🪟 Guide

WFP vs Traditional Window Cleaning — Which Is Better?

The two main window cleaning methods produce different results in different conditions. Here is what Cambridge homeowners should know.

By Zap Cleaning Cambridge  ·  2026-05-21  ·  4 min read read

The Short Version

For exterior windows on most Cambridge residential properties, water fed pole (WFP) cleaning produces better results than traditional squeegee cleaning. For interior windows, traditional methods are standard. Most professional window cleaners use both, depending on the application.

How the WFP System Works

The water fed pole system uses a simple but clever principle: water that has been purified to remove all dissolved solids (calcium, magnesium, salts) dries to leave nothing behind. There is no residue because there is nothing in the water to leave one.

The water is fed through a long telescopic pole — typically 8–15 metres — with a brush head that scrubs the glass as it goes. The brush agitates dirt, and the constant flow of pure water rinses it away. When the glass dries, it dries clear.

Why Traditional Squeegee Has Limitations for Exterior Windows

Traditional squeegee window cleaning uses a combination of water, detergent and a rubber squeegee. The squeegee removes the majority of the cleaning solution, but leaves a thin film of detergent on the glass that attracts dust, and in hard water areas like Cambridge, the remaining water dries to leave mineral deposits. The result looks good immediately after cleaning but deteriorates faster than WFP-cleaned windows.

There is also a safety element: traditional squeegee cleaning above the ground floor requires a ladder. WFP poles reach up to 15 metres without ladders — faster, safer, and without the risk of damage to gutters or property from ladder placement.

When Traditional is Still the Right Choice

Interior windows are almost always cleaned using traditional methods — the WFP system delivers too much water for indoor use. Traditional methods are also preferred for windows with heavy contamination (paint, adhesive, bird droppings that have dried hard) where mechanical scrubbing is needed before water cleaning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The WFP system uses water that has been purified to remove all dissolved minerals. It is fed through a telescopic pole with a soft brush head. The brush scrubs the glass, and the pure water rinse leaves no mineral residue as it dries — producing a streak-free result.
Traditional squeegee cleaning is better for interior windows, for very heavy soiling or paint/adhesive contamination, and for windows in enclosed spaces where the WFP system cannot be directed effectively. Most professional cleaners use WFP for exterior and traditional for interior.
Yes — WFP leaves the glass wet after cleaning, which is intentional. The pure water dries clear because there are no dissolved minerals to leave a residue. Streak-free results depend on using genuinely purified water — if the water is not properly deionised, marks will appear.
If frames and sills are dirty, the pure water can carry frame dirt onto the glass during rinsing. This is why frames and sills should always be cleaned as part of a professional window clean, not just the glass.

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WFP pure water system — streak-free exterior cleaning up to 4 storeys. Frames and sills included as standard.

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