How To Clean Small, Round Windows
Small, round windows can be absolutely lovely. They’re like the dimples of a house—unexpected, charming, and full of character. But cleaning them? That’s a different story altogether. You can’t just grab your usual tools and have at it. Most gadgets on the market—those fancy squeegees and robot cleaners—are built for rectangles. When you’re faced with a perfectly circular porthole or a sweet curved attic window, they throw up their hands and declare themselves useless. So you have to do it the old-fashioned way, with a mix of elbow grease, patience, and a bit of clever thinking.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning small, round windows. We’ll talk about why they’re so lovely (even if they drive you up the wall during cleaning day), what makes them difficult, and how to clean them without smashing a sponge in frustration. You’ll also see why calling in a professional window cleaner might just be the best decision you’ve made all year. Let’s get stuck in—without getting stuck on a ladder.
Why Round Windows Are the Cutest Headache You’ll Ever Have
The Vintage Charm That Gets Everyone’s Attention
There’s just something about a small, round window. If you live in an older house, especially a Victorian terrace or a converted loft, chances are you’ve got at least one of these quirky little circles tucked somewhere. They often pop up in stairwells, cloakrooms, attic bedrooms, or even nestled under the eaves. Some have stained glass, some are plain, and others are cheekily placed right in the middle of a thick brick wall like a glassy wink.
Architects love them for their symmetry and softness—they break up the monotony of harsh lines and square rooms. And let’s be honest, they look great on Instagram. But their charm comes at a price. They weren’t designed for practical daily living. Certainly not for cleaning convenience.
Nostalgia Over Function
Part of their appeal is exactly that—they’re different. They feel like something from another era. You expect to find dusty old books and mysterious staircases nearby. But it also means they come with the quirks of older architecture: tight spaces, tricky placements, and frames that haven’t seen a decent seal in decades. Cleaning them is a bit like brushing a cat’s teeth—technically possible, but not without effort.
Why Cleaning Round Windows is a Faff
Your Fancy Tools Just Won’t Fit
The problem with small, round windows is that most cleaning equipment assumes we live in a square world. Squeegees are long and straight. Extension poles come with square blades. Window vacuums? Useless unless you’re dealing with a decent pane size.
The moment you try to fit a standard blade around a curve, you leave streaks. Wiping in a straight line just doesn’t work when your target is a circle. It’s like trying to mop a spiral staircase using a plank. You’ll miss bits, overlap others, and end up chasing smudges in circles—literally.
Awkward Locations and Limited Access
Most small round windows aren’t placed for your convenience. They’re tucked under eaves, halfway up walls, or at odd heights. Some don’t even open, which means you’re cleaning them from one side only. If yours opens outward and it’s high up, congratulations—you’ve just won yourself a balancing act on a step ladder with a cloth in your teeth.
Even if you do manage to clean them from the inside, condensation, dust, and London’s ever-charming pollution cling to the outside like it’s their job.
So How Do You Clean a Round Window Properly?
Step 1: Make Peace With the Microfibre Cloth
You’ll need to put away your usual squeegee and go back to basics. A microfibre cloth is your best mate here. It moulds to the curve, reaches into the edges, and doesn’t leave fibres behind. Start by wiping the entire surface dry to get rid of any loose dust.
If the window is within reach, a circular hand motion is your friend. It’s oddly satisfying—like waxing a classic car. Use a spray bottle with a vinegar-and-water mix or a commercial glass cleaner. Wipe in small circular movements from the centre outwards. Buff with a dry cloth when you’re done.
Step 2: Tackle the Frame (Don’t Ignore It!)
Older round windows often come with wooden or cast iron frames. These collect a ridiculous amount of grime, especially around the edges. Use an old toothbrush or a small paintbrush to gently scrub out dirt. You’d be surprised what’s hiding in those crevices—mould spores, cobwebs, the occasional ladybird.
If the frame’s in bad shape, don’t use too much water. A slightly damp cloth is safer. And if you spot peeling paint or rust, make a mental note—it might be time for a touch-up or a professional refurb.
Step 3: Think Outside the Circle
If your round window is upstairs or on a sloping roof, you’ll need to think creatively. A small step ladder might do the trick, but be safe. You can also buy bendable extension arms with microfibre heads that flex to the curve.
Some clever folks cut down an old squeegee and shape the rubber blade to match the arc of the window. It’s not glamorous, but it works. If you’re feeling crafty, it’s worth a shot.
When You’d Be Better Off Calling a Pro
No Shame In Outsourcing
Sometimes, the window just isn’t worth the risk. If it’s above a conservatory, wedged into the gable of your roof, or requires more acrobatics than your last yoga class, it’s probably time to pick up the phone. Professional window cleaners have the tools and insurance (and nerves of steel) to tackle high or awkward windows safely.
They often use water-fed pole systems that pump filtered water onto the window, giving it a streak-free finish without needing ladders or chemicals. It’s fast, safe, and surprisingly affordable—especially when you factor in your Saturday afternoon.
Spotless Results, Less Effort
Let’s be honest: even if you do manage to clean your tiny circular window, chances are it’ll still have that one annoying streak in the middle that you can’t unsee. A professional knows how to avoid that. They’ll clean the frame too, and probably do your other windows while they’re at it.
More importantly, they’ll be done in minutes while you sit back with a cuppa, watching them from your rectangular kitchen window (which, let’s face it, is probably due a clean too).
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Curves Clean
Small round windows are brilliant little quirks that give your home soul. But they come with their fair share of maintenance drama. Cleaning them isn’t impossible, but it does require a bit of a rethink. Forget your high-tech gadgets and go for microfibre, toothbrushes, and a bit of patience.
If you’re up for the challenge, great—tackle it head-on with some DIY flair. But if your window is dangerously placed, or your energy levels have vanished after one wipe, there’s absolutely no shame in hiring a pro.
Clean windows, after all, are about more than just views. They let in light, they lift your mood, and they make your house feel loved—even if it’s just one cheeky round porthole tucked in the stairwell like a forgotten treasure. Keep it sparkling, and it’ll reward you with charm for years.