If you have recently had your windows cleaned using a pure water system, you may have noticed that the glass is left wet afterwards.

This can feel strange if you are used to traditional window cleaning, where the windows are washed and then dried by hand with a squeegee. With pure water window cleaning, the process is different.

The windows are meant to be left wet.

At PurePort, we use pure water window cleaning for homes in and around Portishead. It is a modern and effective way to clean windows, frames and sills, especially on upper floors and harder to reach areas.

So, if your windows are still wet after we have cleaned them, here is why that is completely normal.

What is pure water window cleaning?

Pure water window cleaning uses water that has been filtered to remove the minerals and impurities usually found in tap water.

Normal tap water contains things like calcium, magnesium and other dissolved minerals. If tap water is left to dry on glass, these minerals can leave spots or streaks behind.

Pure water is different. Because the impurities have been removed, it can be left to dry naturally on the glass without leaving the same marks behind.

The window is scrubbed using a specialist brush, then rinsed with pure water. Once the dirt has been removed and the glass has been rinsed properly, the water dries clear.

Why do window cleaners leave the glass wet?

With pure water cleaning, the final rinse is part of the clean.

The water is not just there to make the window wet. It is used to rinse away the remaining dirt, dust, pollen and residue from the glass and frames.

Because the water is purified, it does not need to be wiped away afterwards. In fact, wiping it with a cloth could reintroduce dirt or minerals back onto the glass.

That is why your windows may still look wet when the clean has finished. They should dry naturally and leave a clear finish.

Will my windows dry clear?

Yes, in most cases, your windows should dry clear.

However, there are a few reasons why windows might not look perfect straight away, especially after a first clean.

If a window has not been cleaned for a while, there may be a build up of dirt around the frames, vents, seals and sills. When these areas are cleaned, some of that dirt can continue to drip down after the window cleaner has moved on.

This is one of the reasons a first clean can take longer than a regular clean. It is also why the next few cleans often produce an even better finish as the frames and surrounding areas become cleaner over time.

Why might there be streaks after a first clean?

If streaks appear after pure water window cleaning, it does not always mean the glass has not been cleaned properly.

Common reasons include:

Old detergent or soap residue left from previous traditional cleaning

Dirt trapped in the top frames, vents or seals

Water dripping from dirty brickwork, render or cladding above the window

A very heavy first clean where the frames and sills had a lot of build up

Open vents allowing dirty water to run down after the clean

This is why we pay attention to the glass, frames and sills, not just the middle of the window.

Why first cleans can be different from regular cleans

A first clean is often more involved than a normal maintenance clean.

On a regular clean, the windows are already being maintained, so there is usually less dirt to remove. On a first clean, we may be dealing with months or even years of build up around the property.

This can include algae, cobwebs, dust, pollen, bird mess, old cleaning products and dirt sitting in the frames.

After the first clean, the windows and frames are in a better condition for future cleans. This usually means the results improve and the clean becomes more consistent as part of a regular window cleaning round.

How long do the windows take to dry?

This depends on the weather, the time of year and how much sunlight or wind there is.

On a warm or breezy day, windows may dry quite quickly. On colder, dull or damp days, they can take longer.

The important thing is not how wet they look immediately after cleaning. The important thing is how they look once they have dried.

What should I do if my windows dry with marks?

If your windows dry with marks after a pure water clean, it is worth checking where the marks are.

If they are coming from the top of the frame, vents or seals, it may simply be residue from a first clean. This normally improves after further cleans.

If there is a specific issue, such as heavy dripping from a vent, old paint, damaged seals or water running down from brickwork above, this may need extra attention.

At PurePort, we want customers to be happy with the result. If something does not look right once the windows have dried, let us know so we can understand what has happened.

Is pure water window cleaning better than traditional cleaning?

Both methods can clean windows well when done properly.

Pure water cleaning is especially useful because it allows us to clean upper floor windows safely from the ground using water fed poles. It also means we can clean frames and sills as part of the process, rather than only focusing on the glass.

For many homes, especially modern properties and homes with awkward access, pure water cleaning is a practical and effective option.

Regular window cleaning in Portishead

If your windows are cleaned regularly, pure water cleaning should leave them looking clear and well maintained.

The best results often come from keeping on top of the clean rather than waiting until the windows, frames and sills have built up months of dirt.

PurePort provides regular window cleaning in and around Portishead, as well as gutter cleaning, fascia and soffit cleaning, conservatory roof cleaning and other exterior cleaning services.

If you would like a quote or want to join one of our local rounds, get in touch with PurePort.