House vs Winter

A little grey and cold outside: your home still needs a bit of TLC!

Here at Big Sam's we understand that the winter months feel very long, a lot less inspiring and more expensive (with Christmas and the unexpected boiler break downs) however skipping your cleans until Spring is not something we would recommend.

Like any job around the home, at work or in the garden - the more you stay on top of it, the less likely the build up of dirt and grime is to happen.

Winter might not seem like the obvious time to think about cleaning the exterior of your home, but it’s actually one of the most important seasons to stay on top of those jobs. With the shorter days, lower sun angles, and damp weather - dirty windows are far more noticeable and far more likely to become damaged or stained if left unkempt.

5 Signs Your Windows Need a Professional Clean This Winter

1. Your Home Feels Darker Than Usual

In winter, natural light is already in short supply. Dirt, grime, and condensation block even more of it.

If your rooms feel dim or gloomy even on brighter days, your windows may be the culprit.

2. You’re Seeing Persistent Condensation or Fogging

A little condensation is normal in winter, but when it lingers, drips, or leaves marks, it’s often a sign your windows need attention.

Dirty glass and frames trap moisture, which can lead to mould, mildew, and damaged seals.

Keep reading for our comprehensive guide on condensation!

3. Your Windows Look Cloudy or Streaky Even After You Clean Them

If you’ve given them a wipe and they still look smeared, hazy, or patchy, that’s usually a sign of mineral deposits, pollution, or salt residue (especially common in East Sussex, near the coast).

These marks don’t budge with household cleaners — but professional cleaning and pure water systems remove them safely and completely.

4. Your Frames and Sills Are Looking Worse for Wear

Winter moisture exposes every bit of dirt hiding in your frames, tracks, and sills. This can lead to the build up of Green algae, Black spotting and sticky or stiff window mechanisms.

5. You’re Feeling Drafts or Noticing Higher Heating Bills

Dirty windows don’t just look bad, they can affect efficiency. This build up of Grime can hide small gaps, worn seals, or frame issues that let cold air in.

How We can Help with Cleaning those Windows - Improving Mood and Productivity During Dark Winter Days

• Light psychology - letting the natural available light in increases mood and temperament.
• A professional clean can instantly brighten your home and decrease those electricity bills.
• A proper clean helps reduce moisture build-up and keeps your windows healthier for longer.
• Regular maintenance prevents long-term damage, by removing dirt and keeps your windows operating smoothly.
• A professional clean gives you a clear view of any problems that might be occurring and helps your home stay warmer and more energy-efficient through winter.

The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Condensation on Your Windows

Condensation is one of the most common winter headaches for ourselves and our customers, especially here in East Sussex, where damp, chilly weather creates the perfect conditions for moisture to cling to glass.

While a little misting is normal, persistent condensation can lead to mould, damaged frames, and even long‑term issues with your windows.

We not only care about your windows on the outside but also the inside too, helping you keep your home as fresh as possible. Most condensation problems are preventable and we have compiled our top tips of how we keep our homes condensation free over the winter:

• Improving Ventilation- opening our windows for 5/10 minutes a day (especially the bedroom windows after a long cold night) and ensuring the trickle vents are open at all times.
• Reduce Indoor Moisture Levels - ensuring the bathroom door is closed when showering and using a dehumidifier has drastically reduced our moisture levels.
• Keeping our home at a Consistent Temperature - keeping doors open throughout the house and thermostats on the radiators to deliver a consist temperature throughout the home.
• Keeping Windows and Sills Clean - Cleaning the insides and removing any condensation build up is something we do try on top of as well as keeping those sills free of clutter or in our house free of the children's teddies and games.
• Checking Seals and Frames - Sam will always advise if he spots a problem area to customers and his role at home is to stay on top of window care.
• Use Moisture‑Absorbing Products - Last year we invested in some small moisture traps which sit on the bedroom sills, once they change colour, a quick microwave and they are ready to go back in place to absorb any unwanted moisture.

When to Call a Professional?

If you’re noticing:

• Persistent condensation every morning

• Mould forming around frames

• Cloudiness between double‑glazed panes

• Damp smells that won’t go away

• Windows that stay wet for hours

Then we would advise it’s time for expert help and get those issues resolved.

Ready to Start the Year with a Brighter Home?

The New Year can actually be one of the best times to get your windows cleaned, your soffits and fascia's scrubbed and weather boarding washed down - less pollen, fewer insects, and clearer glass that lasts slightly longer than the warmer months.

So whether you are in Polegate and Willingdon battling the salt residue from the latest storm, or Uckfield, Isfield or Chiddingly watching the countryside grown on your windows then do not delay in booking your quote with us now.

Setting your home up beautifully for spring and avoiding the spring rush!

Big Sam

(One Very Chilly Window Cleaner)