We get asked this question a lot — usually as we’re unloading our ladders or extending the Water-fed Brush on a cloudy day.
“Are you really cleaning windows in this weather?”
Yes, we are. And no, we haven’t lost our minds.
Here in Cheshire, if we stopped cleaning windows every time it rained, we’d probably only work three days a month. So, let’s clear things up (pun intended) and explain why a bit of rain doesn’t bother us — and why your windows will look just as good afterwards.
Does Rain Actually Make Windows Dirty?
It’s a common myth that rainwater makes windows dirty. In reality, it’s not the rain itself — it’s the dirt already on the glass that mixes with the rain and leaves streaks behind.
When your windows are already covered in dust, pollen, or greasy residue, rain droplets cling to that grime and cause spotting. But if your windows are clean, the rainwater usually runs right off without leaving a mark.
That’s why when we clean your windows using purified water, they stay cleaner for longer — even if it rains straight afterwards.
Why We Still Work in the Rain
At Pristine Clean, we use a reach and wash system with purified water — meaning all the minerals and impurities that cause spotting are removed. So even when the heavens open, the water hitting your glass is completely clean. This combined with our water-fed brush system scrubs and rinses away any dirt or film, leaving nothing behind for raindrops to cling to.
It’s different from wiping with a cloth or using tap water. Purified water dries naturally without streaks, giving you a crystal-clear finish no matter the weather. In fact, we often say that a bit of light rain can actually help — it keeps the glass cool and stops water from drying too quickly on hot days, giving a smoother result.
What We Don’t Do in Bad Weather
Now, we’re not daft. We don’t go out in storms, high winds, or torrential downpours. Safety comes first, and sometimes the weather simply makes it unsafe to use our poles or work at height. But light rain? Drizzle? That’s absolutely fine — and we promise, the results are still pristine!
The Science Bit (in Simple Terms)
Rainwater itself is nearly pure — it’s distilled naturally through evaporation. The problem comes when it mixes with existing dirt, soap residue, or pollutants already stuck to the window. That’s why regular window cleaning matters. It removes those contaminants so that rainwater can’t cling or smear.
Think of it like your car windscreen — if it’s clean and freshly polished, a bit of rain beads and rolls right off. If it’s dusty and oily, you get streaks. Same principle, just vertical instead of horizontal.
But Will It Look as Good Afterwards?
Absolutely! Because we don’t use soap or detergents in our cleaning system, there’s no sticky residue left behind for raindrops to grab onto. That’s one of the biggest differences between DIY cleaning and professional methods.
With our purified water reach and wash system, the windows are scrubbed and rinsed thoroughly, then left to air-dry to a spotless, streak-free shine. Whether it’s sunny, overcast, or raining lightly, the result is always the same — clean, streak-free windows that stay that way longer.
Why Regular Cleaning Still Wins
The secret to consistently good results — rain or shine — is keeping to a regular cleaning schedule. We recommend a 4- or 8-week window cleaning service depending on your location and how exposed your property is to traffic, trees, or weather. By keeping up with maintenance, dirt never has a chance to build up, so the rain will never make your windows look worse.
We’ve been cleaning windows across Cheshire for years — through drizzle, sunshine, sleet, and everything in between — and our customers are always surprised by how spotless their glass looks, even after a rainy day.
A Bit of History from the Pristine Team
When we first started, everything was done the old-fashioned way — squeegees, buckets, and cold hands in winter. We have fond memories of those summer cleans, but we don’t miss the freezing mornings. Now, thanks to our modern reach and wash setup, we can clean safely from the ground, reach higher windows, and get better results — whatever the weather decides to throw at us. Of course if it’s freezing cold the super pure water is still cold, so we always appreciate a cup of tea if your making one!
The Real Truth: Rain Isn’t the Enemy, Neglect Is
The truth is, a bit of rain won’t undo a professional clean. Dirt, pollution, and old detergent residue will. So next time you see us cleaning in the drizzle, rest assured we’re not wasting our time — we’re saving you from streaks, smears.
Your windows deserve to look pristine all year round — and a few raindrops won’t change that.
Want spotless windows whatever the weather?
Book your regular clean or get a free quote here:
👉 Pristine Clean Window Cleaning Services in Cheshire
