How Our Pure Water Fed Pole Window Cleaning Works

At Smartway Window Cleaning Bath we utilize the latest in de-ionized pure water filtration technology to ensure that when we clean your windows, sills, doors and conservatories, the water droplets left on the glass dry clear with no further drying process required.

 

But just how does the water left on the glass dry clear we hear you ask?!  Read More to find out why and how.

 

Why pure water dries clear without residue on glass windows.

When de-ionized pure water dries on a glass surface, it leaves no visible residue, resulting in a clear and transparent finish. This phenomenon stems from the unique chemical (at Smartway Window Cleaning Bath, we do not use chemicals in our water filtration system, this relates to the chemical composition of water itself) and physical properties of water, glass, and the interactions between them. Below, we’ll break down the science and factors contributing to this clarity.

 

Understanding de-ionized pure water and Glass Composition

de-ionized pure water: de-ionized pure water consists almost exclusively of H₂O molecules. It lacks dissolved solids, salts, minerals, or other impurities, which are common in most tap or natural water sources. These impurities are typically responsible for the stains (calcium residue or other impurities) or spots observed when water dries on surfaces.

Water droplets also dry in rings….the water droplet reduces in diameter and leaves rings of residue that look circular on the glass…..unless the water is 100% pure of course.

 

Glass Structure: Glass is an amorphous solid primarily made of silica (SiO₂), with a smooth and non-porous surface. Its transparency is the result of its molecular structure, which allows light to pass through without significant scattering or absorption. This smoothness plays a vital role in how substances interact with the surface.

 

Evaporation and Residue-Free Drying

The process of water drying involves evaporation, wherein water molecules gain enough energy to transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state. Here’s why de-ionized pure water leaves no residue during this process:

 

Absence of Solids: Since de-ionized pure water contains no dissolved solids or impurities, it leaves behind no particulate matter once it evaporates. In contrast, non-de-ionized pure water (e.g., tap water) contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and salts, which crystallize and form visible spots when the water dries.

 

Volatility of Water Molecules: Water molecules in de-ionized pure water are highly volatile under normal conditions. They evaporate entirely, provided the environmental temperature and air movement facilitate the process. This complete evaporation ensures no trace remains on the glass surface.

 

Intermolecular Forces and Glass Clarity

The interactions between water molecules and glass also contribute to the absence of visible residue:

 

Hydrophilic Nature of Glass: Glass is generally hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water molecules. This property allows water to spread evenly across the surface rather than forming droplets. An even film of water minimizes localized concentration of any impurities (in cases where water is less pure) and encourages uniform evaporation.

 

Weak Binding of Water Molecules: The adhesion forces between water molecules and the glass surface are relatively weak compared to the cohesive forces within the water itself. This weak adhesion ensures that water does not leave behind a visible layer or mark once it evaporates.

 

Factors That Maintain Transparency

Several factors ensure that the drying process results in a clear glass surface:

 

Surface Cleanliness: The clarity of the dried glass also depends on its initial cleanliness. If the glass contains dirt, grease, or other contaminants, these will interfere with water spreading uniformly and drying cleanly.

 

Environmental Conditions: de-ionized pure water will dry clearest in optimum conditions —adequate air circulation, moderate humidity, and optimal temperature. Poor window frame conditions might alter the drying behaviour, potentially leading to haziness or streaks, however we are aware that poorly maintained wooden and uPVC frames can cause these issues and so we adapt our processes accordingly.

 

Absence of Additives: If substances like soap, alcohol, or cleaning agents are mixed with water, they can create a film or streaks when the water dries. de-ionized pure water lacks such additives, further ensuring a spotless finish.

 

Comparison to non de-ionized pure water

The contrast between de-ionized pure water and non de-ionized pure water is stark when it comes to drying behavior. Impurities in tap or hard water are the primary culprits behind visible water spots. These impurities, typically dissolved minerals, form deposits as the water evaporates. For instance:

 

Hard Water Stains: Hard water contains a high concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. When hard water evaporates, these ions crystallize on the glass surface, forming white, opaque spots.

 

Environmental Contaminants: Rainwater often contains dissolved dust, pollutants, or organic matter. These components can leave streaks or residues as the water dries.

 

Practical Implications

Understanding why Smartway Window Cleaning Bath’s de-ionized pure water dries clear has practical applications, particularly in cleaning glass surfaces like windows, mirrors, or lenses. Professional cleaners often use distilled or deionized water (forms of de-ionized pure water) to achieve streak-free results. Additionally, this principle underscores the importance of thoroughly rinsing glass surfaces to remove detergents and residues before allowing them to dry.

 

To summarize, the absence of Total Dissolved Solids also known as “impurities” in Smartway Window Cleaning Bath’s pure water; the volatility of water molecules, and the hydrophilic nature of glass collectively explain why Smartway Window Cleaning Bath’s de-ionized pure water dries clear on glass windows. This fascinating interaction underscores the elegance of chemistry and physics at play in everyday observations.