There I was, standing on a kitchen chair, rubber gloves on, sponge in one hand and a spray bottle in the other, staring up at a circular window shaped like something from a fairground. It had cobwebs in places I couldn’t reach and streaks I swear hadn’t moved since 1994. That’s when it hit me—some windows just aren’t meant to be cleaned the usual way.
If you live in London, chances are your home has at least one window that makes you stop and say, “How on earth do I clean that?” From Victorian-era sash windows to awkward skylights and stained glass with a life of its own, this guide tackles them all with practical tips and a good bit of common sense.
Sash Windows: The Classic That Always Gets Stuck
Spotting Trouble Before It Starts
Sash windows are part of London’s charm. But let’s be honest—they can be absolute divas. If you’ve got originals from the 1800s, you know they creak, rattle, and sometimes refuse to budge. Dust and grime love settling in the tracks, and it’s easy to forget the top sash even exists.
Cleaning Without Causing Damage
Start by opening both the top and bottom sashes slightly. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to suck up loose dust and cobwebs. A small paintbrush can help get into corners without scratching the paint. Use warm soapy water and a microfibre cloth for the glass—nothing abrasive. Wipe down the wooden frame with a damp cloth and dry it straight after. Never soak sash cords or the sill—water damage shows up quickly in these old frames.
Skylights: Beautiful, Blinding, and Dusty
Gravity Isn’t On Your Side
Skylights seem like a good idea until you realise you can’t reach them with a regular step ladder and they collect every bit of grime falling from the heavens. Bird droppings, leaves, pollution—they’re like magnets for mess.
Cleaning Tips That Won’t Land You in A&E
For inside glass, get yourself a telescopic window cleaner with a pivoting head. Fill a spray bottle with one part vinegar to three parts water and mist the glass lightly. Wipe with a microfibre pad on your pole. For outside cleaning, only attempt it if the roof is safely accessible. Otherwise, leave it to professionals who’ve got the gear and the insurance.
Awning Windows: Hinges, Screens, and Sneaky Dirt
Why These Windows Get So Grubby
Awning windows swing outwards at the bottom, which is great for rainy days—but terrible for keeping things clean. Dirt builds up on the lower edge, leaves wedge in the hinge, and the mesh screen traps insects like a horror movie.
Getting In Behind the Screens
Pop the screen out gently if it’s removable. Use a handheld vacuum or a soft brush to clear debris from the hinge and ledge. For the glass, wipe the inside first with your usual cleaner, then reach the outside by pushing the window out as far as it’ll go. A flat mop with a long handle comes in handy here. Don’t forget to clean the screen itself—lay it flat, rinse with water, and scrub gently with soapy water.
Bay Windows: Big, Bold, and a Bit of a Pain
Hidden Surfaces and Extra Panes
Bay windows bring in gorgeous light but also come with multiple panes, corners, and ledges. If you’re not careful, the interior angles gather dust faster than you can blink, and streaks appear out of nowhere.
Making the Most of Your Reach
Start with a feather duster or dry cloth to wipe down the corners. Clean the interior glass one pane at a time using a spray and a squeegee. For the outside, use a telescopic pole with a squeegee head. If you’re lucky enough to live on the ground floor, a steady ladder can help. For upstairs bays, you may need to call in the pros unless you fancy dangling out the window like a stunt double.
Circular and Arched Windows: More Than Just a Pretty Face
When Geometry Gets in the Way
These windows are lovely to look at but tricky to clean. They often sit high up—stairwells, loft spaces, or weird hallway nooks—and don’t always open. The curves make using a standard squeegee about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
Tools That Make the Job Easier
Flexible rubber-bladed squeegees are your best friend here. Combine that with a curved extension pole and a cleaning solution that doesn’t streak, and you’ve got a fighting chance. Always start from the top and work down in gentle, circular motions. Use a cloth to buff out the last bits by hand.
Stained Glass Windows: Fragile Beauty That Needs Respect
Spot the Risks Before You Start
If you’ve got stained glass in your home, chances are it’s either old or very expensive—or both. These windows don’t just hold dirt, they hold stories. The leaded joints are delicate, and the paintwork can flake if you scrub too hard.
Cleaning Without Ruining History
Avoid commercial glass cleaners. Stick to distilled water and a soft lint-free cloth. Gently wipe the glass—never use a scrubbing pad or rough sponge. For lead joints or dirty corners, use a small natural bristle brush. If the glass is bowing or you see gaps in the leadwork, call a heritage specialist rather than pushing your luck.
Bonus Section: Window Types With a London Twist
Glass Blocks, Porthole Windows, and Modern Panels
London’s full of converted factories, warehouses, and new builds with fancy glass features. These include portholes in loft flats, frosted glass in stairwells, or sealed glass panels in awkward corners. Most don’t open, and they hide dirt until it gets out of hand.
How to Keep Them Looking Sharp
Use a handheld steam cleaner to get through grease and mould on frosted panels. For sealed units, avoid applying too much pressure. A vinegar-water spray and a microfibre cloth usually do the trick. Use a brush for vents or corners, and always dry the glass to avoid streaks.
Top Tools for Unusual Window Cleaning
Must-Haves in Your Kit
- Telescopic pole with pivoting head – ideal for skylights and bay windows
- Flexible squeegee – for curved and arched glass
- Feather duster or microfibre mop – gets dust without smearing
- Distilled water spray bottle – no streaks on stained or frosted glass
- Natural bristle brushes – great for frames and leadwork
- Handheld vacuum – perfect for corners and tracks
What Not to Use
- Kitchen roll – leaves lint and bits
- Ammonia-based sprays – can damage paint, lead, or stained surfaces
- Old towels – they drag dirt and leave streaks
- Wobbly stools or chairs – just don’t, seriously
When to Call in the Pros
Knowing Your Limits
There’s no shame in calling in help—especially when it means avoiding broken glass or a trip to A&E. If you can’t safely access a window or if the glass is fragile, leave it to someone with the right kit. In London, you’ll find pros offering purified water systems that leave windows spotless without chemicals. Expect to pay around £40–£90 depending on access and window type.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
- Are you insured for residential work?
- Do you have experience with older or stained glass?
- Do you use ladder-free systems for high windows?
- Can I book a regular service?
Final Thoughts: Love Your Weird Windows
We live in one of the most architecturally quirky cities in the world, and our windows reflect that. From sash frames to skylights, bay beauties to stained glass stories, they all deserve a little TLC.
Taking a bit of time (and maybe investing in the right tool or two) means your windows can sparkle—without the risk of damage, danger, or disgrace. Clean windows lift a whole room, and if they’re a pain to get to, well… that just makes the view even more satisfying.
So next time you look up at that awkward porthole or stained glass fanlight and think “Ugh, not today,” remember—odd windows are what make your home stand out. With the right approach, they’re not so peculiar after all.