Why Internal Window Cleaning Is Often Overlooked

Discover the reasons why internal window cleaning is often overlooked and why it is a crucial step to include in your cleaning services.

Internal window cleaning is just as important as external cleaning, yet it is often overlooked. Internal glazing plays a vital role in workplace hygiene, comfort, and appearance, but its impact is sometimes underestimated by staff and managers who may not recognise the benefits it brings to everyday environments.

 

Reasons Why Internal Window Services Are Often Overlooked

Internal window cleaning is often overlooked in favour of exterior maintenance. In many organisations, commercial window cleaning is associated with façades and external glass, while the importance of internal glazing services for workplace hygiene and comfort is underestimated.

Budget Limitations

Budgets for cleaning and facilities management are usually controlled by a building’s managing agent or the organisation itself. Every service competes for funding, and internal window cleaning is sometimes seen as less essential. However, cutting back can cause long-term issues:

  • Property damage: Dirt and grime build-up damages glazing, frames, and surfaces, leading to costly repairs.

  • Health risks: Neglecting workplace hygiene increases the spread of germs, causing higher rates of staff sickness. According to the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), clean environments directly reduce absenteeism.

  • Reputation damage: An office or commercial space that looks neglected creates a poor impression on visitors and clients. Research by ISSA shows that cleanliness impacts customer perception more than other building features.

Perception of Lower Impact

Internal glazing is often seen as a low-priority task. Yet streaked, dirty, or smudged windows reduce natural light, affect air quality, and create a less professional feel. A Harvard Business Review study highlights how natural light significantly improves staff productivity and wellbeing, underlining the need for clean internal windows.

Assumption of Staff Responsibility

In some workplaces, management may assume that employees should handle internal window cleaning. While staff can manage basic tidying, glazing requires specialist equipment, training, and safety awareness. Industry guidance from SafeContractor stresses that professional commercial cleaning services ensure both quality and compliance with health and safety standards.

External Building Focus

When businesses think about window cleaning services, external façades usually come to mind first. While exterior glass is important for creating a strong first impression, the reality is that interiors form the lasting impression.

Pairing external and internal window cleaning guarantees a complete finish: the outside reflects professionalism, while the inside enhances comfort and experience for staff, clients, and visitors alike. Clean interiors not only look better but also support healthier and more productive working environments.

 

Clean Window Benefits for Staff and Visitors

Professional window cleaning provides more than just a clear view. Clean glazing enhances natural light, reduces germs, improves air quality, and creates a more positive atmosphere. These benefits directly support the health, wellbeing, and productivity of both staff and visitors.

For a deeper dive, take a look at our guide on The Benefits of Regular Office Window Cleaning.

Natural Light Enhancement

Regular window cleaning removes dust, dirt, and grime that build up over time, allowing more natural sunlight to enter. Increased natural light reduces the reliance on artificial lighting and delivers measurable benefits to employee health and morale.

  • Reduced eye strain: Brighter workspaces help employees focus without straining their eyes.

  • Wellbeing boost: Studies in the Journal of Environmental Psychology show that access to natural light and views of nature reduce stress and improve job satisfaction.

  • Retention impact: Harvard Business Review research highlights how workplace sunlight exposure lowers stress levels and can reduce staff turnover.

Air Quality Improvement

Clean glazing also contributes to healthier indoor air. Dust, pollen, and other allergens often collect on windows and frames, and these particles can circulate in the air when disturbed. Regular cleaning reduces airborne contaminants, improving respiratory health and decreasing sick days.

It is also essential to use eco-friendly, low-chemical cleaning products. This not only protects the environment but also prevents staff and visitors from being exposed to harsh chemical residues that may irritate the skin or lungs. Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) underlines the importance of safe cleaning practices for staff wellbeing.

Odour Reduction

Grime and dirt can also generate unpleasant odours in a workspace. Bad smells disrupt concentration, cause discomfort, and can even lead to physical symptoms such as headaches or nausea. A fresh-smelling, clean environment supports better productivity and makes a stronger impression on visitors.

Internal glazing extends across stair banisters, partitions, wall panels, and office doors. Keeping these areas clean with odour-neutralising, eco-friendly products ensures a fresher workplace that feels professional and welcoming. Clean interiors align with workplace performance standards such as the WELL Building Standard, which recognises air quality and natural light as key drivers of productivity and health.

 

Top 5 Reasons Why Internal Window Cleaning Should Be Prioritised

There are many benefits to investing in internal window cleaning, but here are our top five reasons why this service should be a priority in every commercial cleaning plan.

1. Improved Energy Efficiency

Clean internal windows allow more natural daylight into workspaces, reducing the need for artificial lighting and lowering energy costs. When paired with external cleaning, both sides of the glazing contribute to brighter and more sustainable environments.

2. Boosts Employee Productivity and Morale

Dirty or streaked glazing reduces natural light and creates darker, less motivating spaces. Clean windows enhance brightness, improve concentration, and reduce fatigue.

Our blog How Cleaning Can Improve Focus & Productivity In The Workplace explains how a well-maintained office directly supports staff performance.

3. Creates a Professional Image

Clients and visitors judge a space not just by its exterior, but also by how clean and professional it feels inside. Smudged internal glass can undermine that impression, while spotless windows reflect attention to detail and high standards.

If you’re considering outsourcing this service, read our blog What To Look For In A Window Cleaning Partner for advice on choosing a reliable provider.

4. Increased Hygiene and Odour Reduction

Internal glazing and frames can trap dust, bacteria, and even odours. Regular cleaning prevents build-up and improves overall hygiene, particularly in shared areas such as meeting rooms, stairwells, and partitions.
This is also part of creating a positive work environment, as outlined in our blog How Can A Clean Workspace Boost Team Wellbeing?.

5. Improvement of Air Quality and Health

Dust and allergens often gather around window edges and frames, contributing to poor indoor air quality. Clean glazing reduces these pollutants, improving respiratory health and helping to reduce staff sick days. A healthier environment benefits both employees and visitors while reinforcing a culture of care and responsibility.

Invest In Your Window Cleaning Services Today

We take pride in maintaining our clients’ premises to the highest standards with our internal and external services. If you’re looking for a professional window cleaning partner, get in touch with our friendly support team today. You can give us a call on 01279 944332 or email helpdesk@doccleaning.com.