Expert Tips

During the winter months, especially when temperatures drop below zero, people wonder whether window cleaning is still safe. One of the most common concerns we hear from homeowners is about ice forming on the ground outside the house after the windows have been cleaned.

It’s a sensible question — and the honest answer is that it can be a safety risk if it’s not handled properly.

Window cleaning involves water, and when it’s freezing outside, any water that lands on a driveway, patio, path or pavement can quickly turn to ice. Even a thin, almost invisible layer of ice can be slippery enough to cause a fall. That’s obviously something nobody wants, whether it’s a homeowner, a visitor, or the window cleaner himself.

That said, window cleaning doesn’t automatically become unsafe just because it’s cold. The key difference is how the job is finished.

A professional window cleaner should always think about what happens after the cleaning is done. In freezing conditions, that means using ice-melting grit on any areas where water may have run off. Applying grit greatly reduces the chance of ice forming and makes surfaces safer to walk on.

If grit isn’t used, then yes — cleaning windows in sub-zero temperatures can leave behind a real slip hazard. This is why it’s so important to choose a window cleaner who takes winter safety seriously rather than just rushing through jobs.

As a homeowner, it’s reasonable to ask your window cleaner about this. If the temperature is below freezing, simply asking whether they use grit after cleaning can give you peace of mind. Any responsible professional will understand the concern and be happy to explain what precautions they take.

There may also be rare occasions, such as during heavy snow or prolonged hard frost, when postponing the clean is the safest option. Again, a good window cleaner will always put safety first and won’t take unnecessary risks.

In short, window cleaning in freezing weather isn’t unsafe by default — but it does require extra care. If water is allowed to freeze on outdoor surfaces, it becomes a risk. When ice-melting grit is used properly, that risk is greatly reduced.

If you’re ever unsure, just ask. A professional window cleaner should always be working with your safety in mind, whatever the season.

If you’ve been looking for a window cleaner recently, you’ve probably seen prices advertised per month. On the surface, that sounds straightforward — and usually quite cheap.

But here’s the thing many homeowners don’t realise: paying monthly doesn’t always mean your windows are cleaned monthly.

In fact, a lot of window cleaners collect a fixed monthly payment while visiting every six or eight weeks. There’s nothing wrong with spreading payments out, but it can easily create confusion. Over time, customers may assume they’re getting more cleans than they actually are.

The result is that a price that looks low on paper can work out much higher once you look at how often the cleaner actually turns up.

This isn’t always done with bad intentions. Monthly payments are convenient, and they help cleaning companies keep things predictable throughout the year. The issue is simply clarity. When price and frequency aren’t clearly linked, it’s easy for homeowners to misunderstand what they’re paying for.

That’s why it’s always worth asking one simple question before choosing a window cleaner: how often will you actually be cleaning my windows?

Once you know that, it becomes much easier to judge whether a price is fair — and to compare different quotes properly.

As a rough guide, most typical homes in Swindon pay somewhere in the £20–£30 range per visit for regular exterior window cleaning. Whether you pay monthly or per clean matters less than knowing exactly what you’re getting.

At Window Hero, we believe pricing should be clear, simple, and upfront — no confusion, no assumptions. If you ever want a straightforward quote or just have a question about how pricing works, feel free to get in touch.

To buy a window cleaning robot or hire human window cleaners? If you live in an apartment, especially in a high-rise in Swindon Town Centre, you know how quickly windows can lose their shine. Between rain, traffic dust, and the occasional pigeon, keeping your apartment windows spotless can feel like a never-ending task.

But for residents in high-rise flats or modern apartment blocks, cleaning them yourself isn’t always safe—or even possible. That’s why more people are asking: Should I invest in a window cleaning robot, or is it better to hire professional window cleaner? Let’s look at both options.

Enter the window cleaning robot. These gadgets have been making their way into smart homes, promising sparkling glass without the ladder-climbing or risky contortions. But are they really worth the investment for apartment dwellers? And how do they compare to hiring professional cleaners? Let’s break it down.

The Case for Window Cleaning Robots

Safety First

For apartment dwellers—especially those on upper floors—cleaning the outside of windows can be risky or outright impossible. Robots use suction to stick to the glass and move systematically across the surface, handling those hard-to-reach spots without putting you in danger.

Convenience & Control

Unlike scheduling a professional service, you can run a robot whenever you notice streaks. They’re especially handy for people with pets or kids (hello, fingerprints).

