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Cleaning Leaded Windows Without Damaging the Frames

Leaded windows hold a particular kind of charm—quiet, dappled, and unmistakably old. They also hold risk.

In Oxfordshire’s villages, many homes still have original or restored leaded glass. These windows don’t take well to rushing. They flex, they bow, and they’re often set in timber or stone that’s equally vulnerable.

Cleaning them is not a checklist task. It’s a careful craft.

Why Leaded Windows Are Different

Leaded windows aren’t just panes and putty. They’re:

• Multiple small glass sections, often distorted or antique
• Strips of lead cames, which oxidise and soften over time
• Timber or stone surrounds, set in lime or soft mortar
• Older fastenings, hinges or stays prone to movement

They flex slightly under pressure. They stain if oversaturated. And the wrong cloth, water, or angle can loosen what’s meant to last.

In homes across Charlbury, Blewbury, or Fulbrook, we encounter this daily.

What Can Go Wrong (Quickly)

The biggest risk to leaded windows is over-cleaning—or the wrong kind of cleaning.

We’ve seen:

• Pressure washing that cracks panes or floods frames
• Harsh detergents that stain putty or oxidise lead
• Pole systems that snag leading or over-saturate timber
• Abrasive pads that leave tiny scratches in original glass

Most damage doesn’t show instantly. It shows later—through rot, fogging, or slow decay of materials that were never meant to be soaked.

Our Method: Gentle, Dry, Close

We clean leaded windows using:

• Deionised water in small, hand-controlled amounts
• Soft lint-free cloths and natural-bristle brushes
• Manual drying of frames and sills
• No detergents, no pressure, no scrubbing

Ladders are used where needed. Frames are wiped, not sprayed. We don’t chase speed—we follow structure.

This allows us to clean windows in Appleton, Islip, and Goring-on-Thames without ever compromising their condition.

It’s Not Just the Glass That Needs Care

Sills, putty lines, and reveal edges are just as important. Soft timber or aged mortar often sits just millimetres from the glass. One overfilled bucket—or a poorly aimed rinse—can cause problems.

That’s why we:

• Avoid over-wetting
• Never use high-volume spray near joins
• Wipe from the centre out, keeping water away from frame joins
• Always dry exposed timber or stone

In many homes, this simple care is what prevents draughts, swelling, or future re-glazing.

More on long-term protection: Why Regular Window Cleaning Protects Your Frames and Fixtures

How Often Should They Be Cleaned?

Gently, but regularly.

Leaded windows shouldn’t be left too long. Dirt becomes embedded. Putty absorbs moisture. Glass dulls.

A 6–8 week schedule during warmer months, and every 8–10 weeks in winter, keeps them clear without over-handling.

For more: How Often Should You Get Your Windows Cleaned in Oxfordshire Villages?

Leaded windows don’t need reinventing. They need looking after.

And in the hands of someone who understands their age, structure and worth, they can be kept clear and sound—not just for seasons, but for years.

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