Searching for distilled water for window cleaning? You might be surprised to learn that you don't actually need distilled water to achieve clean, streak-free windows.
It's a common misconception that distilled water is the only purified water suitable for cleaning glass. In fact, deionised water is widely used by professional window cleaners and can deliver the same low-mineral cleaning benefits, often at a lower price.
At The Somerset Clear Water Company, we manufacture and supply both distilled and deionised water. Rather than automatically recommending the more expensive option, we want to help you choose the water that makes the most sense for your cleaning needs.
In this guide, we'll explain where to buy pure water for window cleaning in the UK, how much you could save by choosing deionised water, and which sizes are best for home and professional use.
Shop Deionised Water for Window Cleaning →
Do You Really Need Distilled Water for Window Cleaning?
No. For most window-cleaning applications, distilled water isn't necessary.
Ordinary tap water contains dissolved minerals, including calcium and magnesium. When water evaporates from glass, these minerals can remain behind, creating spots and residue.
Both distilled and deionised water can have very low mineral content, making them useful for cleaning windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces.
Distilled water is produced through evaporation and condensation, while deionised water uses ion-exchange technology to remove charged mineral ions.
For most window-cleaning jobs, what matters is the purity of the water, rather than the purification method used to produce it.
This means you may be paying extra for distilled water when a less expensive deionised alternative could do the job just as well.
For a detailed explanation, read our existing guide: Distilled vs Deionised Water for Window Cleaning – Which Is Better?
How Much Could You Save by Choosing Deionised Water?
One of the biggest advantages of deionised water is that it can be more economical than distilled water.
At The Somerset Clear Water Company, our deionised water is generally priced below our equivalent distilled water products.
5 Litre Distilled vs Deionised Water Price Comparison
Prices are based on previously supplied selling prices. Please check current product prices and delivery charges before ordering.
Potential saving: £4.00 per 5L bottle, or approximately 33%.
For someone cleaning windows occasionally, that's a useful saving. For a professional window cleaner purchasing purified water regularly, choosing a more economical water type could make a significant difference to ongoing costs.
Why pay more for distilled water if deionised water meets your window-cleaning requirements?
Compare Our Deionised Water Options →
Where to Buy Pure Water for Window Cleaning in the UK
You can buy distilled and deionised water from several types of retailers and suppliers. The best choice depends on how much you need, whether you want delivery and whether you're buying for home or professional use.
| Where to Buy | Best For | Explore |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarkets | Occasional small purchases | Buying Guide → |
| Hardware and automotive retailers | Small quantities | Compare Options → |
| Cleaning suppliers | Professional cleaners | Shop Water → |
| Direct manufacturer | Home, trade and bulk customers | Shop Direct → |
If you're considering buying distilled water from a supermarket, our article Where to Buy Distilled Water in the UK explains the options in more detail.
We've also investigated individual retailer availability in our guide Does Tesco Sell Distilled Water?
However, if you're buying water specifically for window cleaning, we recommend checking the price of deionised water before purchasing distilled water.
Which Water Should You Buy for Different Window-Cleaning Jobs?
Both distilled and deionised water can be suitable for cleaning glass. The best choice depends on the application, the required water purity and how much you're likely to use.
| Cleaning Job | Recommended Water | Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Household windows and mirrors | Deionised or distilled | Buy 5L → |
| Conservatory windows | Deionised | Buy 20L → |
| Water-fed pole systems | Deionised or suitably purified RO/DI water | Buy 25L → |
| Commercial cleaning rounds | Deionised | Bulk Supply → |
| Using distilled water already at home | Distilled, if suitably pure | Shop Distilled → |
Our recommendation: If you're buying water specifically for window cleaning, consider deionised water first. It is commonly used for this purpose and can save you money compared with distilled water.
What Size Pure Water Should You Buy?
Buying the right quantity can help reduce unnecessary expense and make your cleaning routine more convenient.
At The Somerset Clear Water Company, we offer deionised water in different quantities for domestic and professional customers.
Pure Water Buying Guide – Shop by Size
| Quantity | Best For | Buy Online |
|---|---|---|
| 5L | Occasional home cleaning | Shop 5L → |
| 10L (2 × 5L) | Regular household cleaning | Shop 10L → |
| 15L (3 × 5L) | Multiple cleaning jobs | Shop 15L → |
| 20L (4 × 5L) | Regular cleaning and small businesses | Shop 20L → |
| 25L | Professional cleaning | Shop 25L → |
| 50L (2 × 25L) | Higher-volume professional use | Shop 50L → |
| 1000L IBC | Commercial and bulk users | Shop IBCs → |
For occasional home use, a 5L bottle may be sufficient. For regular cleaning, multipacks or larger containers may be more convenient.
Professional cleaners should compare the delivered cost per litre and consider their storage and handling requirements before purchasing larger quantities.
Browse All Deionised Water Sizes →
Why Do Professional Window Cleaners Use Deionised Water?
Professional window cleaners commonly use purified water because it helps reduce mineral deposits on glass.
In a water-fed pole system, purified water is delivered through a brush to clean and rinse the window. If the water is sufficiently pure and the glass has been properly cleaned, it can often be left to dry naturally without a final manual polish.