Cost Over Time

Window cleaning robots typically cost between £150–£500. That’s a one-time investment versus £20 to £40 per cleaning session with a professional service (if you can find one!). For long-term apartment dwellers, the math can make sense after just a few cleanings.

Where Robots Fall Short

Initial Expense

Even the budget models aren’t cheap, and high-end ones can feel like a splurge.

Learning Curve

Some require tethering cords for safety or specific cleaning pads and sprays.

Not Perfectly Streak-Free

While they get the job done, results may not always rival a seasoned professional.

The Case for Human Window Cleaners

Spotless Finish

Experts know the tricks to leave your windows sparkling, inside and out.

Speed & Efficiency

What might take a robot 30 minutes per window, a pro team can finish in half the time.

Hassle-Free

You don’t lift a finger, other than scheduling.

Where Human Window Cleaners Fall Short: Mainly Cost

Recurring costs add up quickly, and for tenants in buildings with strict maintenance policies, you may even have to book through approved vendors or through your landlord. That limits flexibility and increases price.

Another factor to take into account is that many window cleaners in Swindon avoid some high-rise buildings in the first place, or charge extra to pay for specialised equipment such as a cherry picker, supplementary safety measures, as well as Swindon Council fees, traffic management plan fees, increased public liability insurance fees, and administration to mention a few.

All of these factors make it harder to find a window cleaner for your high-rise apartment.

So, Who Wins for Apartment Living?

If you live on the first to third floor or if you can arrange window cleaning through your landlord, hiring professional window cleaners occasionally is more practical than a robot.

If you live on the fourth floor or above or if your landlord won’t arrange for window cleaning, a robot is definitely something you should consider.

It also gives you peace of mind knowing you can clean when you want, without waiting for service.

If you’re picky about perfection: Professionals still have the edge. Robots are great for maintenance but may not deliver that flawless, streak-free shine every time.

Final Verdict

For apartment dwellers, window cleaning robots are often worth the investment—especially if you value safety, convenience, and long-term savings. That said, they’re not necessarily a full replacement for professional services. Think of them as a way to maintain clean windows between deep cleans, while avoiding the costs of frequent human visits.

If you’ve ever looked at your skyline view through smudged glass and sighed, a window cleaning robot might be your next favourite gadget.

Clean windows are satisfying. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional window cleaning company, clean, sparkling windows can completely change how your home or office feels. Sunlight pours in more brightly, your view is clearer, and the whole space seems much fresher. But when it’s time to tackle those panes, you face a choice: grab a squeegee yourself or hire a pro.

Below is a clear, honest comparison of the two options so you can decide what’s right for your budget, schedule, and comfort level.

DIY Window Cleaning

Equipment & Supplies

• Essentials: bucket, quality squeegee, squeegee pole, microfibre cloths, and a mild cleaning solution. You can buy a complete kit like this one.
• Approximate cost: £170 upfront for reusable tools.
• Optional upgrades: extension poles or ladders for upper stories.

Time & Effort

Cleaning the windows of an average single-story home typically takes 2 hours for a beginner, depending on size and number of windows.

Advantages

• Low ongoing cost: After the initial purchase, you only need inexpensive cleaning solution.
• Full control: Choose your preferred products and clean on your own schedule.
• Satisfaction factor: You will enjoy the results, guaranteed!

Drawbacks & Risks

• Safety concerns: Ladders and high windows carry fall risks.
• Variable results: Without practice, streaks and water spots are common.

Professional Window Cleaning

What’s Included

Professional crews arrive with commercial-grade squeegees, purified water systems, and safety gear. Many services also clean window sills and frames.

Typical Costs

• Residential: around £20 for a two bedroom house to £40 for a 5 bedroom house, in the South of England such as Swindon.
• Commercial: usually priced by square footage or cleaning frequency.

Advantages

• Superior finish: Professionals have the technique and equipment to deliver streak-free results.
• Time savings: Your only job is scheduling.
• Safety and insurance: Technicians are trained and insured for ladder or roof work.

Drawbacks

• Recurring expense: Each visit costs more than a DIY session.
• Scheduling needed: You’ll need to plan around their availability.
• Less control who cleans your windows: Many larger companies send a different person to your house each time and this can cause inconsistent results until the new person becomes familiar with your property. For this reason, you may want to choose to go with a sole trader.

