First impressions count, especially for businesses operating in the hospitality and leisure sectors that have a very short space of time to make an impression. Nothing quite detracts from the look of a business like dirty windows, the lack of care on the outside sends a clear signal to consumers that the insides see the same level of care, when in reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Thankfully, recent years have seen huge technological advances in window cleaning technology, and there’s a vast range of new tech that can help keep windows clean without the effort. From autonomous robot cleaners to drones and nanotechnology, there’s plenty of new technology on the market.
Here, with helpful insights from the window experts at The Heritage Window Company, we take a look at some of the most futuristic window cleaning technology you can buy to level up your restaurant, pub, shop or office windows in 2024…
Key findings
- Pure water filtration systems purify standard tap water into pure H20, which makes cleaning far easier without the use of cleaning compounds.
- Remote-controlled window cleaning drones are making it easier to tackle hard-to-reach exterior windows.
- Interior window cleaning robots can detect dirt on your windows and take the most energy-efficient path to rid your windows of dirt.
- Nanotech cleaners use nanoparticles to create a protective film on your windows once they’ve been cleaned, reducing the need for future cleaning.
Pure water
Want to get cleaner windows, reduce your use of cleaning compounds and use less water in the process? You should be using pure water for your windows! Many modern window cleaners are using pure water cleaning systems, which filter standard tap water into pure H20, leaving your windows looking cleaner than ever.
The outcome? You can enjoy cleaner windows without using cleaning compounds, limiting your impact on the planet. Simple!
Exterior window cleaning drones
Sounds like something out of a sci-fi novel, right? Well, window cleaning drones are here, and they’re already making life a breeze for their owners. Hard-to-reach windows are a thing of the past, as these remote-controlled cleaners can be safely operated without even going outside!
Window-cleaning drones are already being used for high-rise offices and awkwardly shaped buildings where human intervention might be dangerous. Completing projects at a fraction of the time and cost of human counterparts, window cleaning drones are poised to play a big part in the future of commercial window cleaning.
Interior window cleaning robots
Drones might be able to tackle the outside of windows with ease, but if you’re looking for a schedule-and-forget solution to cleaning workspace windows from the inside, you might need a personal robot. Think of this technology like a Roomba for a window – these robots attach themselves to the inside of the window with super-strong suction and are programmed to take the most efficient path for maximum cleanliness!
Magnetic window cleaning
Looking to cut down the time spent cleaning windows or forego paying professionals to clean them for you? One of the cheaper – but just as practical – developments in window-cleaning tech is the rise of the magnetic window cleaner. Just pop one half of the magnetic cleaner on the outside of the window and the other half on the inside, and you’ll be able to clean both sides without having to venture outside at all!
The magnetic window cleaners of yesteryear fell firmly into the “gimmicky” category, tending to fail when confronted by modern double glazing. However, with stronger magnets and better-quality cleaning pads, you can rely on today’s versions to leave your windows with a great finish. This is especially useful for tall office blocks which would typically require specialist equipment to reach windows on higher floors.
Nanotech cleaners
The use of nanotechnology is a great way to reduce the frequency with which you have to clean your windows. These types of cleaners utilise nanoparticles, which not only dissolve the dirt on your windows, but also “heal” the glass after cleaning it, forming a protective coating which negates the need for more regular cleaning.
With this coating, you can expect up to 80% less dirt, oil or dust to attach itself to the window going forward, making future cleaning a piece of cake.
Pressure washing
Sick and tired of dealing with tough dirt in the corners of your windows? You might be hesitant to apply a power washer to your window, but the control and flexibility provided by newer pressure washers means that you can tackle tough dirt that’s been baked hard by exposure to the hot sun.
Pressure washing is particularly suited to newer, more robust window frames such as aluminium windows or vinyl windows. “Try and avoid pressure washing older wooden window frames,” comments Kevin Brown, Managing Director at The Heritage Window Company – “the power of the pressure washer could warp your window frames and irreparably damage seals and paintwork.”
The window cleaning of the future
Since today’s window cleaning technology probably sounds incredibly far-fetched to those living even 100 years ago, we asked AI chatbot ChatGPT to imagine what window cleaning technology might look like in the future. Here are some highlights:
Self-cleaning glass:
“Windows themselves might be made of smart materials that can repel dirt and contaminants. These self-cleaning windows could use technologies like electrochromism or responsive coatings to actively resist staining, reducing the need for external cleaning.”
Augmented Reality (AR) Systems:
“AR could be integrated into window cleaning systems, allowing technicians to visualise dirt and contaminants through smart glasses. AR overlays could guide cleaning devices precisely to affected areas, optimising the cleaning process.”
Solar-Powered Cleaning:
“Windows could harness solar energy to power embedded cleaning mechanisms. Photovoltaic cells on the glass surface could generate electricity to drive cleaning processes, making the technology more sustainable and self-sufficient.”
Brown comments: “The window cleaning sector has made some great technological strides in recent years, and is showing no signs of slowing down! It’s been great to see how modern advancements have been helping make life easier for homeowners, businesses and window cleaners alike.
I’m not sure whether augmented reality would make window cleaning any easier! But if it’s helping us optimise the cleaning process, I’m all for it!”