Deionised water is a popular option because it removes charged mineral ions that contribute to water spots.
For businesses using substantial quantities, the difference in price between distilled and deionised water can make deionised water the more practical choice.
Professional cleaners may also use reverse osmosis systems followed by deionisation to achieve their required water purity.
If you're starting a window-cleaning business, buying ready-made deionised water can be a convenient alternative to immediately investing in your own purification equipment.
Shop 25L Deionised Water for Professional Cleaning →
What TDS Should Water Have for Streak-Free Window Cleaning?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids and is commonly measured in parts per million (ppm).
It provides an indication of the amount of dissolved material in water. For window cleaning, lower dissolved mineral content generally means less risk of mineral spots being left on glass as the water dries.
Many professional window cleaners aim for a TDS meter reading of 0 ppm at the point of use.
However, a handheld TDS reading does not measure every possible impurity, and a reading of 0 ppm does not guarantee a streak-free finish if the glass, brushes or equipment are contaminated.
Does Deionised Water Always Have 0 ppm TDS?
Not necessarily. Deionised water purity depends on the treatment process, resin condition and product specification.
It's important to check the supplier's stated specification rather than assume every deionised water product has an identical TDS reading.
For professional cleaning, a suitable TDS meter can help you check water purity at the point of use.
The important point: Paying more for distilled water does not automatically mean better cleaning results. What matters is whether the water meets your required purity level.
Can You Buy Pure Water in Bulk for Window Cleaning?
Yes. Professional window cleaners and commercial cleaning companies may benefit from purchasing larger quantities of purified water.
At The Somerset Clear Water Company, we supply deionised water in a range of sizes, with bulk supply options available for suitable commercial customers.
Buying in larger quantities can help reduce the frequency of reordering and make it easier to plan your water requirements.
Before ordering bulk water, consider:
- Your average daily or weekly water consumption
- The available storage space at your premises
- How you'll transfer water into your working tank
- Whether you can accommodate pallet or IBC deliveries
- The delivered cost per litre
If you need a regular supply for your window-cleaning business, contact us to discuss your requirements.
Explore 1000L Deionised Water IBCs →
Enquire About Trade and Bulk Water Supply →
Why Buy Pure Water from The Somerset Clear Water Company?
At The Somerset Clear Water Company, we manufacture and bottle deionised water in the South West of England, supplying domestic, commercial and trade customers throughout the UK.
We also supply distilled water, so customers can choose the purification method and product that best suits their needs.
Our range includes:
- UK-manufactured deionised water
- Distilled water for applications where it is preferred or required
- Convenient 5L bottles and multipacks
- 25L and 50L options for larger requirements
- 1000L IBC options for commercial customers
- UK delivery options displayed at checkout
We believe customers should buy the water they actually need, rather than pay more for a product simply because its name is more familiar.
For window cleaning, that often means recommending our more economical deionised water.
Shop Deionised Water Direct from a UK Manufacturer →
More Helpful Guides to Purified Water
If you're interested in learning more about different types of purified water, you may also find these guides useful:
- Distilled vs Deionised Water for Window Cleaning – Which Is Better?
- Distilled vs Deionised Water – What's the Difference?
- Where to Buy Distilled Water in the UK
- Does Tesco Sell Distilled Water?
- Best Water for Steam Irons – Distilled vs Deionised
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need distilled water for window cleaning?
No. Distilled water is suitable for window cleaning, but deionised water can also provide low-mineral water that helps reduce spotting. For most ordinary window-cleaning jobs, distilled water is not essential.
Is deionised water cheaper than distilled water?
Deionised water is often cheaper than distilled water. At The Somerset Clear Water Company, our equivalent deionised water products are generally priced lower than distilled water. Always compare current prices and delivery costs.
Where can I buy distilled water for window cleaning?
You can buy distilled water online from purified-water suppliers and some retailers. However, if you're purchasing it specifically for window cleaning, deionised water may be a more economical alternative.
Can I use deionised water instead of distilled water to clean windows?
Yes. For most ordinary window-cleaning applications, suitably pure deionised water can be used instead of distilled water. Check the requirements of any specialist equipment before use.
What is the best water for professional window cleaning?
Professional window cleaners commonly use purified water produced through deionisation, reverse osmosis or a combination of both. The most important consideration is the purity of the water at the point of use.
What TDS level is best for window cleaning?
Many professional window cleaners aim for a TDS meter reading of 0 ppm at the point of use, although cleaning results also depend on equipment condition and technique.
Can I buy deionised water in 25L containers or bulk quantities?
Yes. The Somerset Clear Water Company offers deionised water in a range of sizes, including 25L containers and bulk supply options for suitable commercial customers.
Save Money on Pure Water for Window Cleaning
If you've been searching for distilled water to achieve streak-free windows, remember that distilled water isn't your only option.
Deionised water can offer the low-mineral cleaning benefits you need at a lower price.
Whether you're cleaning windows at home or running a professional window-cleaning business, choosing the right purified water could help you save money without compromising on your cleaning requirements.
Shop Deionised Water for Window Cleaning →