Window cleaning myths debunked

Window cleaning myths

Ready to face the (window cleaning) facts? Let’s get into it…

Polish your windows with newspaper

Ever heard this advice? 

While this used to be a good DIY trick to getting streak-free windows, things have changed. The quality of newspapers has diminished over the years, and thanks to the cost-cutting attempts of struggling media outlets, they’re now printed on cheap, thin paper.

Instead of being the effective polishing rag they once were, they now tear and crumble when wet. To make matters worse, the water will make the ink run. So unless you want smudges on your windows, save your old newspapers for other DIY projects such as environmentally-friendly wrapping. 

What’s a better alternative? Just use a microfibre cleaning cloth — it’ll work much better!

Hot water cleans windows better

There’s some truth to this one. Warm water speeds up the chemical reactions that break down dirt, so it can be more effective at cleaning than cold water.

You just need to make sure your water is no hotter than lukewarm. Why? Hot water evaporates quickly, which will give your cleaning agent less time to do its job. Not only is it frustrating when this happens, but it can also make you second guess the effectiveness of your cleaner.

Rain makes windows dirty

We can confidently say that this one is false.

Rain is pure, clean water. And unless you live somewhere affected by heavy air pollution, this will be the case wherever you are. While rainwater can make pre-existing dirt more visible, heavy rain will always help wash away window dirt to some extent.

Clean your windows on a hot day

While it might be tempting to clean your windows on a hot day (after all, who wants to stand out in the cold?) it’s not the best thing for your windows.

Glass is a conductor so when it’s hot outside, your panes will be hot too. Why does this matter? Your cleaning solution will evaporate too fast to work sufficiently, which can even cause streaks. Resist the urge to ‘seize the good weather’ and get cleaning on a moderately warm, cloudy day.

How much does a window cleaner cost?

While cleaning your own windows is always going to be the cheaper option, if your panes need a deep clean or you live in a multi-story property, you’ll need a professional window cleaner.

Window cleaning prices start at around £30, which covers your cleaner’s time and all their window cleaning kit. Of course, the size of your home and windows and whether you have a conservatory will influence the cost. But unless you live in a stately home, the price should still be reasonable.

Self-cleaning windows

In our opinion, this is the best type of window cleaning. Why? Because you don’t actually need to do anything yourself (apart from installing the glass in the first place). This glass contains a layer of self-cleaning film which is capable of removing most of the dirt that collects on your windows.
It’s a great solution for hard to reach conservatory roofs or skylights, so contact us to learn more.

New Windows

For more window advice, give us a call or drop by our Warminster showroom. Need to replace your windows? Get the ball rolling by browsing our window styles in this online brochure.