Short answer
I clean windows in Rayleigh, SS6. Essex & Suffolk Water’s report for its Rayleigh supply zone describes the water as hard, which is why tap water can leave white marks as it dries on glass. Pure water avoids that. Older frames can also need a different approach, so tell me what yours are made of.
What does the water company say?
Essex & Suffolk Water’s 2026 drinking water report for its Rayleigh zone says "The water in your area is hard." Its 12-month average for January to December 2025 was 272.99 mg/l of calcium carbonate, or 19 degrees Clarke. Those are the water company’s own figures. The report doesn’t list streets, so check your postcode with the company if you want to be sure which zone you’re in.
Why does that matter for windows?
Hard water carries more dissolved minerals. When a drop dries on glass, the minerals stay and show as small white spots. That’s why tap water or sprinkler water can mark windows. Does hard water leave spots on windows? explains it in more detail.
What do I do about it?
I use pure water, which has the minerals taken out before it reaches your glass. Drops dry without leaving anything behind. I make it in the van. Is pure water window cleaning better? covers where it helps and where it doesn’t.
What about older frames?
Some Rayleigh homes have older frames: timber, painted metal or early uPVC. What I can say is that they bring a few things I check:
- Cracked or flaking paint. Brushing can lift it.
- Timber with oil or varnish. Water and brushing can mark some finishes.
- Old seals and putty. Water can sit in gaps and run out later.
- Early uPVC. It can be yellowed or weathered, and I can’t undo that by cleaning.
Tell me what you have, and I’ll tell you what I’d do. Cleaning uPVC window frames and sills is a good start for plastic frames.
If your home is in the historic centre, windows in the Rayleigh conservation area goes into more detail.
Will I still see marks sometimes?
Possibly, for two reasons. Old soap residue can run out of frames in the first few cleans, and dirt from frames can run onto the glass. Pure water isn’t a promise nothing will ever mark your windows. It just removes the main cause of spotting from tap water.
Which parts of Rayleigh do I cover?
I cover SS6. If you’re on the edge, or not sure, use the postcode checker on the Rayleigh page or ask on the quote form.
Common questions
Does hard water affect my own taps and kettle too?
It can. Limescale on kettles and taps comes from the same minerals. That’s a household question, though, and I can only speak about what it does to windows.
Should I put a softener on my hose?
Pure water is the reliable answer. If you wash your windows yourself, the simplest tip is to avoid letting tap water dry on the glass.
Do older windows leak after cleaning?
They shouldn’t from a brush and a rinse, but worn seals and old putty can let water through. If you know a window leaks, tell me and I’ll take extra care.
Can you tell me which water zone I’m in?
No. The report doesn’t list streets, and I don’t have a postcode tool for it. Your water company can tell you.
Does living in a hard-water area mean my windows get dirtier?
Not dirtier as such. Hard water doesn’t make dirt stick more, but if tap water dries on the glass, from a hose or sprinkler for example, it can leave white spots. Rain is soft water, so it’s dirt rather than minerals that rain leaves behind.
What types of homes do you clean in Rayleigh?
Houses, bungalows and flats, where I can reach the windows safely. I don’t clean commercial buildings.
Who will I deal with?
Me, Blake. I reply to your request and arrange your visits.
