Can windows be cleaned in winter?

Yes. Windows can be cleaned right through the winter, and most regular rounds carry on as normal. Rain does not spoil a pure water clean, and the low winter sun is often when people notice their windows most. The one thing that does stop work is a hard frost, because water can freeze on the glass and on paths. On those mornings the visit is moved, and you are told.

Here is what changes in winter, what does not, and a few things worth knowing about condensation and frames.

What about the rain?

This is the question we get asked most. When windows are cleaned with a squeegee and soapy water, rain landing on the glass afterwards can leave marks, because the soap residue gives dirt something to stick to. A water-fed pole uses pure water with the minerals filtered out and no soap at all, so there is no residue for the rain to mix with. Rain on clean glass dries much cleaner than rain on dirty glass.

Heavy, wind-driven rain is a different matter. If it is bucketing down sideways, the visit may be moved, mainly because the job is harder to do well and the paths get messy. Light rain and showers are fine.

Low winter sun shows everything

From November to February the sun sits low in the sky and shines straight through the glass for much of the day. That shows up every smear, salt mark and fingerprint, which is why people often decide in winter that their windows need doing. In coastal parts of Paignton, Torquay and Brixham, winter storms also carry more salt spray, which dries on the glass as a hazy film.

Frost and ice

On a frosty morning, water on the glass, frames and paths can freeze. That is not safe for you walking out of your front door, and it is not a good result on the glass either. So when there is a hard frost, the round waits until it has lifted or moves to another day. Coastal Torbay tends to get fewer frosts than inland areas and higher ground towards Dartmoor.

Shorter days

With fewer hours of daylight, winter rounds start and finish at different times. If you are on a regular round, you may notice the visit is a little earlier or later in the day than in summer. You still do not need to be home, as long as there is access round the back.

Condensation is a different problem

In winter a lot of people notice wet, misty windows on the inside in the morning. That is condensation, caused by warm, damp air inside the house meeting cold glass. Outside window cleaning does not cause it or cure it.

The usual ways to reduce it are to keep air moving: open trickle vents if your windows have them, use extractor fans when cooking and showering, and dry washing outside or near an open window where possible. Wiping the glass and sills dry in the morning stops black mould forming in the corners of frames. If condensation is constant, it can be worth asking a specialist to look at ventilation.

Winter is a good time to sort frames and sills

On a pure water clean the frames and sills are scrubbed every visit, which matters more in winter. Wet weather and road spray turn white UPVC grey quickly, and green algae creeps along the bottom of frames on shaded sides. Keeping on top of it stops the dirt staining in.

If you have a conservatory, the roof tends to collect leaves and green growth over autumn and winter. A roof clean once the leaves are down is worth booking alongside the windows.

How often in winter?

Most regular customers stay on the same four to eight week round all year. Homes near the seafront usually stay at the shorter end because of salt. If you only have your windows done a few times a year, late autumn and early spring are the two visits that make the most difference.

Doing it yourself

If you prefer to do the inside and downstairs yourself through winter, our guide on how to clean windows streak free has a simple method. Pick a dry, overcast day rather than one with low, bright sun on the glass.

Winter window cleaning in Torbay and Exeter

AbraClean cleans windows all year round across Torbay, South Devon and Exeter, with glass, frames and sills done every visit. See our window cleaning service and conservatory roof cleaning, or find your town, including Paignton, Torquay and Newton Abbot. Call or text Mark on 07901 563000 for a free quote.