Frequently asked questions
Logistics, Booking & Areas
Q: What areas do you cover?
A: We are a local business based in Stanway (CO3) and cover a wide radius across Colchester and Essex.
Colchester Central & Suburbs: Lexden, Prettygate, Highwoods, Marks Tey, and Layer.
Surrounding Towns: Braintree, Witham, Maldon, Halstead, Tiptree, Coggeshall, Kelvedon, and Earls Colne.
Villages: We also service smaller villages like Silver End and Cressing. Live nearby? Drop us a message—we likely cover you too!
Q: Can I get a quote online or by photo?
A: Yes! We try to make quoting as easy as possible.
Window Cleaning & Gutters: Simply send photos of your property to 07880 349521 (WhatsApp) or email Dan@sorrellpww.co.uk. We can usually provide a firm price just from the photos.
Driveway & Patio Cleaning: Photos give us a rough estimate, but to be 100% accurate, we prefer to pop round (Colchester/Stanway area) to quickly measure the area so you get a fair price.
Q: Do I need to be home when you clean?
A: No, you don't. Most of our customers are at work when we visit. As long as we have access to the rear of your property (please leave the side gate unlocked!), we can carry out the work. We send a text message notification the evening before so you know we are coming. If you forget to unlock the gate or need to reschedule, just reply to that text!
Q: How do I pay?
A: We are flexible and you only pay once the job is done and you are happy. We accept:
Bank Transfer / BACS: (Most popular).
Cash: Accepted on the day.
Direct Debit: Perfect for our regular window cleaning customers (via GoCardless).
Card Payment: We can send a secure Stripe payment link (Note: a small 50p transaction fee applies to card payments).
Q: Do you offer One-Off cleans or just regular slots?
A: We offer both! While most residential customers in Colchester choose a regular 4 or 8-weekly schedule to keep the glass spotless, we are happy to book a One-Off Clean. Please note: One-off visits are treated as a 'Deep Clean', taking a little extra time to remove built-up grime, frames, and sills.
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes, Sorrell Pressure Wash and Windows holds full £1,000,000 Public Liability Insurance. Crucially, our policy specifically includes cover for "property being worked on," meaning your glass, frames, and property are fully protected whether we are cleaning a house or a commercial shop front.
Technical, Quality & Process
Q: Do you use ladders to reach upstairs windows?
A: In 99% of cases, no. We use a professional Pure Water Reach & Wash system. This allows us to clean up to 3 stories high safely from the ground.
Safety: No risk of ladder damage to your lawns, sills, or rendering.
Privacy: We clean upstairs bedroom/bathroom windows without climbing up and peering in!
Q: Do you use my water or bring your own?
A: It depends on the service:
Window Cleaning: We bring our own! Our vans are equipped with Pure Water tanks, so we are self-sufficient.
Pressure Washing: We do need access to your outside tap. High-pressure surface cleaners require a constant volume of water. The cost to you is usually negligible (approx £1–£3 depending on driveway size).
Q: Do you clean the frames and sills?
A: Absolutely. We believe a window isn't clean unless the surround is clean too. We scrub and rinse your uPVC frames and sills on every single visit as standard. There are no hidden charges for this—we remove the grime and green algae to keep your property looking its best.
Q: Will the windows dry spotless if left wet?
A: Yes! Because we use 100% purified water (with all minerals filtered out), we leave the windows wet. As the water evaporates naturally, it dries to a crystal-clear, streak-free finish. Unlike tap water, which leaves white mineral spots, our water dries spotless.
Q: What happens if it rains? (The Rain Guarantee)
A: We clean in most weather (light rain/showers) because rainwater is pure and doesn't make windows dirty—dust does! However, we offer a full Rain Guarantee: If we clean your windows in the rain and you aren't completely happy with the finish once they dry, just let us know within 24 hours and we will reclean them for free.
Q: Will the first clean be different from regular cleans?
A: Yes, the first visit is a 'Deep Clean'. Because we flush the frames, sills, and vents thoroughly, we often dislodge years of trapped dirt. Very occasionally, a small amount of water may trickle out from a vent after we leave (known as 'spotting'). Don't worry—this is normal when flushing out old grime! Subsequent regular cleans will be spotless every time.
Q: What other services do you offer?
A: We are more than just window cleaners! We offer full exterior packages:
Gutter Clearing & Cleaning: Removing debris to prevent damp.
Fascia & Soffit Cleaning: Brightening up the roofline.
Conservatory Roofs: Removing green algae and moss.
Pressure Washing: Reviving Driveways, Patios, and Paths (Block Paving, Sandstone, Concrete).