Book a full external clean.

For UK homeowners, a full external clean ensures your property maintains its curb appeal while protecting the lifespan of expensive uPVC, timber, or aluminium frames. Modern techniques using purified water provide a streak-free finish that stays cleaner for longer than traditional soapy methods.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Initial Inspection: Assessing glass condition, identifying damaged seals, and checking for difficult-to-reach areas.
• Surface Preparation: Removing loose debris, cobwebs, and dust from the glass, frames, and sills.
• Pure Water Cleaning: Using water-fed poles to scrub the glass with deionised water, which absorbs dirt and dries without leaving spots.
• Deep Cleaning: Treating stubborn deposits like bird lime, lichen, or paint splashes with specialist non-abrasive cleaners.
• Frame and Sill Wipe-down: Ensuring the entire window unit—not just the glass—is cleaned to prevent dirt from running back onto the panes.
• Specialist Areas: Cleaning conservatory roofs, skylights, and French doors using appropriate reach-and-wash equipment.

Typical Costs

Prices are influenced primarily by the size of the property and the frequency of the clean. A "one-off" deep clean is significantly more expensive than a regular 4-weekly or 8-weekly service because of the heavier accumulation of grime.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Terrace or Flat: 30 to 60 minutes.
• Standard 3-Bed Semi: 1 to 2 hours.
• Large Detached Property: 2 to 4 hours.
• Full Conservatory Roof: 1 to 3 hours depending on moss levels.

DIY or Professional?

Cleaning ground-floor windows is a manageable DIY task, but upper floors present significant safety risks. Professional cleaners use Water-Fed Pole (WFP) systems, allowing them to work safely from the ground while reaching heights of up to 60 feet.

Professional pure water systems remove the minerals found in tap water, ensuring your windows dry perfectly clear without the need for manual squeegeeing.

If you choose to use ladders yourself, you must follow the HSE Safe Use of Ladders guidance. However, hiring a professional ensures the frames and sills are treated correctly without risking damage to your property or personal injury.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Insurance: Ensure they hold Public Liability insurance specifically covering "working at height."
• Verify Methods: Ask if they use purified water or traditional mops; pure water is generally better for modern uPVC.
• Read Reviews: Look for reliability and punctuality, as window cleaning is often a recurring service.
• Ask about "Extras": Confirm if frames, sills, and doors are included in the quoted price.
• Payment Terms: Most modern cleaners offer GoCardless or bank transfers rather than cash-on-the-door.

UK Regulations

• Work at Height Regulations 2005: This requires professionals to avoid working at height if there is a safer alternative (like water-fed poles).
• Health and Safety at Work Act: Contractors must provide a safe environment for themselves and the public.
• GDPR: If they store your contact details for a regular round, they must comply with UK data protection laws.

Common Problems

• Water Spotting: Usually caused by using "hard" tap water or failing to rinse the glass sufficiently.
• Damaged Seals: High-pressure washing (not recommended) can blow out window seals, leading to misted double glazing.
• Scratched Glass: Occurs when grit is moved around the pane with a dirty cloth or incorrect scraper.
• Access Issues: Locked gates or overgrown bushes can prevent a full clean; ensure the perimeter is clear before the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions