Window Cleaning: The Complete Guide

How does pure water window cleaning work?

Pure water systems filter tap water to remove minerals and impurities, producing water with an extremely low dissolved solids content. Applied to glass through a brush on an extendable pole, this pure water lifts dirt without leaving mineral deposits behind as it dries, which means no streaking and no need to hand-dry or squeegee the glass afterwards.

This method also reaches windows on upper storeys from the ground, removing the need for ladders on most two and three-storey domestic properties. It's particularly effective for conservatory roofs, skylights and awkward angles that would be genuinely difficult and risky to reach with a traditional ladder and squeegee approach.

Regular rounds versus one-off cleans

Most residential window cleaning in the UK runs as a regular round, typically every four to eight weeks, which keeps windows consistently clean and is usually priced lower per visit than a one-off clean because the contractor isn't dealing with heavy built-up grime each time. A one-off clean, for a house that hasn't had windows done in a while or ahead of a specific event, costs more per visit since it takes longer to bring the glass and frames back up to standard.

Frames and sills are usually included in a standard clean alongside the glass, since grime on uPVC frames is easy to miss but noticeably improves the overall look once addressed.

What window cleaning typically costs

A regular round for a standard semi-detached house typically runs from around £15 to £25 per visit, with bungalows sometimes slightly less and larger detached houses or those with conservatories running higher. One-off cleans, particularly for a property that's not been done in a long time, are usually priced individually rather than at the regular round rate, often starting from around £30 to £60 depending on size and condition.

Commercial window cleaning is priced differently again, usually based on number of panes, height and access requirements, since shopfronts and office buildings vary enormously in scale and complexity compared with a standard house.

Commercial window cleaning considerations

Commercial properties often need more frequent cleaning than domestic rounds, particularly street-level shopfronts that pick up dirt and fingerprints quickly, and access requirements can be more complex with multi-storey buildings needing reach-and-wash systems rated for greater heights. Risk assessments and method statements are commonly expected for commercial work, alongside proof of insurance, which a professional contractor should be able to provide without being asked twice.