Window Cleaning Questions Answered By a Real Colchester Window Cleaner

I'm Dan, I run Sorrell Pressure Wash & Windows in Colchester, and I'm dedicated to providing the best, safest, and most reliable service across Colchester. These are the real questions people ask me on jobs, in messages, and the stuff you're probably Googling right now. Everything here is based on what I actually do, what works, and what customers care about. If you've got a question I haven't covered, message me and I'll add it.

Pricing & Cost
What is the average cost to have your windows cleaned?
It depends on how many windows you have, how easy they are to reach, and how long since they were last done. Most 3-bed homes in Essex pay £15–£30 every 4–8 weeks. Larger homes, conservatories, or first cleans can be £50. I don’t charge by the hour — you’re paying for results, not time. If you want an accurate price, send photos or your address. I cover Colchester, Braintree, Marks Tey, Coggeshall, and surrounding areas. A 2 bed can be from £13-£16 usually

What We Actually Use
What do professional window cleaners use in their water?
Pure water, sometimes with a weak degreaser for first cleans or heavy build-up. Pure water is filtered so it dries clean without streaks. I use a water-fed pole system that safely reaches up to three storeys from the ground. If you're doing yours at home, warm water with a tiny drop of washing-up liquid and a decent squeegee works fine if you dry it properly.

How Often Should Windows Be Cleaned?
How often should a window be cleaned?
Most homes need cleaning every 4–8 weeks. Near roads or fields: 4–6 weeks. Sheltered spots: 8 weeks. uPVC frames should be cleaned at the same time — leaving them months lets grime build up and can stain the plastic. Long gaps also let mineral deposits and algae build up.

Inside vs Outside
Do window cleaners clean inside?
Mostly we do outside, because that’s where the dirt is. Inside can be added as a separate service if needed. If your inside windows look smeared after you clean them, keep it simple: use a basic window cleaning spray, a clean microfibre cloth, and a glass buffing cloth. That combo works better than overcomplicating it.

Weather & Timing
Do window cleaners work in the rain?
Yes. Pure water cleaning works fine in light rain. Rain isn’t dirty — dirt is dirty. We avoid heavy rain, high winds, and icy conditions for safety.

Ladders, Safety & Methods
Why don’t window cleaners use ladders anymore?
Safety. Water-fed poles reach higher, faster, and don’t damage gutters or render. Falling off ladders used to be the biggest risk. If you’re thinking of getting your own ladder for upstairs windows — honestly, don’t. It’s not worth it.

Is It Worth Paying Someone?
Is professional window cleaning worth it?
If you’ve only got ground-floor windows and enjoy doing them, do it yourself. But if you’ve got upstairs windows, awkward access, a conservatory, limited time, or you just never get around to it, it’s worth paying a pro. We’re done in about 30 minutes and you avoid the risk.

What’s Included in Professional Cleaning?
What does professional window cleaning include?
All outside glass, frames, sills, and door glass. We scrub everything with pure water and leave it to dry naturally — pure water dries clean so we don’t hand-wipe.

uPVC Frames & Sills
How do professionals clean uPVC?
Same as glass — scrub with pure water and rinse. uPVC holds dirt because it's textured, so we clean frames every visit as standard, not an add-on. Same schedule as your windows: every 4–8 weeks.