Through the Years: The Story of Clearview — From Sunday Jobs to Skyline Shines
Clearview in the early days
It all began over 35 years ago, when a schoolboy took a bold leap. As a teenager in East London, he borrowed a few tools and started cleaning windows on a quiet Sunday morning. Word spread fast, and that modest start evolved into a full-time business. By 1993, Clearview had boldly entered the commercial arena, taking on offices, property managers, and larger contracts.
Over the decades, evolution has been in Clearview’s DNA. In 2000, the business invested in hot-water, purified pole-cleaning technology, becoming among the first in London to adopt the Reach & Wash method, which allows cleaning up to 80 ft from ground level.
Certifications and capabilities followed: IRATA rope access, IPAF cherry picker operation, cradle systems, water-fed pole systems, and more, all supported by safety accreditations like SafeContractor, CHAS, and HSE recognition.
Why Clients Choose Clearview: Safety, Reach & Discipline
In London’s skyline, where every building façade is a visual handshake to the public, having clean windows is not just aesthetic — it’s strategic. That’s where Clearview’s mix of access techniques becomes a major advantage.
Reach & Wash Pole System
Our Thermopure system leverages hot water purification, enabling cleaning at heights of 80 ft (and more), all from the safety of the ground. No lifts, no scaffolding, reduced risk and fewer disruptions.
Rope Access & Abseiling
Where structures are complex or fragile, such as heritage façades or unusual architectural shapes, we deploy IRATA-level rope access technicians. For instance, when entrusted with the windows of Waterlow Court, a Grade II-listed building, we used traditional methods that preserved delicate frames while delivering sparkling results.
Cherry Pickers, Cradles & More
For broad horizontal reaches, ledges, or rooftop glass, our IPAF-trained cherry picker teams (working up to 55 m) or cradle systems come into play. We often pair cherry pickers with Reach & Wash poles to hit awkward corners efficiently.
Other tools — such as SkyVac gutter-vac systems (clearing up to 52 ft), pressure/soft washing, and full façade & cladding cleans — round out our toolbox.
Waterlow court
Case Study: Waterlow Court — Preserving Heritage, One Pane at a Time
When approached to clean Waterlow Court, a distinguished Edwardian residential complex in Hampstead, Clearview knew the task demanded both respect and skill. The building’s mullioned, leaded casement windows could not be treated like modern glass.
We deployed traditional window cleaning techniques, abstaining from aggressive pressure or abrasive methods. The aim was clear: restore and protect. The result? A gleaming finish that complemented, rather than compromised, the historical character.
This project stands as proof that Clearview isn’t just built for steel and glass — we’re trusted for heritage structures too.
Spotlight: London’s High-Rise Canvases
Cleaning skyscraper façades isn’t for the timid. It requires operatives who are steady at height, who breathe safety protocols, and who manage every drip, angle, and reflection.
At Clearview, our rope access teams embody this precision. As described in our “Art and Science of High-Rise” piece, these technicians balance physical ability with acute attention to detail, maintaining windows on towers that become canvases for the city’s reflection.
When you gaze at London’s modern glass faces, from Canary Wharf to the City, many shine because of the unseen efforts of expert cleaners.
Today’s Clearview: A Full-Spectrum Maintenance Partner
Today, Clearview doesn’t just clean windows — we maintain buildings. Our services include;
Abseiling & Rope Access
Cherry Picker & Cradle Solutions
Façade & Cladding Cleaning
Glass Roofs & Atrium Work
Solar/PV Panel Cleaning
Gutter Vac Systems
Eyebolt & Anchor Testing
Pressure & Soft Washing
Traditional Ladder Services
Access Consultancy & Design Support
Our clients span commercial offices, housing blocks, retail properties, education, healthcare, and even heritage buildings. Whether it’s a 5-storey block or a 50-storey tower, the mission is the same: safe, efficient, high-quality results.
The Journey Continues…
From sweeping London façades to preserving treasured heritage buildings, Clearview’s evolution is defined by adaptation, innovation, and respect for every structure we touch. That Sunday‑morning round has grown into a sophisticated business with deep roots, but the care, attention, and ambition remain as strong as ever.
