Dirty windows really dampen the enjoyment of your garden. It’s wonderful to see what you’ve worked so hard on from inside the house! But window cleaning is a pain, especially the outside of the windows. So what’s the quickest, most effective, and safest way to get the job done?
Equipment and Supplies
Here are the key items you’ll need to get your windows clean on the outside!
- Heavy-duty Window cleaner or Dish Washing detergent
- Dust brush
- Soft scrub brush (for screens)
- Extendable pole
- Bucket
- Ladder
- Hose and water supply
- Squeegee; or
- Sponge; or
- Lint-free towels or rags
Picking A Time
Timing does matter a bit when cleaning windows. Of course, you don’t want to do it on a rainy day. But you also want to avoid hot days because your window cleaner will dry too quickly! That can lead to streaking. You’ll also be able to see better without all that glare!
If the glass feels warm to the touch, it’s best to wait for another day when it’s a bit cooler and overcast.
Steps To Cleaning The Outside Of Your Windows
1. Using dishwasher detergent? Fill your bucket and add just a single squirt of detergent. You can dip your sponge or rags here to wash the windows.
2. If you are cleaning 2nd floor (or higher) windows, brace your ladder against a sturdy part of the wall. Don’t lean it against a window frame, glass, or another “support” that could break. Also, be sure it’s planted firmly on the ground.
3.Use a dust brush on the screens to remove the biggest junk that’s clinging to them.
4. Remove the screens. Scrub them with a soft brush and soapy water.
If you’re dealing with upper-floor windows, we recommend taking them all down to ground level, cleaning them, and returning them at the end of the project.
5. Dust off the window frames and sash bars (the strips of wood or metal between window panes). Use a soft dust brush.
6. Hose down the windows and frames. (Be sure the windows are closed!)
7. Spray a generous amount of glass cleaner on the glass. Out of reach? Use a sponge attached to an extendable pole. Apply cleaner to the sponge and apply it that way.
Alternatively, use your sponge or rags to apply the cleaner.
8. Wipe the full window with a squeegee. Be sure not to overreach if you’re on a ladder! Use your squeegee with an extendable pole to reach areas that are too far to reach.
9. Replace your screens.
Conclusion
Get a clear view with clean windows! It’s never fun to clean them, but it’s not as complicated as you might think. Clean the screens and don’t forget to hose the outside of the windows down before cleaning the glass! Everything will seem so much brighter once this task is done!
