Professional window cleaners usually keep their water very simple: they either use pure, filtered water on its own or a light mix of water with a small amount of specialist detergent or eco washing-up liquid. The real secret is not a “magic chemical” but the way they treat the water, how they apply it, and how they remove it from the glass so it dries completely clear.
What Do Professional Window Cleaners Use in Their Water?
When people ask “What do professional window cleaners use in their water?”, they often expect a complex formula. In reality, most pros in Ireland rely on two main options:
- Pure (deionised) water for outside glass, often used with water-fed poles.
- Water with a tiny amount of detergent or soap for traditional squeegee work.
The goal is always the same: remove dirt, dry without residue, and protect frames, seals, and the environment.
Pure Water: The Modern Professional Standard
How Pure Water Works
Many professional window cleaners now use pure water systems for exterior work. Ordinary tap water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When it dries on glass, these minerals leave spots and streaks. Pure water has those minerals filtered out, so it can dry on the glass naturally without leaving marks.
Cleaners pump this pure water through a hose to a telescopic pole with a soft brush. The brush agitates the dirt, and the pure water rinses it away. Because the water contains no dissolved solids, it leaves nothing behind when it evaporates.
Why Professionals Love Pure Water
Using pure water in their systems gives pros several advantages:
- Streak-free finish without added chemicals.
- Safer access to upper floors using poles instead of ladders.
- Gentler on gardens, pets, and drainage systems.
- Less need for wiping and detailing, which saves time on large sites.
For an eco-focused window cleaning company in Ireland, pure water fits perfectly with a low-chemical, low-impact approach.
Find the Best Window Cleaning Method for Irish Homes
Not all glass is the same, and Irish weather adds its own challenges. If you want clear views all year round, start with the right products for your climate and window type. Discover expert advice on what works best for cleaning windows in homes and businesses across Ireland, including eco-friendly options that still deliver a perfect shine.
Choose the Ideal Solution for Outside Windows
Outside windows take the worst of wind, rain, traffic film, and coastal air, so they need a slightly different routine. The correct mix can remove stubborn grime without harming frames, gardens, or the environment. Learn which products and methods give the clearest results in our guide to the most suitable cleaning solution for exterior glass surfaces.
Mix Your Own Eco Window Cleaner at Home
Prefer a greener, low-cost option you can make in your own kitchen? With a few simple ingredients, you can create a powerful yet gentle cleaner that rivals shop-bought sprays. Follow our expert tips on making an effective homemade solution for washing windows and enjoy streak-free glass without harsh chemicals.
Understand How Long a Proper Window Clean Should Take
Whether you’re booking a professional or planning a DIY session, it helps to know how long the job should realistically last. Factors like property size, access, and dirt level all affect timing. Our practical breakdown explains how much time a standard window cleaning visit usually requires, so you can organise your day with ease.
Learn How to Wash Windows Without Streaks
Few things are more frustrating than cleaning your windows and still seeing smears in the sunlight. The difference lies in your tools, technique, and drying method. Get step-by-step guidance on the most effective way to wash your windows so they stay clear and streak-free, just like a professional eco cleaner.
Clean High Windows Safely and Effectively
Upper-floor and awkwardly placed windows can be tricky—and risky—if you rely on ladders alone. Modern tools and smart methods let you stay safely on the ground while still achieving a spotless finish. Explore our expert advice on washing high and hard-to-reach windows without needing a ladder and keep every pane on your property looking its best.
Traditional Mix: Water Plus a Small Amount of Detergent
What Goes into a Traditional Bucket
Traditional window cleaners still use a very simple mix in their bucket:
- Clean, preferably warm water.
- A measured dash of professional window cleaning detergent or mild eco washing-up liquid.
The detergent breaks surface tension and helps the applicator glide smoothly over the glass. It also cuts through greasy marks, fingerprints, and traffic film.
Why Less Is More
Using too much detergent creates heavy suds and leaves residue on the glass. That residue can:
- Cause streaks when the window dries.
- Attract dirt more quickly after the clean.
Professionals measure detergent carefully, so the water feels slightly “slippery” but does not foam excessively. They then remove the mix with a sharp rubber squeegee and finish edges with a microfibre cloth.
Additives Professionals Sometimes Use in Their Water
Most professionals keep their water solutions simple, but they may occasionally add:
- A small amount of isopropyl alcohol in very cold weather to help water evaporate faster.
- A specialist wetting agent for heavily soiled commercial glass.
- A little vinegar-type product for tough mineral deposits on certain jobs.
An eco cleaning company will either avoid these additives or choose plant-based, biodegradable alternatives. The priority is performance and environmental responsibility together.
How the Right Water Makes Windows Cleaner for Longer
Clean Water Means Cleaner Glass
In professional window cleaning, the quality of the water is as important as the cleaning product. Pure water or well-mixed detergent solutions:
- Remove more dirt in each pass.
- Leave less residue on the glass.
- Help windows stay clean longer between visits.
If dirty or hard water goes into the bucket, that dirt transfers back onto the glass. This is why pros change their water frequently during a job and filter water for pole systems.
Tools and Technique Complete the Picture
What professional window cleaners use in their water only works properly with the right tools:
- Soft applicator sleeves to spread the water evenly.
- High-quality squeegees with sharp rubber blades.
- Microfibre cloths for corners and detailing.
- Water-fed poles with brushes for high or awkward windows.
The combination of clean water, the right additives, and skilled technique produces that unmistakable “professional” finish.
When Should You Call a Professional Eco Window Cleaner?
Even with a good DIY mix, some jobs suit a professional eco cleaning service:
- Upper-storey windows and skylights that are hard to reach.
- Large glazed areas such as conservatories, shopfronts, or office blocks.
- Homes in coastal or high-traffic areas where glass gets dirty quickly.
- Busy households that want regular, reliable window care.
An eco window cleaning company in Ireland can bring pure water systems, professional detergents, and safe access equipment, so you enjoy spotless glass without risk or hassle.
FAQs About What Professionals Put in Their Water
1. Do professional window cleaners just use tap water?
Many do not. For exterior work, a lot of professionals now filter tap water into pure water before use. For traditional work, they use tap water but pair it with carefully measured detergent.
2. Why don’t professionals use strong bleach or heavy chemicals?
Strong chemicals can damage frames, seals, plants, and nearby surfaces. They also leave more residue. Most pros find that pure water or light detergent mixes clean better and are kinder to the property.
3. Can I make my own “professional” window cleaning mix at home?
You can get quite close by using clean warm water with a small amount of mild eco washing-up liquid. Use less than you think, and always remove it well with a squeegee.
4. Is pure water better than detergent for windows?
Both have their place. Pure water excels for outside windows, especially at height, because it dries spot-free without chemicals. Detergent mixes are very useful on greasy or very dirty glass, especially inside.
5. How do professionals stop water spots after cleaning?
They work with clean or pure water, control how much solution they put on the glass, and remove it thoroughly with quality tools. They also avoid cleaning in strong direct sun where water dries too quickly.
