A complete guide from GoClear Window Cleaning.
If you’ve ever wondered whether traditional window cleaning or pure water cleaning gives the best results, you’re not alone. At GoClear, we use both methods every day, and the truth is that neither method is always better. The best choice depends entirely on the job.
For indoor windows, traditional window cleaning is almost always the right option. Using pure water indoors would leave excessive water behind and create unnecessary mess.
For indoor windows, traditional window cleaning is almost always the right option. Using pure water indoors would leave excessive water behind and create unnecessary mess.
Traditional vs Pure Water at a Glance
| Traditional Cleaning | Pure Water Cleaning |
|---|---|
| Uses cleaning solution | Uses purified water (0ppm) |
| Finished with a squeegee | Scrubbed and rinsed with a brush |
| Ideal for indoor glass | Ideal for exterior glass |
| Usually requires ladders | Usually cleaned safely from the ground |
| Instant finished result | Results appear once the windows have dried |
How Pure Water Cleaning Works?
One of the biggest advantages of pure water cleaning is that it cleans the entire window, not just the glass.
The specialist brushes we use work deep into the corners, seals and window frames, removing dirt that a cloth or microfibre simply can’t reach.
The water itself has been purified through a filtration system until it reaches 0 parts per million (0ppm). Because all of the minerals have been removed, the water dries naturally without leaving behind streaks, spots or residue that ordinary tap water would leave.
As with most things, the secret is in the technique.
We begin by thoroughly cleaning the window frames, using jets of pure water while agitating the dirt with our specialist brushes. This flushes away years of built-up grime from every crevice.
Once the frames are clean, we move on to the glass itself.
Starting at the top of the window, we work across the upper section before gradually scrubbing our way down the entire pane. Once all visible dirt has been removed, we switch our attention to the most important part of the process—rinsing.
A thorough rinse carries away the contaminated water and any remaining dirt, leaving only pure water on the surface. After cleaning the sills, the window is left to dry naturally, revealing bright, sparkling glass without the need for a squeegee.
The only downside?
You’ll need to wait for the windows to dry before you see the finished result. Unlike traditional cleaning, the quality of the finish isn’t immediately visible.
When Pure Water Isn’t Enough
Although pure water is incredibly effective, there are occasions where it needs a little help.
Some windows develop stubborn staining from pollution, algae, oxidation or years of built-up grime. In these situations, we may pre-treat the surface using specialist products such as UBIK 2000 or PureSeal Synergy before rinsing everything away with pure water.
These products are only used when necessary and help restore heavily soiled glass that pure water alone cannot fully remove.
When Traditional Window Cleaning Is Better
Traditional methods still have an important place in modern window cleaning.
For example, we often clean front doors and entrance areas using the traditional mop-and-squeegee method. This allows us to control the water much more carefully, reducing the chance of water pooling on paths or doorsteps where someone could slip.
We may also choose traditional cleaning for awkward windows above extension roofs or in locations where a water-fed pole cannot be used effectively.
Our aim is always to choose the safest and most effective method—not simply use one system for every job.
Safety Matters
One of the biggest advantages of pure water cleaning is safety.
Using lightweight carbon fibre poles allows us to clean first-floor and many second-floor windows from the ground, dramatically reducing the need for ladders.
Reducing ladder use has helped prevent countless accidents across the window cleaning industry.
Of course, every method has its own risks. Carbon fibre poles conduct electricity, which means they should never be used near overhead power lines. Our equipment features insulated handles, and we always carry out a risk assessment before starting work. If there’s any possibility of electrical danger, we simply won’t use the pole.
Safety will always come before convenience.
So… Which Method Is Best?
The honest answer is both.
Traditional window cleaning gives you an instant result and is ideal for indoor glass, entranceways and certain awkward locations.
Pure water cleaning provides an exceptional deep clean for exterior windows, frames and sills while allowing us to work much more safely from the ground.
At GoClear, we don’t believe in forcing one method onto every property. We choose the technique that’s most appropriate for each individual window, giving you the safest service and the best possible finish.
That’s why we carry both systems and use whichever one delivers the best result.
We hope this guide has helped explain the difference between traditional and pure water window cleaning.
If you have any questions about how we clean your property, we’re always happy to help.
Sam
GoClear Window Cleaning
