Pure Water Window Cleaning vs Traditional Window Cleaning: Which Is Better?

The Great Window Cleaning Debate in Dublin

If you have been researching window cleaning services in Dublin recently, you will have almost certainly come across two different approaches: traditional window cleaning and pure water window cleaning. Some companies swear by one method and dismiss the other entirely, which can make it confusing to know what is actually best for your home. The truth — as is often the case — is that both methods have their place, and the right choice depends on your property, your priorities, and what you are hoping to achieve.

I have used both methods extensively across hundreds of Dublin properties over the past decade, and in this article I will give you an honest, no-nonsense comparison of the two approaches. No marketing fluff, no exaggerated claims — just the facts as I have experienced them on the job, day in and day out.

What Is Traditional Window Cleaning?

Traditional window cleaning is exactly what most people picture when they think of a window cleaner. It involves a bucket of water mixed with a cleaning solution — typically a mild detergent — a sponge or applicator to apply the soapy water to the glass, and a rubber squeegee to remove the water and leave the glass dry and streak-free. The cleaner works from a ladder or from the ground, depending on the height of the windows. After squeegeeing, the cleaner uses a microfibre cloth or scrim to wipe the edges and remove any remaining moisture.

This method has been the industry standard for decades and, when done by a skilled professional, produces excellent results. The key word there is "skilled" — traditional window cleaning takes practice and technique to get right. A poorly handled squeegee leaves streaks, smears, and water marks that are glaringly obvious on a bright day.

What Is Pure Water Window Cleaning?

Pure water window cleaning is a more modern approach that has become the dominant method among professional window cleaners in Dublin over the past ten to fifteen years. The process begins with ordinary tap water, which is then passed through a multi-stage filtration system — typically involving reverse osmosis and deionisation — to remove all dissolved minerals, salts, and impurities. The result is water that is 100% pure, with a total dissolved solids (TDS) reading of zero parts per million.

This pure water is then pumped through an extendable pole — often reaching heights of up to 20 metres or more — with a soft brush head at the end. The cleaner agitates the dirt on the glass with the brush, and the pure water rinses it away. Because the water contains no minerals, it dries completely clear without leaving any spots, streaks, or residue. There is no need for squeegees, detergent, or ladders. The glass is left to dry naturally, and the result is a perfectly clean, streak-free finish.

The Pros and Cons of Traditional Window Cleaning

Advantages of traditional window cleaning:

• Excellent results on heavily soiled windows — the combination of detergent and physical squeegee action is very effective at cutting through thick grime, bird droppings, and stubborn marks.
• Lower equipment costs for the cleaner, which can translate to slightly lower prices for the customer in some cases.
• Immediate visual feedback — the cleaner can see exactly what they are doing as they work, because the glass is dried as they go.
• Good for interior windows — pure water systems can be messy indoors due to the volume of water used, so traditional methods are often preferred for interior cleans.

Disadvantages of traditional window cleaning:

• Requires ladders for upper-floor windows, which introduces a safety risk — both for the cleaner and potentially for your property if a ladder slips against a wall or window frame.
• Detergent residue left on the glass can attract new dirt, meaning windows may get dirty again faster than with pure water cleaning.
• Inconsistent results between different cleaners — traditional method quality is highly dependent on individual skill.
• Cannot safely reach windows above conservatories, over extensions, or in particularly awkward positions without significant risk.

The Pros and Cons of Pure Water Window Cleaning

Advantages of pure water window cleaning:

• Safer — the water-fed pole allows upper-floor windows to be cleaned from the ground, eliminating ladder-related risks entirely.
• No chemical detergents — only water touches your glass. This is better for the environment, better for your window frames and seals, and better for any plants or flower beds below the windows.
• Longer-lasting results — because no detergent residue is left on the glass, the windows stay cleaner for longer. Dirt and dust have nothing to stick to.
• Reaches windows that traditional methods simply cannot — conservatory roofs, skylights, windows above extensions, and awkwardly positioned glazing are all accessible with a water-fed pole.
• Cleans frames and sills as well as glass — the pure water brush cleans the entire window unit, not just the pane, leaving frames and sills spotless.
• Consistent results — the quality of the clean does not depend on the individual cleaner's squeegee technique.

Disadvantages of pure water window cleaning:

• Slightly higher cost per clean — the filtration equipment is expensive to purchase and maintain, and this cost is reflected in the price. However, the difference is usually modest — typically €5 to €15 more per clean for a standard house.
• Not ideal for interior windows — the volume of water used makes pure water systems impractical for indoor use. Most companies using pure water for exteriors will switch to traditional methods for interior cleans.
• Results are not immediately visible — because the glass dries naturally, the cleaner cannot see the final result until the water evaporates. This requires trust in the system.

