Pure water with a soft brush is one of the gentlest ways to clean tinted, coated and filmed glass, because it uses no detergent, no scraper and no abrasive pads. The main thing to check is whether any film is on the outside of the glass and what its maker recommends.
Why pure water is gentle
Purified water is ordinary mains water with the minerals taken out. With nothing left in it, it dissolves dirt and dries clear. There is no detergent to leave a film, no chemicals to react with coatings and no hard edge touching the glass. A soft brush lifts the dirt and the rinse carries it away.
That makes it well suited to modern commercial glass, which often has coatings, tints or films that harsh cleaning can damage.
What about solar and privacy film?
Most window film is fitted on the inside of the glass, so outside cleaning does not touch it. If your film is on the outside, which is less common, it should be cleaned gently with plain water and a soft brush, never with a scraper or abrasive pad. Check the film supplier’s care guide and tell us on the survey, so we can treat those panes carefully.
Inside film is cleaned by hand with a soft cloth or squeegee and plain water or a mild cleaner, never with a blade.
What about self-cleaning glass?
Some glass has a coating on the outside that helps break down dirt in daylight and lets rain wash it away. Pure water is a good match for it, as detergents and silicone-based products can leave a residue on the coating. Self-cleaning glass still benefits from a clean, especially where rain does not reach it, such as under canopies.
Are powder-coated aluminium frames safe?
Yes. Powder-coated frames are common on offices and shopfronts, and they can be marked by harsh chemicals or abrasive pads. Pure water and a soft brush clean the frames as well as the glass and leave no residue to attract dirt.
What to tell your window cleaner
Tell us about any film, tinting, coatings, etched or decorative glass, and anything you have been told by the installer. If you are not sure, we look on the survey. Write any special care into the scope, so whoever cleans the building knows which panes need it.
What about new glass after building work?
New windows and shopfronts often arrive with labels, sealant marks, plaster splashes and paint on the glass. These are not removed by a normal pure water clean and need careful work by hand, with the method chosen to suit the glass and any coating on it. That is usually a one-off builder’s clean before the regular schedule starts. Tell us if your building is new or has just had work done, and we will look at the glass on the survey before suggesting how to tackle it.
Quick questions
Can a scraper be used on coated glass?
We do not use scrapers on coated or filmed glass. Pure water and a soft brush are used instead.
Will pure water remove stubborn marks like paint or cement?
Not always. Those need a different approach, agreed on the survey.
Is pure water safe on tinted office glass?
Yes. It uses no detergent or abrasives, so it is gentle on tinted glass.
