Reach & Wash vs Traditional Window Cleaning: Which Is Best for Your Business?
7/10/20262 min read
But when it comes to professional window cleaning, many business owners ask the same question:
Should I choose reach and wash or traditional window cleaning?
The truth is that both methods have their advantages. Understanding the differences can help you determine which solution is best for your property.
What Is Reach & Wash Window Cleaning?
Reach and wash, also known as the water-fed pole system, uses telescopic poles and purified water to clean windows from the ground. The purified water removes dirt, dust, and grime from the glass, frames, and sills before drying naturally to a spotless finish.
This method has become increasingly popular for commercial properties because it allows cleaners to safely reach windows several storeys high without the need for ladders or access equipment.
Benefits of Reach & Wash
Enhanced safety – Most work is carried out from ground level, reducing the risks associated with working at height.
Cleans frames and sills – Unlike some traditional methods, reach and wash cleans the entire window area.
Ideal for higher buildings – Perfect for offices, schools, retail premises, and commercial properties with difficult-to-access windows.
Environmentally friendly – Uses purified water without the need for detergents or chemicals.
Efficient and cost-effective – Larger areas can often be cleaned more quickly than traditional methods.
What Is Traditional Window Cleaning?
Traditional window cleaning uses a combination of cleaning solution, applicator, squeegee, and detailing cloths to achieve a polished finish.
This method has been used for decades and remains highly effective, particularly for interior glass and ground-floor windows.
Benefits of Traditional Window Cleaning
Immediate results – Windows are dried and polished during the cleaning process.
Excellent for stubborn marks – Paint spots, bird droppings, fingerprints, and grease can often be removed more effectively.
Ideal for internal glass – Provides a detailed finish for offices, reception areas, and shopfronts.
Highly detailed cleaning – Perfect for areas requiring extra attention and precision.
Which Method Is Better for Commercial Properties?
For most commercial buildings, reach and wash is often the preferred choice. It offers significant safety benefits, allows operatives to clean more windows efficiently, and provides excellent results when carried out regularly.
However, traditional cleaning still has an important role. Ground-floor shopfronts, internal glazing, and windows with heavy staining may benefit from the hands-on approach that traditional cleaning provides.
The Best Solution: A Combination of Both
At many commercial sites, the most effective approach is to combine both methods.
For example:
Reach and wash for upper-level external windows.
Traditional cleaning for entrances, reception areas, and internal glass.
Spot treatment of stubborn marks where additional attention is required.
This combination ensures every part of your property receives the most suitable cleaning method while maintaining safety, efficiency, and exceptional results.
Our Recommendation
If your business requires regular exterior window cleaning, reach and wash is generally the most effective long-term solution. It delivers excellent results, improves safety, and keeps your windows, frames, and sills looking their best.
For specialist cleaning requirements, interior glazing, or heavily soiled glass, traditional window cleaning remains an invaluable service.
At Vistavis we use the right method for every job, ensuring your premises always make the best possible impression on customers, visitors, and staff.
Need Professional Commercial Window Cleaning?
Whether you manage an office building, retail unit, school, healthcare facility, or industrial site, our experienced team can provide a tailored window cleaning solution to suit your needs.
Contact us today for a free quotation and discover how professional window cleaning can enhance your business premises.
Call the office on 01293 53345 or email group@vistavis.co.uk where we can assist you with a site survey.
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