A proper window cleaning round should include the uPVC frames, sills and glass as standard, not just the pane itself. If a window cleaner is only rinsing the glass and leaving grubby frames and mould-streaked sills behind, that's a sign of a rushed job or an outdated approach, not the industry norm.
That said, there's a difference between frames getting a routine wipe-down as part of the pure water clean and a deep uPVC restoration for badly discoloured or oxidised plastic, and it's worth knowing where that line sits before you book.
What's included in a standard clean
With modern pure water window cleaning, the water-fed pole and brush go over the whole window unit: glass, frame, and sill together, because the brush is scrubbing the full surface as it works, not just the glass in the middle. The frames and sills get rinsed with the same spot-free pure water as the glass, which lifts general dirt, cobwebs and light grime.
This is genuinely different from the old bucket-and-squeegee method, which mainly worked the glass and left frames largely untouched unless the cleaner made a specific effort. If your cleaner still uses a traditional squeegee only, ask directly whether frames and sills are included, because with that method they often aren't.
What counts as extra: deep frame restoration
Routine cleaning removes surface dirt but won't fix uPVC that's gone grey, chalky or yellowed from years of UV exposure and pollution. That's oxidation in the plastic itself, and it needs a specific restoration treatment, cleaning agent and cutting compound, sometimes followed by a protective coating, which is a separate, priced service from routine window cleaning.
Similarly, mould and black mildew streaks in silicone sealant around frames, or built-up grime in deep sill grooves and weep holes, may need extra attention beyond a standard pass and should be flagged as an add-on rather than assumed to be free.
What good practice looks like
A conscientious window cleaner checks weep holes aren't blocked while they're at it, since blocked weep holes trap water in the frame and can lead to damp problems indoors. They'll also flag if sealant looks perished or if a sill is cracked, useful information even if it's not something they'll fix themselves.
What you shouldn't accept is a cleaner who only sprays glass and moves on, leaving cobwebs in the corners and dirt lines along the sill. That's corner-cutting, and it's common enough among unqualified or one-off cleaners that it's worth asking about upfront.
What to ask before your first booking
It's reasonable to ask a prospective window cleaner directly whether frames and sills are included in the standard visit price, and what method they use, pure water pole systems and traditional squeegee work genuinely differ in how thoroughly they cover the whole window unit. A clear, confident answer is a good sign; vagueness about what's actually included suggests you might end up with glass-only cleaning and a surprise later if you ask for more.
It's also worth asking how often frames get a proper scrub versus just a rinse, since heavily soiled sills, especially ground floor sills near a road or driveway, sometimes need a bit more attention than upper-storey windows that see less traffic grime.
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