Everyone has a window cleaning tip passed down from a parent or grandparent. Some work. Many do not. Here are seven we hear all the time, and what actually happens.
Myth 1: Newspaper gives the best shine
It worked better when newspapers used different ink and paper. Today it tends to leave lint and can mark white frames with ink. A microfibre cloth or a good squeegee beats it every time.
Myth 2: Rain cleans your windows
Rain picks up dust from the air and leaves it behind as it dries. That is why windows often look worse after a shower. Glass cleaned with pure water fares much better in the rain, because there is no residue for dirt to stick to.
Myth 3: A sunny day is the best day to do it
Bright sun dries the glass before you can wipe it, baking streaks in place. Overcast, still days give the best results.
Myth 4: More cleaning product means cleaner glass
The opposite. Extra detergent leaves a film that smears and attracts dirt. A few drops in a bucket is plenty, and pure water needs none at all.
Myth 5: If they look clean, they are clean
Grime builds up so slowly you stop noticing it, until low autumn sun hits the glass. Regular cleaning also stops mineral deposits bonding to the glass, which is much harder to fix later.
Myth 6: Pressure washing is the quickest way to clean everything
Pressure washers are great for paving. On windows they can force water past seals, and on roofs they can strip tiles. Soft brushes and pure water are safer for glass, frames and roofs.
Myth 7: Professional window cleaning is a luxury
For most homes a regular clean costs less than people expect, includes frames, sills and doors, and saves hours up a ladder. Read what window cleaning costs, orget a free quote.
Quick answers
- Is a sunny day the best time to clean windows?
- No. Sun dries the glass too quickly and leaves streaks. A dull, still day is better.
- Do windows need cleaning if they look clean?
- Yes. Pollen, traffic film and mineral deposits build up gradually, and you often only notice when low sun hits the glass.
- Does rain damage freshly cleaned windows?
- Not if they were cleaned with pure water. With no residue on the glass, rain dries much clearer than on dirty windows.