. Hard to see through the glass: If you see a haze when you look outside, it is time for a cleaning.
Window cleaners in Coquitlam check the corners first. That is where problems show up early. A quick look at these spots tells you if your windows need cleaning before your next scheduled visit.
Not sure if it is time? Ask for a free window check from a local pro.
Should You Clean Windows Yourself or Hire a Pro?
Wondering if you should clean your own windows or call a pro? Here is how the two choices compare.
When Doing It Yourself Works
Cleaning your own windows makes sense for ground floor glass you can reach safely. A squeegee, bucket, and soap work fine for easy windows. If you like the work and have time on a dry day, you can save money on these lower windows.
When Hiring a Pro Makes Sense
Windows on the second floor or higher need special gear. Ladders on bumpy ground are risky, and Coquitlam has lots of hills. A fall from even a short height can hurt you badly. WorkSafeBC says ladders cause many injuries in BC. They warn that proper setup and safety steps are key for anyone working up high.¹
Pro crews also use special clean water that stops spots from forming. These systems take out the tiny bits in tap water that leave white marks on glass. Your windows stay cleaner longer without spots.
Time and Work Compared
| What to Think About | Do It Yourself | Hire a Pro |
| Time It Takes | 2 to 4 hours | 1 to 2 hours |
| Tools You Need | Squeegee, bucket, ladder | They bring everything |
| Upper Windows | Risky without training | Safe with pro gear |
| Water Type | Tap water leaves spots | Pure water, no spots |
| Results | Good for ground floor | Streak free on all floors |
One mistake local crews often fix is water damage to window seals. Using too much water or the wrong method can push water into the frame. Over time, this causes rot and breaks the seal.
Looking for window cleaning in the Tri Cities? Capstone Gutter Cleaning works in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, and nearby areas.
How to Pick a Window Cleaning Schedule
Setting up a cleaning schedule is easy. Here is a simple plan that works for most Coquitlam homes.
1. Start with two cleanings a year. Spring and fall work for most homes. If you see dirt building up between cleanings, add a summer cleaning too.
2. Book spring cleaning in March or April. This clears winter gunk before pollen season hits. Your windows will be clean for the sunny months.
3. Book fall cleaning in September or October. Get windows clean before the heavy rain starts. Clean windows push water off better than dirty ones.
4. Set reminders or sign up for a plan. Many window cleaning companies offer a schedule service. They remind you before each visit and you can change the date if you need to.
Get Started with Clean Windows
Clean windows make a real difference in how your home looks and feels. More light comes in. Your home looks better from outside. And you protect your windows from damage that dirt can cause over time.
Ready to start? Get a free window cleaning quote for your Coquitlam home. Capstone Gutter Cleaning has helped homes in the Tri Cities since 2013. The team is fully insured and has the right gear to clean any window safely.
Common Questions
How much does window cleaning cost in Coquitlam?
The price depends on how many windows you have and how hard they are to reach. Most homes fall in a normal price range. Ask a local company for a quote based on your home.
Can windows be cleaned when it is raining?
Yes, pros can clean in light rain. They use special pure water that dries without leaving spots. But heavy rain or strong wind may mean you need to reschedule.
How long do clean windows stay clean in Coquitlam?
With pro cleaning using pure water, most homes stay clean for 2 to 4 months. Homes near trees or busy roads may get dirty sooner.
Do you clean screens and tracks too?
Most window cleaning services clean screens and wipe tracks as part of the job. Dirty screens put grime back on clean glass, so cleaning them together works better.
Is window cleaning safe for my windows?
Yes, pro window cleaning is safe for all normal home windows. Trained crews know how to handle different glass types and frames without causing damage. Always make sure your cleaner has insurance.
References
1. WorkSafeBC. “Ladders.” WorkSafeBC Health & Safety. https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/tools-machinery-equipment/ladders
