The Top 5 Spots Building Owners Forget to Clean—Until It’s Too Late

Let’s be honest—most property managers and building owners don’t walk around with a squeegee and ladder. They assume their janitorial crew or contracted cleaners are handling it all. But when it comes to window cleaning services in Chicago, what’s “clean” and what’s actually maintained can be two very different things.

Here’s the truth: Certain glass surfaces and window components get skipped again and again. Not on purpose—but because they’re either out of sight, hard to reach, or simply not on the average checklist.

And unfortunately, the longer these areas go unaddressed, the worse the damage becomes.

So today, we’re highlighting five of the most commonly overlooked spots—and why it pays to keep them on your radar (and your vendor’s checklist).

1. Window Tracks: The Hidden Gutter System Most Window Cleaning Chicago Crews Overlook

Sure, the glass is shining. But what about the tracks? Dirt, water, and debris settle into those narrow window grooves over time.

Chicago’s fluctuating weather causes that buildup to trap condensation, which eventually damages the seals or leads to rust if you don’t clear it out.

Clean tracks don’t just look better—they help your windows function properly. And if you’ve ever tried opening a window only to feel it stick, you know exactly how important that is.

Professional window cleaning services in Chicago know to include track cleaning in their service—not just wipe around them.

2. Windowsills: The Overlooked Catch-All

Whether it’s indoors or out, the windowsill tends to be the drop zone for everything the wind (or HVAC system) brings. Dust, allergens, leaves, dead insects, and grime settle there. And if left alone, they become a health hazard—especially in schools or medical settings.

In commercial buildings, dirty sills also give off a vibe—one that says, “We don’t sweat the small stuff.” Not exactly the message you want your tenants or customers to take away.

Regular service from expert window cleaners in Chicago keeps your sills scrubbed, sanitized, and properly maintained every time.

3. Interior Glass Partitions: The Forgotten Glass in Many Window Cleaning Chicago Jobs

If your building includes modern glass conference rooms, office dividers, or decorative glass features, you probably already know how fast they get smudged. Fingerprints, sneeze spray, and oily forehead marks (yes, it happens) are on full display.

But here’s what’s surprising: many janitorial teams don’t clean these surfaces regularly. They’re not “windows,” so they don’t make the glass-cleaning list. And since people often don’t report them, they get missed week after week.

Professional window cleaning services in Chicago include internal glass in their protocols—keeping your interiors just as clean and professional as your exterior views.

4. Skylights: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Skylights are stunning. They offer natural light, reduce energy costs, and elevate the look of any building. But they’re also high up—making them a nightmare to clean.

Unfortunately, when skylights get neglected, it shows. Dirt buildup cuts the light, water spots turn into permanent stains, and grime can degrade the material itself.

Reaching skylights safely and cleaning them correctly requires equipment and expertise. Reputable window cleaning services in Chicago come prepared with high-reach tools and know how to clean delicate overhead glass without scratching it or causing leaks.

5. Atrium and Lobby Glass: Your Brand’s First Impression

The lobby glass or atrium entry isn’t just “part of the building.” It’s the face of your brand. Yet in many buildings, this glass gets cleaned only during seasonal deep cleans or when someone complains.

That’s a mistake. Smudges, water stains, and dust buildup are visible from inside and out—and they can silently affect how tenants, customers, and guests perceive your professionalism.

Frequent service from professional window cleaning services in Chicago ensures that this high-visibility area always reflects your standards—not your oversights.

Why These Spots Get Missed (and How Window Cleaning Chicago Specialists Solve That)

Let’s be honest—janitorial teams have a lot on their plates, and not every cleaning vendor specializes in the same level of detail. If your crew isn’t trained or equipped for high or intricate glasswork, chances are they’ll just leave it out. Not because they’re careless, but because it’s not in their contract, not in their training, or not on their radar.

That’s where specialized window cleaning services in Chicago come in.

They’re trained to:

• Clean hard-to-reach and high-rise glass
• Spot hidden damage (like worn seals or frame rust)
• Provide regular schedules that keep overlooked areas on the list
• Use commercial-grade tools and products for spotless results

The Cost of Neglect

Neglecting these “small” areas leads to big problems:

• Damage: Moisture and dirt can degrade seals, rust tracks, and etch glass.
• Liability: Mold in tracks or around sills can trigger health complaints.
• Brand Damage: Smudged lobby glass lowers perceived professionalism.
• Higher Costs: What could’ve been a simple clean becomes a repair or replacement.

Don’t wait for someone to complain or a contractor to quote you thousands. Get ahead of it.

Let Power Bright Keep Every Surface Spotless

At Power Bright Cleaning Services, we don’t just handle what’s obvious. Our window cleaning services in Chicago include the glass you see—and the glass you forgot was there.

We cover:

• Commercial office buildings
• Retail storefronts, fitness centers, banks
• Schools and universities
• Healthcare and hospitality properties
• Multi-story and hard-to-reach architecture

We bring safety, expertise, and attention to detail—so nothing is left to chance.

Call us at (312) 312-7866

Email: info@powerbrightcleaning.com

Or visit our Contact us page.

Let’s make your windows (and every detail around them) reflect your best.