Category: Expert Tips

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 around 50% more for the first clean. The good news is that Window Hero’s professional window cleaners in Swindon have fixed upfront prices.

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—our professional window cleaners in Swindon 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.