Can you clean windows in winter?
By Service Plus Stockholm AB4 min read
Short answer
Can outdoor window cleaning be done in winter in Stockholm?
Yes, outdoor window cleaning can normally be done down to around -5°C, sometimes colder if it's calm and the window isn't in direct sun. Below that point, water freezes onto the glass before it can be wiped away, leaving ice and streaks behind. Service Plus then uses cleaning solutions mixed with alcohol or glycol to lower the freezing point, so work can continue through nearly the whole winter, and private individuals still get the RUT deduction on the labour cost just as at other times of year.
Can windows be cleaned outdoors in sub-zero temperatures?
Yes, outdoor cleaning normally works down to around -5°C, and sometimes a little colder if it's calm, overcast and the window isn't in direct sunlight. At lower temperatures, the water freezes onto the glass before it can be wiped off, leaving frost streaks instead of a clean surface. Service Plus assesses the weather conditions before every visit and, when needed, uses a solution mixed with alcohol or glycol that lowers the freezing point, which means most winter days in Stockholm are suitable for cleaning.
- The temperature right at the window, not just the shaded air temperature
- Wind strength, since wind cools the surface further
- Whether the sun is hitting the glass directly and causing it to dry too fast
- Whether the window is already covered in frost or ice
What's different about winter cleaning compared to summer?
The main differences are the cleaning solution used and the time of day the work is done. In winter, a solution with a lower freezing point is often used, and the work is preferably scheduled around midday when temperatures are mildest and any frost has had time to thaw off the glass. The drying-off is also done more quickly and with a firmer technique, since the water would otherwise start to freeze before the squeegee has covered the whole window.
When should window cleaning wait during winter?
If a window is covered in thick ice, snow is resting against the glass, or the temperature is below around -10°C, the result is rarely good regardless of the solution used, and it's better to wait for a milder day or clean the inside in the meantime. Windows that never get any sun and sit permanently in shade on a cold façade may need to wait longer than other sides of the building. Service Plus assesses each window on site and cleans the surfaces that are workable, rather than postponing the whole job because a single window is particularly cold.
Why hire help for winter window cleaning?
Icy pavements, frost on steps and ladders that become slippery in the cold make winter window cleaning a job where the right equipment and experience make a big difference to safety. Many people also choose to leave winter cleaning to professionals simply because there isn't enough time during the darker season, or because high windows and bay windows feel uncomfortable to reach alone when the ground is slippery.
- Ladders and steps become slippery from frost and ice
- High windows and bay windows are uncomfortable to reach in cold and darkness
- The right solution and technique are needed for a streak-free result in sub-zero temperatures
- The RUT deduction halves the labour cost even for winter cleaning
- Time is often in short supply in the middle of the winter season
How Service Plus cleans windows in winter
Rutan and the team at Service Plus Stockholm AB assess temperature, wind and sun exposure before every winter visit and choose the cleaning solution accordingly, so that even cold days can be worked without frost streaks. We bring our own equipment, ladders and lifts as needed, and which windows are to be cleaned, how often, and whether both the inside and outside are included is agreed with you at the visit and written into the quote. Private individuals receive the RUT deduction on up to 50% of the labour cost, deducted directly from the invoice. Get in touch and you'll receive a free quote within 24 hours.
Common follow-up questions
Does window cleaning work in sub-zero temperatures without leaving streaks?
Yes, with the right solution and technique, clean windows are achievable down to around -5°C, sometimes colder if it's calm and the sun isn't on the glass. Service Plus uses a solution with a lower freezing point when needed to avoid frost streaks.
Can window cleaning be booked even after recent snowfall?
Yes, as long as the windows aren't covered in ice or thick snow, cleaning after a snowfall is usually fine. Service Plus assesses the conditions on site and decides which windows can be done the same day.
Does window cleaning qualify for the RUT deduction in winter too?
Yes, the RUT deduction applies year-round to the labour cost of window cleaning, with up to 50% off and a cap of SEK 75,000 per person per year. The deduction is taken directly off the invoice from Service Plus.
How often should windows be cleaned in winter compared to summer?
Many choose to space out cleaning a bit during the coldest months and instead add an extra session in spring to remove dirt and road salt residue from winter. How often works best for your particular property is something we agree on at the visit.
