If you are booking a window cleaner for the first time, you may wonder what is actually included in the clean.
A first window clean is usually different from a regular maintenance clean. This is because the windows, frames, sills and doors may have built up dirt over several months, or sometimes even longer.
At PurePort, we provide window cleaning in and around Portishead using a pure water cleaning system. This allows us to clean the glass, frames and sills safely and effectively from the ground.
Here is what you can usually expect from a first window clean.
Why is a first window clean different?
A regular window clean is about keeping your windows maintained.
A first clean is often about bringing them back up to a good standard.
If the windows have not been cleaned for a while, there may be more dirt sitting on the glass, around the frames, in the corners, on the sills and around vents. There may also be cobwebs, bird mess, algae, pollen, dust and old marks from previous cleaning products.
Because of this, a first clean can take longer than future regular cleans.
Cleaning the glass
The most obvious part of a first clean is the glass itself.
Using a water fed pole and pure water system, we scrub the glass to remove dirt, dust and marks from the surface. The window is then rinsed with purified water, which is designed to dry naturally without leaving the same mineral marks that tap water can leave behind.
The glass may be left wet after cleaning. This is normal with pure water window cleaning. Once the window has been properly rinsed, it should dry clear.
Cleaning the frames
A good first clean should not only focus on the middle of the glass.
The frames are important too.
Over time, dirt can build up around the edges of the window. White uPVC frames can also start to look dull, dusty or green, especially in shaded areas or on windows that are exposed to rain.
As part of the clean, we brush around the frames to remove surface dirt and improve the overall appearance of the window.
This matters because dirty frames can drip onto clean glass if they are ignored.
Cleaning the sills
Window sills often collect a lot of dirt.
This can include dust, bird mess, cobwebs, leaves, insects and general grime from the weather. On a first clean, the sills may need extra attention because they are often one of the dirtiest parts of the window area.
Cleaning the sills helps the whole window look better, not just the glass.
Cleaning the doors
Where suitable, external doors are usually cleaned as part of the window clean.
This can include front doors, back doors, patio doors and French doors.
As with the windows, the clean will normally focus on the glass, frames and accessible surrounding areas. This helps keep the entrance points to your home looking fresh and well maintained.
Removing cobwebs and loose dirt
Cobwebs are common around windows, doors, vents and corners of the property.
During a first clean, these are usually brushed away as part of the process. This helps remove the loose dirt around the windows before the glass is rinsed.
If the property has not been cleaned for a while, there may be more of this than expected, which is another reason a first clean can take longer.
Why vents and seals matter
Some windows have trickle vents, rubber seals or small gaps around the frame.
These areas can hold dirt. When cleaned, they may release dirty water after the window cleaner has moved on. This is one of the reasons some first cleans may not dry perfectly the first time, even when the glass has been cleaned properly.
This usually improves with regular cleaning as the frames, vents and seals become cleaner over time.
Why old cleaning products can affect the first clean
If the windows have previously been cleaned with traditional methods, detergents or household products, there may be old residue left on the glass or frames.
Pure water cleaning works best when the glass has been fully rinsed and there is no remaining soap or detergent residue. On a first clean, it may take a little more work to remove this build up.
After this, future cleans should usually be more straightforward.
Will every mark come off?
Most everyday dirt can be removed during a first clean, but not every mark is always caused by dirt.
Some marks may be from:
Scratched glass
Damaged seals
Hard water staining
Paint
Silicone
Cement or render splashes
Old staining on uPVC
These may need specialist treatment, and some marks may not come off through standard window cleaning alone.
If we notice something like this, we can let you know.
Why regular cleaning gives better results
Once the first clean has been completed, regular window cleaning helps keep the glass, frames and sills maintained.
This means there is less build up each time, the clean is more consistent and the windows are less likely to suffer from heavy staining or dirt collecting around the frames.
For many homes, a regular clean every 4 to 6 weeks works well, depending on the property, location and customer preference.
What should you expect after a first clean?
After a first clean, your windows should look noticeably better.
However, if the property had a lot of dirt around the frames, vents or seals, the best finish may come after the next clean or two. This is normal, especially where windows have not been cleaned for a long time.
The aim of the first clean is to remove the main build up and get the windows ready for ongoing maintenance.
First window cleans in Portishead
PurePort provides first time and regular window cleaning in and around Portishead.
We clean windows, frames, sills and doors using a pure water system, helping your home look cleaner and better maintained from the outside.
We also provide gutter cleaning, fascia and soffit cleaning, conservatory roof cleaning and other exterior cleaning services.
If you would like a quote for a first window clean or want to join a regular local round, get in touch with PurePort.