Short answer
Often, yes. Rain is soft water, so it doesn’t leave mineral spots the way tap water does, and pure water dries clear anyway. Light rain rarely stops an outside clean. Strong wind, heavy rain, ice and storms can, because they affect safety and the result. Ask me how I handle bad-weather days.
Why isn’t rain a disaster for clean windows?
The spots you see after rain are mostly dirt, not water. Rainwater itself has very few dissolved minerals. What marks the glass is dirt the rain carries from the air, or washes down from dirty frames, sills, gutters and walls. That’s one reason to ask me about frames and sills as well as the glass: if they’re clean, there’s less for rain to bring down.
What does stop a clean?
- Strong wind. It blows the pole and the water off target, and can make working with a long pole unsafe.
- Heavy rain. Not because of the water, but because it’s harder to see the glass properly and check the result.
- Ice and frost. Water can freeze on glass and paths, which isn’t safe for me or for you.
- Storms and lightning. A long pole outdoors in a storm is not a good idea.
The HSE’s guidance on window cleaning puts safety first, and so do I.
What happens if the weather stops a visit?
Ask me how I handle bad-weather days.
Do windows get dirty in winter?
Yes. Short days and low sun show every mark. Road spray, damp air and condensation all play a part. Some people want their windows done more in winter for that reason, others less. How often should windows be cleaned? talks through the choices.
What about condensation inside?
Condensation forms on the inside of cold glass when warm, moist air hits it. Wiping it away now and then stops water sitting on the frames and sills. Misting between the two panes of a double-glazed unit is different: that’s a failed seal, and cleaning can’t fix it.
Does pure water freeze?
It can, like any water. That’s one reason very cold mornings can delay an outside clean until it’s warmer.
Will my windows look wet when you leave?
Yes, often, especially on a damp or still day. Pure water dries without marks, so I don’t wipe it. Why windows look wet explains it.
Should I wait for summer?
You don’t need to. Glass gets dirty all year, and clean windows in winter make the most of the light there is. If you’d rather start in spring, that’s fine too.
What about very low sun?
In winter, low sun shines straight through the glass and shows every streak, fingerprint and spot. That’s often when people first notice their windows need doing. Clean glass makes the most of short days, which is one reason some people keep their regular round going through the colder months.
Is it worse to clean on a hot day?
On a very hot, sunny day, water can dry quickly on glass. With pure water that matters less, because there are no minerals to leave behind, but I still work steadily so frames and glass are rinsed properly before they dry.
Does salt or grit from the roads matter?
In winter, road spray carries dirt and grit onto front windows, especially on busier roads. It rinses off with pure water and a brush. If your front windows face a busy road, you may notice them dulling faster than the back of the house in winter.
Does frost damage windows?
Frost on the outside of glass is normal and doesn’t damage it. Never pour hot water on frosted glass to clear it, because sudden temperature changes can crack some glass.
Common questions
If it rains straight after a clean, is it wasted?
Not usually. Rain may leave a few dirt marks, but the built-up grime is gone. If rain leaves marks you’re unhappy with, tell me.
Do you clean inside windows in winter?
Yes. Weather doesn’t affect insides, so they’re a good choice for a wet week.
Will you come if it’s drizzling?
Usually, yes. Drizzle rarely affects the result with pure water.
What about pollen in spring?
Spring and early summer can bring a film of pollen, especially near trees. It’s one reason some people choose a regular round.
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