Do window cleaners work in the rain? (and when don’t they)

You look out of the window on what can only be described as a “proper British day”

Light rain tapping on the glass, grey skies over Solihull — and then you see your window cleaner pull up.

And you think:

“Should they really be cleaning today?”

So let’s clear it up properly, because its a fair question because you might be wondering if its going to affect the quality of your cleaning too

We’ll even give the perspective of a window cleaner so you can understand their favourite weather to clean windows in, and it might surprise you!

Window cleaning across the West Midlands if we only worked on dry, sunny days, we would hardly work at all :)

That’s just reality… its not quite in the Costa del Solihull

But its a beautiful place to live and work

Professional window cleaners that used a water fed pole method of cleaning regularly work in:

• Light rain
• Drizzle
• Overcast conditions
• Cold temperatures
• Warm temperatures (with suncream on)
  
  

With some typical British grey weather? Raining on and off a but, thats absolutely fine.

And here’s the important bit: Rain does not make clean windows dirty.

What makes windows look messy is the build-up of dirt over time.

That dirt comes from:

• Pollen in spring and summer
• Traffic film and pollution (cars, aeroplanes and other pollutants)
• Dust
• Mud splashes
• General day-to-day living
  
  

It slowly accumulates on the glass, frames, sills and around vents.

Dirty windows don't get dirty overnight — it builds up gradually over a period of time.

That’s why window cleaning is really a maintenance service. Just like mowing the lawn or clearing the gutters.

Regular window cleaning in all weathers, keeps the home looking neat and cared for.

Once that dirt is properly removed, rainwater simply lands on clean glass and dries clear.

Why Rain Doesn’t Ruin a Proper Window Clean

Rainwater is naturally purified

.

The process that creates rain — evaporation and condensation — is nature’s version of purification.

It’s very similar in principle to the reverse osmosis systems we use to produce pure water for water-fed pole cleaning.

In simple terms: Rainwater is clean water.

If your windows have been cleaned properly using purified water, there’s no residue left behind - spiders webs are cleaned, algae is removed, dirt and dust is washed away.

So when it rains after a water fed pole window cleaning, it doesn’t “dirty” the glass again.

If your window cleaning service is completed to a good standard, your windows will still look great even when its raining - Rain only highlights dirt that was already there.

So When Won’t a Window Cleaner Turn Up?

There is a difference between a new to window window cleaning person, and a seasoned window cleaner

The seasoned window cleaner loves being outside.

A new window cleaning person hasn’t usually made their mind up until they’ve gone through a winter and summer. 

Window cleaning typically pauses when the conditions get unsafe

A professional window cleaner will usually pause work in genuinely unsafe conditions such as:

• Very high winds (poles become unsafe)
• Thunder and lightning (waving a carbon fibre pole in a storm isn’t sensible)
• Severe icy conditions that make driving or walking dangerous
• Extreme weather events
  
  

Window cleaners work outside every day. It’s normal for us. We wear suitable clothing and expect typical British weather.

But safety always comes first.

Rain? Fine, thats like a walk in the park.

Heavy Storms and Snow? We’ll whack the heating on, and see you as soon as it clears.

Thunderstorms? We’ll probably head home for that day and reschedule the cleaning.

What About Very Hot Weather?

This surprises people .

Bright sunshine and extreme heat can actually make window cleaning more difficult.

When temperatures climb very high — think 30–35°C heatwaves — it becomes very physically demanding

That can reduce working hours, or disturb the schedules meaning many window cleaners will work earlier in the morning or later in the day to maintain quality.

Again, it’s not necessarlaly about comfort, it's about the sustainability of completing the cleanings and the job properly.

In high temperatures it's very easy to get fatigued which has an impact on cleaning quality.

Window cleaning looks easy but it can be very physically demanding and is a job and requires a high level of stamina and fitness which is especially challenging in extreme heat

So Should Windows Be Cleaned in the Rain?

Yes.

If they’re cleaned correctly.

The key isn’t the weather.

It’s the process.

If the frames are properly brushed, the glass is rinsed thoroughly, the finish will dry clear — rain or shine.

If the clean is rushed or done poorly, people tend to blame the rain.

But it’s rarely the rain’s fault - in fact cleaning in the rain makes cleaning windows somewhat easier than in the dry weather (surprising, I know)

Does Squeaky Solihull clean in the rain?

In places like Solihull and the wider West Midlands, waiting for perfect sunshine just isn’t realistic.

At Squeaky Solihull we will work in most normal British weather — including rain — because clean glass doesn’t depend on dry skies.

It depends on doing the job properly and following a clear cleaning process 

If you would like to learn more about window cleaning, or get an instant quote for window cleaning at your home in Solihull, Warwickshire or South Birmingham give us a call or use our instant quote button below