Gazing through sparkling clean windows on a sunny day is a pure delight. However, when it comes to cleaning the windows that are out of reach, things can become a bit tricky.
Whether you live in a multi-story house or an apartment with high windows, cleaning them without putting yourself in danger can be challenging.
Fortunately, there are several clever ways to get those outside windows clean without risking life and limb.
In this article, we’ll share some practical tips and tricks for cleaning outside windows that you can’t reach, so you can enjoy crystal-clear views and a spotless home. So, let’s get started on achieving that perfect view!
How Do You Clean Unreachable Exterior Windows?
Is it impossible for you to reach the windows outside that need cleaning? The following are some methods you can use:
How To Clean Outside Windows Apartment?
An apartment ladder is not helpful for high-rise buildings, only for high-up windows on homes.
Cleaning your own exterior apartment windows is easier if you purchase a U-shaped telescopic pole designed to help apartment dwellers keep their windows clean.
Your pole can be fitted with a squeegee or a sponge so you can conveniently clean your outside windows from inside your apartment.
Use An Extendable Squeegee (For Cleaning)
In our guide on how to clean outside windows, you can’t reach, we’ll share a tip about the extendable squeegee.
They can be used on hard-to-reach surfaces and easily accessible surfaces due to their telescopic handles.
Quickly reaching, interior window surfaces can be reached with an extendable squeegee with a collapsed handle. The handle may then be extended to clean less accessible surfaces on the interior or exterior.
Many types of this tool are available, even ones long enough to reach second-floor windows safely! You won’t need to climb on high surfaces by using an extendable squeegee to clean your windows.
With an extendable squeegee that is too short, you’ll still need to climb up a ladder to reach the windows.
When such situations arise, this tool may not be worth its price. It may be advisable to purchase a squeegee of the right length or hire a professional window cleaner.
Be sure to select an extendable squeegee that has a sturdy arm that can handle pressure as you scrape off stains and grime.
If you’re using a squeegee to clean windows, here are some other tips:
- Ensure that you clean your home from top to bottom. You will end up with streaky windows by the time you reach the top if you start from the bottom.
- You can use a standard window cleaning solution.
Magnetic Window Cleaner
The outside windows on apartment buildings may be very difficult for apartment dwellers to clean since they cannot unlock them. Furthermore, cleaning hard-to-reach windows can be dangerous when you teeter on a ledge.
Your windows can easily be cleaned with a magnetic window cleaner that eliminates grime and dirt without causing any damage. Additionally, the squeegee does not have to be pulled back and forth when cleaning your window, which speeds up the process.
Microfiber cleaning cloths are used to wipe off liquid cleaning products with a magnetic window cleaner.
The magnets can be disconnected if you push them around too quickly while cleaning because the magnets will be disconnected if you push too quickly.
Remove the Window From the Frame (For Cleaning Sliding Windows)
It can be quite difficult to clean windows that slide horizontally. Cleaning one window can be achieved by sliding it to the side and reaching out, but what do you do about the other?
A window can be easily cleaned by removing it from the frame, cleaning it, and then resecuring it. There is no need to use any special tools to accomplish this.
If your sliding window panel is stuck on its track, try the following steps:
- Make sure that there are no screws or security devices preventing it from being removed. To accomplish this, you must remove them.
- There may be a small black rubber piece on top of the track. You must also remove it.
- Unlock the window.
- Place your hands securely on the panel and open the window (almost all the way).
- Pull the panel towards you by pushing it into the top track and lifting it from the bottom track.
- In order to restore the panel, clean your window and follow the above steps in reverse.
How To Clean High Upstairs Windows With A Ladder
If you cannot reach your windows with an extendable squeegee, you can do the job by using a ladder and providing sufficient safety equipment. A few tips are listed below:
- Get all the equipment you will need for window cleaning (paper towels or a microfiber cloth, a spray bottle or bucket, a window cleaning solution, a high-quality squeegee, harness/safety gear, and a ladder).
- Be sure to securely place your ladder and connect your harnessing gear. Your friend should ideally hold the ladder’s base steady for you.
- Wipe, dry, and apply the window cleaning solution to your high-up windows just as you would your ground-floor windows.
Never clean a high-up window without someone within shouting distance in case of an accident.
A professional window cleaner can do the job for you if you don’t have a ladder to reach your second-story windows and don’t have extended squeegees.
Use A Hose (For a Quick Clean)
When cleaning dirty exterior windows is needed, just spray them down with a hose. Also, you could use a high-pressure sprayer for this. The problem is that this may create watermarks on the windows and isn’t a permanent solution.
How To Clean Glass Windows From Outside Without A Ladder
Keeping your feet firmly planted on the ground is the safest way to clean windows out of reach with a hose and extendable squeegee. Here are some tips:
- Get all the equipment you need. Besides an extension pole, you’ll also need a garden hose with a stream sprayer attachment, cleaning detergent, water, an extension pole, and a brush and squeegee that you can clip to it.
- Spray down the window using your hose.
- Your brush or sponge can be dipped in your bucket of water after adding some drops of your cleaning solution.
- Using your extension pole, scrub the window with your brush/sponge. Start at the top and work your way down.
- Rinse the window with your hose.
- Make use of an extension pole to pull the squeegee across the window to remove excess water.
Use an Extendable Window Scrubber (For Drying)
Consider getting window washing kits which include both an extendable squeegee and an extendable microfiber cleaning sponge if you’re going to dry windows that are higher up.
Use a Covered Broom (For Drying)
Once the windows have been cleaned up with an extendable squeegee, what’s next? You need to dry your windows if you want to prevent water streaks from forming on them. Materials that are most suitable for drying include:
- Paper towels
- Newspapers
- Microfiber cloths (the best choice out of the three)
The last step in cleaning inside windows is to dry them after using one of the above materials. If your window has less accessible surfaces, this step becomes more difficult.
You might consider finding a pole that you can safely fasten a paper towel, newspaper, or microfiber cloth. Using a broom to clean windows is handy, but it may not be long enough to reach certain surfaces.
Tips For How To Keep Outside Windows Clean
To keep your outside windows clean, it’s best to make window cleaning a regular part of your home maintenance schedule.
To ensure your windows are functional, clean, and bright, you should clean them regularly.
Hire A Window Cleaner
It’s not for everyone to follow these steps on how to clean inside windows and how to clean outside windows you can’t reach.
Some squeegees and scrubbers might not be long enough to reach the higher windows in multi-story homes, for example. When this happens, it might be best to hire a window cleaner.
Final Words
All the above tools can help you clean your windows and make them sparkle. It may be necessary to extend poles or reach beyond the reach of hands for certain windows.
When cleaning a window, the type of tool or equipment you use depends on how easily it can be accessed, whether you are cleaning it from the outside or from within.
To avoid injuries or fatal falls, consider hiring a professional window cleaning company if you cannot clean your windows properly using the recommended tools and equipment.
