Refreshing Commercial Spaces for the New Year
When the New Year arrives, employees and visitors see familiar spaces in a new light. Clean, streak-free windows maximise natural daylight, lift mood, improve productivity and reinforce a professional image.
As the calendar turns and London streets fill with renewed energy, it’s natural to take stock of your commercial property. People coming back to work often see familiar surroundings with fresh eyes, and the brightness of a space speaks volumes about how a business cares for its people and visitors.
Clean windows do more than let the sun in; they support human wellbeing, improve productivity and present your brand at its best.
This blog explores why sparkling glass matters psychologically, how often it should be done, and why partnering with a professional team such as Classic London makes the process effortless.
Natural light and its psychological benefits
Light shapes mood.
Researchers from leading institutions have found that access to daylight increases sleep duration and quality for office workers, boosts productivity and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. When sunlight pours through clean windows it regulates our circadian rhythms, which support mental alertness and reduce fatigue.
A survey of over one thousand office workers reported that natural light is the most desired workplace perk; employees said that limited light and views negatively affected their mood, focus and sleep. Studies comparing workers in spaces with windows against those without showed that the windowed group slept almost an hour longer each night, had higher vitality scores and experienced less daytime dysfunction.
Beyond sleep and mood, natural light improves productivity and cognitive performance. Reviews of decades of research show that people working in windowless environments report higher stress, lower satisfaction and poorer health outcomes.
Students working under daylight perform better on cognitive tasks than those exposed only to artificial light.
Clean glass maximises these benefits by allowing more light to enter the building. Dirty windows scatter and absorb sunlight, so occupants rely on artificial lighting, which has been linked to eyestrain and decreased alertness. Keeping panes clear ensures that indoor spaces feel open, uplifting and energised.
How daylight supports wellbeing and productivity
The table below summarises key findings from peer‑reviewed studies on natural light and window access. Each row translates technical research into practical insights for property managers.
Evidence from studies | Implications for commercial buildings |
Workers exposed to natural light sleep an average of 46 minutes longer each night and report better sleep quality | Adequate daylight improves rest and reduces fatigue, which translates to better workplace performance. |
Surveys show that limited daylight harms mood, productivity and sleep for up to half of office employees | Lack of light can lead to irritability, decreased concentration and increased staff turnover; bright spaces signal care for employee wellbeing. |
People in windowless environments exhibit higher stress, lower satisfaction and poorer health | Investing in clean windows and daylight access supports mental health and reduces absenteeism. |
Students and workers in daylight‑rich spaces perform better on cognitive tasks than those relying solely on artificial light | Natural light enhances focus, decision‑making and problem‑solving, which benefit businesses across industries. |
How often should you clean windows in London?
The frequency of window cleaning depends on location, building height, surrounding traffic and the type of business. London’s busy streets deposit pollutants and grime on glass quickly, especially along main roads and near construction sites.
Weather also plays its part; winter rain leaves mineral deposits, while summer dust adheres to glass. To maintain clarity and light, most commercial properties should schedule exterior window cleaning at least quarterly.
High‑rise or high‑traffic locations may require monthly or even fortnightly cleans, whereas lower‑traffic areas can often be managed every three to six months. Interior panes generally need less frequent attention, though kitchens, cafes or areas prone to condensation benefit from monthly cleaning to prevent smudges and water marks. Regular cleaning not only preserves transparency but also protects the glass from etching caused by accumulated pollutants.
Recommended cleaning frequency
Building context | Typical exterior cleaning schedule | Notes |
Central London offices near busy roads | Every 4–6 weeks | Traffic emissions and construction dust accumulate quickly; regular cleaning ensures maximum daylight and a professional appearance. |
High‑rise buildings | Every 4–8 weeks | Wind‑blown dirt and rain deposits affect upper floors more than ground‑level; rope access or MEWP crews keep façades clear. |
Retail and hospitality premises | Every 4 weeks | Customer-facing businesses rely on spotless glass to attract footfall and provide inviting interiors. |
Suburban offices or light industrial units | Every 3–4 months | Less pollution means longer intervals, though seasonal checks help maintain quality. |
Interior windows and partitions | Every 2–3 months | Wipe marks and fingerprints reduce transparency; more frequent cleaning in kitchens, cafeterias and gyms. |
Establishing a bespoke schedule reduces confusion and ease frustrations. Classic London assesses factors such as the building’s height, surrounding environment and specific use to recommend a plan that balances appearance, natural light and cost efficiency.
Stress‑free maintenance through professional scheduling
Many facilities managers leave window cleaning until complaints arise because co‑ordinating access, equipment and safety compliance can feel daunting. However, when cleaning becomes part of an annual maintenance plan the process feels effortless.
Service providers handle the risk assessments, rope access teams, MEWP permits and safety protocols, allowing building operators to focus on their core responsibilities.
As the new year begins it is an ideal moment to embed cleaning into a routine; budgets are refreshed and there is appetite for improvement.
With a scheduled plan, cleans occur automatically throughout the year, so there’s no need to scramble for last‑minute appointments or risk streaked glass during important events.
A professional team such as Classic London provides value beyond the act of cleaning. Our technicians are trained in high‑level access, ensuring safe and efficient work on even the most complex façades. The use purified water systems and eco‑friendly detergents to eliminate residues, and conduct quality checks to maintain consistent standards. Our scheduling platform sends reminders ahead of each visit so there are no surprises; if weather or site conditions change, they co‑ordinate alternatives without disrupting operations. For multi‑site portfolios, a single point of contact simplifies communication and reporting.
How Classic London elevates your building’s image
Window cleaning is one of Classic London’s core services, and their expertise shows in both methodology and results. With over four decades of experience, we have built a reputation for reliability and safety. Unlike generic cleaning firms, Classic London offers rope access for tall structures, mobile elevating work platforms for mid‑rise properties and traditional pole systems for ground floors. This versatility allows us to choose the safest and most effective technique for each site.
Classic London also holds ISO 14001 environmental certification and follow strict risk assessment procedures, which means clients can be confident that work is conducted responsibly. As competitors often focus on volume rather than quality, Classic London stands out by investing in skilled personnel, continuous training and state‑of‑the‑art equipment. This translates to streak‑free results, minimal disruption and a finish that lasts longer between cleans.
Tying it all together: a fresh start for the new year
January offers a symbolic clean slate; it is a time when organisations set goals and refresh strategies. Applying that mindset to your building’s windows delivers tangible benefits. Allowing more natural light into your workspace supports sleep quality, mood and productivity. Scheduling regular cleans prevents dirt from building up and reduces long‑term costs associated with glass replacement. Entrusting the task to specialists ensures safety, compliance and consistent quality, freeing you to focus on what you do best.
At Classic London, we partner with property managers, retailers and office owners across the city to deliver tailored window cleaning programmes. Our teams take care of everything from risk assessments and permits to quality checks and aftercare. When your building’s glass shines, your people feel better, your clients feel welcome and your brand looks its best. Start the year with clarity - inside and out - and see how a brighter space can transform your business.