How to Clean Outside Windows You Can’t Reach

Cleaning outside windows you can’t reach is a complicated task. Finding the best way to execute the job is not an easy accomplishment. You should consider your safety, the height of the windows, and what special equipment is required. Then you need to plan a few things.

First, consider the weather forecast and choose a suitable day. If it is too hot and sunny, the cleaning solution will quickly dry on the glass. It may leave stains you might miss out because of the rays reflecting off the glass.

When cleaning high windows you won’t be that fast because there are more obstacles – equipment, height, awareness of falling down a ladder, et cetera. That’s why it is better to choose a cooler, even cloudy day when you can take your time washing the windows.

Your first job is to clear the area around the windows. If there are installed screens, remove and clean them separately. Remove anything that might block your access to the window panes and frames like bars or shutters if that is possible. Move anything that might get damaged like flower pots, kids’ toys, garden furniture, vehicles, et cetera.

Also, plan in advance which windows you’ll clean and if you will use a ladder or an extension pole. See if some windows can be removed so you can wash them on the ground to make it easier on yourself.

How to clean outside windows?

If you are in a good physical condition and feel safe getting on a ladder, you can use one when cleaning ground or first-floor windows. Fit the ladder with anti-slip ladder pads to improve safety and prevent any surface damage.

Yet, a better and safer method is cleaning with an extendable pole, mop and homemade window cleaning solution. The nonprofessional telescopic window cleaning pole can reach up to 16-17 ft, which means you can clean the windows up to the second floor. That way you can eliminate the chances of damaging your property or endangering your health.

What cleaning supplies will you need:

How to clean upstairs windows without a ladder?

Pick a day with no rain in the forecast and not too much sun. Ideally, a few clouds in the sky will be the perfect setting to clean the windows. You will spend at least a few hours working outside, so chose wisely when to do this job. Also, wet weather will prevent the cleaned windows from drying naturally and it may dirty them up again.

Once you pick the day, gather all the necessary tools, go outside, play some background music or listen to the radio to make it more enjoyable and start the cleaning process.

1. Clean the area around the windows within reaching distance with a vacuum cleaner and for the higher windows use a broom with a long handle. You need to remove any cobwebs and debris before washing the windows with a solution.
2. Add in a bucket full of warm water 500 ml white vinegar and 250 ml washing liquid. Place the strip washer in the bucket to soak for 1-2 minutes.
3. Attach the strip washer to the extension pole and apply the cleaning solution to the whole window with it. Scrub well the entire surface and try to reach every nook and corner to break up all the dirt. Move the strip washer from the bottom corner of the window upward.
4. Once you’ve covered the whole window with the cleaning solution, replace the strip washer with the squeegee to remove the suds, and any dirt and debris. Place the squeegee in the top corner of the window and bring it down to the bottom frame with even strokes. Apply even pressure as you move the squeegee downward. Clean it with a microfiber cloth between wipes. Use the squeegee until you have removed any traces of water.
5. To remove the excess water from the frames use another dry strip washer. That way there will be no dirty water spots left on the surface.
6. Leave the windows to air dry. If in the morning you notice any missed dirty spots you could rewash them with the strip washer and the squeegee.

How to clean outside windows high up from inside?

Living in a block of flats or in a modern high-rise requires more resourcefulness when it comes to cleaning the outside of your windows. The view up there is without a doubt amazing, but to take pleasure in it you should maintain spotless windows. It can be irritating noticing smeared dirt on the glass.

Still, it’s not worth risking your health and safety exploring creative ways to wash these high windows. Climbing on or hanging out of them in an attempt to scrub the furthest corner is dangerous and unnecessary when there are other methods to get them clean and shiny.

If you have high windows and especially if you live in a high rise building, you can invest in some modern cleaning technology. The simplest and more affordable gadget is the U-shaped telescopic window cleaning pole. It is suitable for washing exterior upper-floor panes and helps you avoid reaching out of top-floor windows.

Another rather costly solution is some of the many robot window cleaners models available on the market. In recent years their popularity has risen, and with it, their quality has drastically improved as well. Of course, if you want a good quality window cleaning, you should aim in the higher price range of higher-grade cleaning robots.

However, a cheaper alternative remains the magnetic window cleaners. The process requires your full participation. It is not fully automated as with the robots, which are cleaning the panes without human interference. The results are not always perfect. Some dirty spots may be left. You may need to use the magnetic cleaners multiple times to clean the glass completely.

These two techniques exclude the cleaning of the window frames. This means that you may need a telescopic cleaning pole to reach the outside window frames to wash them.

But is it worth the time, the effort and the risk of cleaning outside windows high up?

How professional window cleaners can help you?

Not everyone is capable or has the right tools to clean high windows. We won’t even talk about climbing out the windows and wash them by hand because risking your life for a shiny window is reckless.

Then, you have only one option and that is relying on the services of a professional window cleaning company. They have the right equipment and training to perform the job. Depending on the building and how high are the windows, they can clean them from the ground with professional water-fed extension poles which can reach up to the 4th floor and higher.

If necessary, they can send rope access window cleaning team or if possible they will perform the job from the inside of your home.

Choosing professional window cleaning services will guarantee your safety, you’ll save time, and as a result, you will have perfectly clean and shiny windows. Do not compromise your health and safety or causing unnecessary damage to any of your windows if they are too difficult for you to clean.

However, thanks to the technological advancements in the home maintenance field and because of the available professional service providers, you will always find the best way to clean your windows even if you live high up ‘in the clouds’.

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