Which Method Is Safer?

This is not a close contest. Pure water window cleaning is significantly safer than traditional ladder-based methods. The HSA (Health and Safety Authority) consistently highlights falls from height as a leading cause of workplace and domestic injury in Ireland. A professional using a water-fed pole can clean windows up to four storeys high without ever leaving the ground. For properties with difficult access — windows above conservatories, over flat-roof extensions, or at awkward angles — the safety advantage of pure water is undeniable.

That said, a responsible traditional window cleaner will use proper ladder safety equipment, including stand-offs to keep the ladder away from guttering and window frames, and will never work in unsafe weather conditions. The risk is not that traditional cleaning is inherently dangerous — it is that it introduces more variables and requires more vigilance than pure water methods.

Which Method Works Best for Different Dublin Properties?

• Standard suburban homes (semi-detached, terraced): Both methods work well. Pure water has a slight edge for safety and longevity of results, but a skilled traditional cleaner will do an equally good job on accessible windows.
• Period properties with sash windows: Traditional methods often work better here. Sash windows in areas like Rathmines, Ranelagh, and Rathgar can be cleaned very effectively with a squeegee and detailing cloth. Pure water can work too, but particular care is needed around older, more delicate frames.
• Modern homes with large glazed areas and conservatories: Pure water is the clear winner. The ability to clean conservatory roofs, bi-fold doors, and large picture windows from the ground is a major advantage that traditional methods simply cannot match.
• Commercial buildings: Pure water is the standard for commercial window cleaning in Dublin today. The safety advantages, speed, and consistent results make it the logical choice for offices, retail units, and multi-storey buildings.
• Apartments and flats above ground floor: Pure water is essential for anything above the first floor. Traditional ladder access to upper-floor apartment windows is often impractical or prohibited by building management.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Pure Water Cleaning

Myth: "Pure water cleaning does not actually clean the windows — it just rinses them."
This is the most persistent misconception I hear. The brush head on a water-fed pole physically agitates and loosens dirt, exactly as a sponge or applicator does with traditional cleaning. The pure water then carries the dirt away. The brush is soft — it will not scratch glass — but it is effective at removing grime. Combined with the rinsing action, pure water absolutely cleans the glass.

Myth: "Windows cleaned with pure water get dirty faster."
The opposite is true. Because pure water leaves no detergent residue, there is nothing on the glass for new dirt to cling to. In my experience, windows cleaned with pure water stay visibly clean for roughly one to two weeks longer than those cleaned with traditional detergent-based methods.

Myth: "Pure water does not work on very dirty windows."
For extremely soiled windows — those that have not been cleaned in years — an initial traditional clean followed by ongoing pure water maintenance can work well. But experienced pure water operators can handle very dirty windows effectively by using a higher water flow rate and spending more time on the initial agitation. The results are excellent.

Which Method Does Window Cleaning Dublin Use?

At Window Cleaning Dublin, we use both methods, applying the right technique to each specific job. For all exterior window cleaning — residential and commercial — we use pure water technology as standard. It is safer, produces better and longer-lasting results, and allows us to clean every window on your property regardless of height or position. For interior window cleaning, we use traditional methods — squeegees, applicators, and microfibre cloths — which are cleaner, faster, and more practical indoors.

We are based in Dublin and serve all postcodes from Dublin 1 to Dublin 24, plus Swords, Malahide, Clontarf, Raheny, Drumcondra, Glasnevin, Finglas, Blanchardstown, Lucan, Clondalkin, Tallaght, Rathfarnham, Dundrum, Stillorgan, Blackrock, and beyond. Call +353 89 452 3433 for a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does pure water cleaning use chemicals?
A: No. Pure water window cleaning uses nothing but water that has been filtered to remove all impurities. No detergents, soaps, or cleaning agents are added. It is the most environmentally friendly window cleaning method available.

Q: Is pure water cleaning safe for all types of glass?
A: Yes. The soft brush used with pure water systems is safe for all glass types, including tinted glass, self-cleaning glass, and leaded or stained glass. The bristles are designed not to scratch or damage any glass surface.

Q: Will water get into my house through the windows?
A: No. Modern double-glazed windows are fully sealed. The water from pure water cleaning stays on the outside of the glass and runs off harmlessly. If your windows are very old with failing seals, a small amount of water could potentially seep in — but this is extremely rare and we always check for this before starting.

Q: How long does pure water cleaning last compared to traditional?
A: In our experience across Dublin, pure water cleaned windows stay visibly clean for roughly seven to fourteen days longer than traditionally cleaned windows. The exact difference depends on your location and environmental factors.