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A Homes & Gardens gardening report recommends washing windows in November to remove grime that can reduce daylight reaching indoor plants. The article says this may support plants during shorter winter days, but window cleaning alone will not substantially raise light levels; plant placement, leaf cleaning and grow lights are other options.
Homes & Gardens recommends washing windows in November as a simple way to remove grime that can block some daylight from reaching houseplants during shorter winter days. The gardening report presents the task as one part of seasonal plant care, not a substitute for adequate light or other adjustments.
The article’s author says cleaning windows inside and out can allow more light to pass through, which may benefit plants positioned near windows or farther back in a room. The report links limited light in fall and winter with leggy growth: long, sparse stems that can be weak and may use a plant’s energy. It also notes that some houseplants grow more slowly or enter dormancy in cooler months.
The suggested task is straightforward: remove dirt and debris from the glass, using a cloth or window squeegee. The author says the benefit is especially relevant for larger plants in fixed positions that cannot easily be moved closer to a window. The report does not provide measurements of how much additional light clean windows transmit or quantify any effect on plant growth.
Window cleaning is not the only measure described. The author also recommends moving light-hungry plants nearer bright windows where practical, wiping dust from leaves, and rotating plants weekly for more even exposure. Grow lights are offered as an additional option when natural light is insufficient. The report cautions that harsh winter sun can scorch sensitive leaves and that soil may dry more slowly in winter, increasing the risk of overwatering and root rot.
A Small Step Against Winter Light Loss
Shorter days can reduce the natural light available to indoor plants, so even small barriers between a plant and a window may matter, particularly for plants already in dim locations. Cleaning glass is a low-effort maintenance task that can remove one potential obstruction without changing a room’s layout.
The practical value depends on the home: window direction, outdoor shade, glass condition, plant species and distance from the window all affect how much light a plant receives. The report offers no controlled test or measured increase, so the recommendation is best understood as one possible improvement rather than a guaranteed fix for weak growth. Readers may need to combine it with moving plants or adding artificial light.
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Winter Plant Care Beyond Clean Glass
The report places November window cleaning within a broader seasonal shift: daylight hours decrease and temperatures cool as fall gives way to winter. Many indoor plants slow their growth during this period, while their access to natural light can also change. The article says inadequate lighting may contribute to elongated, sparse stems.
Its advice also reflects a balance between light and other winter conditions. Moving a plant toward a bright window may increase exposure, but direct or harsh sun can damage sensitive leaves. Meanwhile, slower soil drying means watering routines may need adjustment. The source does not name specific plant varieties or give species-by-species care instructions, so growers should account for their own plants’ needs.
“I find washing my windows every November makes a huge difference for fall houseplant care.”
— Homes & Gardens report author
How Much Extra Light Is Unproven
The supplied report does not state how dirty a window must be before cleaning makes a meaningful difference, nor does it give readings comparing light levels before and after washing. It also provides no trial data showing that the routine prevents leggy growth or improves plant health. The claimed benefit is presented as the author’s experience and practical guidance.
Results will vary with window orientation, weather, nearby buildings or trees, glass condition, and how far plants sit from the glass. The report does not specify which species will benefit most, or how to judge whether a plant needs a grow light. Its advice about moving plants also comes with a caution: sensitive plants may be harmed by strong direct sun.
Pair Cleaning With Plant Checks
For readers following the advice, the next step is to clean accessible window surfaces and check whether plants receive enough light as the season changes. Plants with sparse, elongated growth may prompt a review of their location, but the report does not establish that low light is the only possible cause.
After any move, monitor leaves for signs of sun damage and check soil before watering, since it may stay wet longer in cooler conditions. If natural light remains limited, the source suggests considering a grow light. No further testing or follow-up results are included in the supplied report.
Key Questions
Why wash windows in November for houseplants?
The Homes & Gardens report says cleaning away dirt and debris may allow more daylight through the glass as winter days get shorter. It describes this as one part of seasonal care, not a guaranteed way to change plant growth.
Does clean glass provide enough light on its own?
No. The report explicitly says window cleaning will not drastically improve light levels alone. Moving plants closer to bright windows or using grow lights may also help, depending on the home and plant.
What other steps does the report recommend?
It suggests relocating plants that need more light, wiping dust from leaves, rotating plants weekly, and considering grow lights when needed. It warns that harsh winter sun can scorch sensitive leaves.
Should winter watering change too?
The report says soil can take longer to dry in winter, so watering too frequently may contribute to root rot and attract pests such as fungus gnats. Check the soil rather than relying on a fixed schedule.
Source: homesandgardens.com
