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Choosing Between Pure Water and Traditional Cleaning Methods

Not all window cleaning is created equal. And in the heritage homes of Oxfordshire villages, choosing the right method matters—not just for results, but for preservation.

At Garden & Glass, we use both pure water systems and traditional by-hand methods. Which we choose depends entirely on the window, the materials, and the environment around the home.

Here’s how we decide—and what you should know before letting anyone near your glass.

What Is Pure Water Cleaning?

Pure water cleaning uses telescopic poles and water that’s been filtered to remove all minerals. No detergent, no residue. The theory is simple: rinse with ultra-pure water, let it dry naturally, and the glass stays clear.

It works well on:

• Modern double-glazed units
• High windows with difficult access
• Frames made of uPVC or modern painted timber

And it’s extremely effective in dry conditions, especially for routine cleaning.

But it’s not a cure-all—and it’s not always right for older buildings.

What Is Traditional Cleaning?

Traditional cleaning means hands-on:

• Cloths and squeegees
• Ladders or careful ground access
• Frame-by-frame attention
• Manual drying, especially on old or uneven panes

It takes longer, and it requires more judgement—but it’s often the safest and most appropriate choice for character homes in villages like Bletchingdon, The Bartons, or Whitchurch-on-Thames.

More on our approach: Cleaning Leaded Windows Without Damaging the Frames

When Pure Water Isn’t Ideal

While it has its place, pure water isn’t right for every window—especially not in heritage homes.

Why?

• It doesn’t dry well on old glass – Uneven or bowed panes can leave patchy marks.
• It can oversaturate timber or lime mortar – Leading to slow rot or surface damage.
• It skips detail – Frames and sills often aren’t touched, leaving behind residue.
• It’s unforgiving in shaded or windy settings – Where drying time varies wildly.

We’ve seen more than one window in Frilford or Goring-on-Thames look worse after a hasty pure water rinse than before it.

Why Traditional Cleaning Still Matters

The smartest cleaning isn’t about new or old—it’s about appropriate.

For properties with:

• Leaded panes
• Hand-painted timber frames
• Stone surrounds
• Dormers or low garden glazing

…traditional methods are still best. They allow close inspection. They treat each window individually. And they leave no runoff or disturbance.

It’s also easier to spot early signs of frame wear, cracked putty, or drainage issues—which we always report, discreetly, when noticed.

Read: Why Regular Window Cleaning Protects Your Frames and Fixtures

The Best Method Is Often a Blend

In many homes, we use both.

High, modern dormers? Pure water.
Leaded kitchen sashes? By hand.
Garden room in softwood with small panes? Traditional cloths and a quiet ladder.

It’s this balance that matters—especially in Oxfordshire villages, where no two windows are quite the same.

Don’t choose a method. Choose someone who chooses carefully.

Because whether it’s a hose or a cloth, a pole or a ladder, what matters is not the tool—but how well it understands the window it touches.

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