Quick Comparison

Factor	DIY	Professional
Upfront Cost	£170	£20 to £40 per visit (average home)
Skill Needed	Moderate learning curve	None for you
Safety	Ladder and height risks	None for you
Quality	Streaks possible	Can be inconsistent with larger companies.
Time Spent	2 hours per cleaning	None for you
Flexibility	Clean whenever you like	Little flexibility

When to DIY

• You have a one-storey home or easy-to-reach windows.
• You enjoy hands-on projects and have a free afternoon.
• Your budget is tight and you don’t mind a learning curve.

When to Hire a Pro

• You own a multi-storey house or have large glass surfaces.
• You’re short on time or simply dislike the chore.

Safety Tips for DIY Window Cleaning

• Familiarise yourself with ladder safety by reading the guidelines of the Health and Safety Executive and also The Ladder Association. The Ladder Association document contains some really helpful visuals.
• Work with a buddy and wear safety shoes.
• If possible, ask a professional to train you on how to work at height safely.

Bottom Line

If you enjoy a weekend project and want to save money, a DIY window clean can be satisfying and inexpensive – specially if your house is a single storey building. If you value time and safety, hiring a professional is worth the recurring cost, particularly if your house is two or three storey building.

Next Step: Before deciding, gather two or three local quotes. Compare them with the one-time price of equipment and the value of your own time. Note that most window cleaners charge 20% to 50% more for the first clean.

Ready to sparkle? Whether you tackle it yourself or call in the experts, clean windows brighten more than your view—they lift your entire space.

When most people think of window cleaning, they imagine sparkling glass and a better-looking home, or just a luxury. But there’s more to it than good looks. Consistent regular window cleaning also protects the uPVC frames and sills that hold your windows in place from discolouration and permanent stains. This article outlines where these stains come from, how to prevent them, and how to remove them. Although regular window cleaning is the number one measure for prevention, there are DIY steps that you can take to save money and protect your windows.

How Dirt and Pollution Damage uPVC

uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) is a remarkable and durable material, provided it is taken care of. Without regular cleaning, several common contaminants can gradually stain or discolour the surface:

1. Airborne pollution and vehicle exhaust – Fine particles and oily residues settle and slowly yellow the surface. These include brake dust, tyre particles, and vehicle exhaust particles.
2. Algae, mould, and mildew – Moisture on sills and seals encourages growth that leaves green or black marks. This is particularly a problem on South-facing uPVC windows and doors. Although algae, mould, and mildew can be removed, sometimes they leave behind dark and fairly large patches that are bonded to the surface of the window sills, frames, or even soffits and fascias.
3. Tree sap and bird droppings – Natural acids can etch and dull the finish.
4. Spider and insect droppings – These are often brown dots.
5. Hard-water deposits – Rain or hose water can dry to leave mineral spots that darken over time. Although rain water itself doesn’t contain minerals, once it touches the roof it picks up lots of minerals from the roof tiles.

Left alone, these build up a film that embeds in the slightly textured surface of uPVC, making it look tired and aged. Many of these contaminants can be removed if washed within a few weeks, before they bond with the uPVC material.

The Long-Term Benefits of Regular Window Cleaning

Routine window cleaning removes this grime before it can bond with the material and leave stains behind.

Professional window cleaning:

• Maintains the original bright colour of frames and sills
• Reduces the need for harsh chemicals or costly restoration later
• Extends the overall life of your uPVC by preventing gradual surface erosion
• Maintains your home’s curb appeal.

If Discolouration Has Already Set In

Sometimes stains and discolouration happen despite best efforts, or maybe you have just moved into your new home and the previous owner neglected the uPVC frames. Here’s how to approach restoration safely:

Do:

• Use a mild uPVC cleaner or a solution of warm water with a small amount of washing-up liquid.
• Apply with a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge, working in gentle circular motions.
• For stubborn marks, a specialist uPVC cream cleaner can help.

Avoid:

• Abrasive pads or sandpaper—they can permanently scratch and dull the surface.
• Bleach or solvent-based products like acetone, which can strip the protective layer and cause yellowing.
• Pressure washers on a high setting; they can force water behind seals and damage them.
  

If heavy staining persists, a professional uPVC restoration service can often improve the appearance.

Keep Your Frames Looking New

Regular window cleaning is an easy, cost-effective way to protect your home’s investment. At Window Hero we don’t just make your glass gleam—we help your entire window system look its best and last longer.

Top Tip

Even if you are not ready to hire a regular window cleaner, we recommend that you wipe your window frames and sills with a damp cloth once a month to remove stains before they set in. This alone will save you thousands of pounds down the road.

We hope you found this post useful and informative.