When temperatures and light levels drop, and curtains get opened later and closed earlier, it’s easy to forget about cleaning your double glazed windows and uPVC doors. Most people think window cleaning is a job best left for spring or summer. However, keeping your double glazing clean through the colder months can actually protect your investment. It can also improve energy efficiency, and keep your home feeling warm and bright.
Whether you have casement, tilt and turn, sash or bay windows, cleaning your double glazed windows and doors in the winter is definitely worth doing. It might even be one of the smartest home maintenance tasks you do this season.
Common misconceptions about winter window cleaning
Many homeowners believe that cleaning windows in cold weather is pointless or might actually be damaging to double glazing. One of these common misconceptions is that it can be too cold to clean windows, especially if the weather is frosty. However, professional cleaners use specialist, non-freezing solutions that make winter cleaning safe and effective. Another thought is that there’s no point because they’ll just get dirty again. Even though they will (eventually) get dirty again, grime attracts grime, so clean glass actually resists dirt build up better. In addition to this, removing salt or grit during the winter will help prevent long-term damage. And finally, some believe that double glazing doesn’t need cleaning at all, which unfortunately isn’t true. Even though double glazed windows are low-maintenance, regular cleaning helps protect seals, frames, and coatings from moisture and debris, especially during the winter.
Winter cleaning benefits for double glazed windows and doors
1. Maximises natural light
Winter days are shorter in the UK, and every bit of sunlight helps. Dirt, condensation, or even salt from nearby roads on your double glazing can block light. Keeping your glass clean lets more light in, making rooms feel much brighter.
2. Improves energy efficiency
Dirty or fogged windows can reduce the performance of your double glazing. This means your home may lose more heat. Clean glass allows better solar gain and keeps your energy bills lower. This helps to complement the insulating benefits of your double glazed units, keeping your home’s temperature more comfortable.
3. Prevents damage to frames and seals
Salt, grit, and road spray can build up, especially on the lower frames of double glazed doors and windows during winter. Left unchecked, these contaminants can cause corrosion, staining, or seal failure. Regular cleaning removes harmful residues and extends the life of your double glazing system, protecting your investment.
4. Maintains a clear view and kerb appeal
Sparkling windows and doors make your home look well cared for, even on dull winter days. For businesses, clean double glazing helps maintain a professional appearance and a welcoming first impression.
How professionals clean double glazing in cold weather
Cleaning double glazed windows and uPVC doors during the winter months requires the right approach. Professional window cleaners will use eco-friendly, anti-freeze cleaning solutions designed for cold climates. They work during the warmest part of the day and use purified water systems that leave no streaks or residue.
Attempting DIY window cleaning in freezing conditions can be unsafe and less effective. This is due to factors such as slippery surfaces, thermal shock (caused by applying hot or even warm water to a freezing cold glass pane, causing the glass to crack), and chemical exposure from cleaning products. Standard water-based cleaning solutions can freeze on contact with cold glass, forming a layer of ice instead of a clean finish. A professional service will use specialised equipment which ensures your double glazing is cleaned safely, without risking damage to seals, glass coatings or yourself.
When to schedule a winter clean for your double glazed windows
The best time to clean your double glazed windows and uPVC doors is after major storms or thaw periods. Regular maintenance, especially midwinter, prevents the buildup of salt, dirt, and condensation that can harm your glazing.
If you own sliding double glazed patio doors, it’s also worth having these cleaned and checked during the winter months to keep the tracks free from grit and ice, and moving smoothly.
So, should you get your double glazed windows cleaned in winter? Absolutely. Clean glazing keeps your home warmer, brighter, and more energy-efficient while protecting your investment from long-term wear and tear.
Don’t wait for spring sunshine, give your double glazed windows and uPVC doors the care they need all year round and enjoy a clearer view, better efficiency, and a more comfortable home this winter.