At PK Cleaning we do get asked quite often what are the differences between pure water window cleaning and what many people call “traditional” window cleaning.
Here at PK Cleaning we are almost 100% pure water window cleaners but the truth be told pure water window cleaning might not be the best fit for you, in fact traditional window cleaning may be a better fit.
This article is going to explain the pros and cons of each type of window cleaning method in an honest and transparent way. By the end hopefully you’ll be able to identify which is the best fit for you.
In all cases the below assumes that the window cleaner is very good at their job and knows how to get the best out of their tools.
Traditional Window Cleaning
This is the kind of window cleaning most people are familiar with. The window cleaner uses a ladder where necessary, an applicator to apply soap, a squeegee to remove the dirty soap and cloths to smarten up any edges.
Pros
- Does a excellent job of cleaning glass. You can see the end result right away as no drying time is needed.
- Perfect for inside window cleaning as there is little water run off and it can be caught using the applicator.
- Can be used on leaky windows.
Cons
- Doesn’t clean the frames well. Some people may say you can just use a cloth on the frame but this doesn’t work well in practice. A window cleaner would need an unlimited supply of clean cloths which is not practicable, also a quick wipe with a cloth does not seem to get in every nook and cranny the way a pure water brush does.
- A thin microscopic layer of solution is left on the windows which becomes sticky and attracts dust and dirt. This means that the glass tends to get dirty quicker than would be the case with pure water.
- Safety issues with some windows. Third storey windows as well as velux can be problem. Window cleaner may climb on roofs which can sometimes lead to damage.
Pure Water Window Cleaning
- The tools used in this type of window cleaning are a brush at. the end of a carbon fibre telescopic pole which is supplied with purified water.
Pros
- Much better for cleaning the frames of the windows in fact with this type of cleaning it is important that the frames are cleaned thoroughly otherwise it can lead to spotting on glass
- No sticky layer is left on windows so they stay clean for longer
- With the extension pole many windows which would be impossible or difficult to clean with a ladder can be cleaned
- Not ideal for builders cleans. Anything with tape, render or glue patches on would be difficult if not impossible to clean with a pole.
- Upstairs sills can be cleaned with a sill brush but ingrained dirt might be better removed with a cloth.
- Not suitable for some older leaky windows
- Can’t be used for internal window cleaning unless water run off is not an issue