Everyone knows that grimy, smudged windows can dull your home’s sparkle, block out precious natural light, and give your living space an uncared-for look. But the question of how to clean outside windows—especially those on higher floors—is one that homeowners often face without an obvious answer. It can feel like a daunting task, and even though clean exterior windows always make everything look better, you still need to know where to start, especially if you’re doing a final clean before moving out of your space.
In this guide, you’ll learn not just how to clean outside windows but also which types of window cleaner will be best for the job. And the best part is that you don’t need chemical cleaners like Windex, as a simple mixture of one part white vinegar to two parts water in a spray bottle can do the trick. So, let’s dive further into window cleaning tips!
Window Cleaning Tips
Below, we’ll tackle everything you need to know about how to clean windows the best way—including outside window cleaning. Here are our top tips.
1. Rinse Before Rubbing Down
Before you start scrubbing your outdoor windows, be sure to remove your window screens before giving the glass a thorough rinse with your yard hose. Fit the hose with a nozzle that will shoot the water a far enough distance to hit your windows, and make sure the water removes any loose dirt, grime, or buildup so the cleaning of tougher buildup can commence! When you’re learning how to wash windows, this is a key first step that is easy to overlook.
2. Use a Mop
Believe it or not, one of the best window cleaning tools is a simple mop, which can be helpful for washing windows on lower levels. Dip a microfiber mop head into a bucket of your preferred cleaning mixture, and wring out some of the water before wiping down the windows. Rinse the mop head frequently, and make sure to create a new cleaning solution if it gets too dirty. To create a smooth finish and avoid drips, use a streak-free squeegee to remove any excess soapy water.
3. Use Magnetic Window Cleaners
Double-sided magnetic window cleaners can be a game changer for window cleaning. They allow you to clean both sides of a window from the inside and consist of two magnetized pieces that stick together through the glass (with the outdoor piece being connected to the indoor piece by a string, which will help prevent it from falling). This type of window cleaner is great when you live in a high-rise apartment, where safely cleaning windows might be impossible. Make sure to choose a magnetic window cleaner that is suitable for your window thickness, and follow manufacturer’s instructions when applying your cleaning solution. If you’re curious to try one of these tools out, check out these options on Amazon!
4. Try a Telescopic Pole
To reach windows that are high, you’ll need a telescoping pole with both a sponge and a squeegee attached to it. Telescoping extension poles are typically made of carbon fiber to ensure they’re strong with minimal flex, even when they’re extended fully. Once you dip the sponge in your cleaning solution, extend the pole to the high windows, and clean the windows in an up and down motion. Once scrubbing is complete, flip the telescoping pole to use the squeegee side to remove excess cleaning solution from the window.
5. Dry With Newspaper
Newspaper is a very fibrous material that can be great for drying excess cleaning solution off of windows. It will absorb any liquid and leave your windows streak free, which is great for when your squeegee doesn’t quite remove all the window cleaner streaks.
6. Consider a Power Washer
When you’re looking for the best way to clean windows, don’t overlook the power washer. Power washers aren’t just great for cleaning decks—they also work like magic for window cleaning. Before using one, however, you’ll want to make sure your windows and any of the surrounding trim won’t get damaged by pressure from the water. Check your windows for any holes in the trim or nearby siding, and consider adding new caulking to your windows if you’re concerned that waterproofing might be a problem.
Once your windows are ready, turn on the power washer! Make sure you use a window cleaning solution that is safe for power washers, your windows, and the surrounding environment—you’ll likely be able to find information on this in the manufacturer’s instructions.
When power washing, aim upward at an angle to lift dirt and grime off the windows. Adjust the nozzle to increase or reduce pressure as needed, and do a final rinse from top to bottom before wiping down windows with newspaper or a microfiber cloth. When you’re learning how to clean windows, this is a tool you’ll want to remember!
7. Remember To Clean Your Screens
Over time, window screens can collect dust, lint, and dirt buildup from both inside and outside your house. Before putting screens back onto your windows after washing them, use a garden hose to wash the screens with water. Using a scrubber brush with dishwashing soap and water, give them a good scrub before rinsing them again. Once your screen cleaning is complete, attach them back to the windows.
8. Don’t Forget To Clean Your Window Trim
Outside window trim is sometimes easy to forget during the window cleaning process, but once you’re done washing your outdoor windows, don’t forget to wipe down the trim with a microfiber cloth. Double check to make sure that all areas of the trim are weather proof to prevent window leaks into the house. If needed, seal them with waterproof outdoor caulking.
Outside Window Cleaning FAQs
Below are answers to common questions about outside window cleaning.
Can I use glass cleaner for outside windows?
Yes, you can technically use glass cleaner for outside window cleaning, but be sure to use a high-quality, streak-free formula. The best way to clean windows can be with a budget-friendly natural solution, which we’ll discuss below.
Does dish soap work as window cleaner?
Dish soap can definitely work well for cleaning windows. That said, it can leave streaks if you don’t rinse the windows thoroughly. Make sure to use microfiber cleaning cloths for drying the windows, as they will also help minimize streaking. You’ll want to use one to two drops of dish soap for every eight ounces of water in your cleaning solution.
Does vinegar clean the outside of windows?
Yes, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can be used as a natural window cleaning solution. It’s particularly effective for cutting through hard water stains, which can build up on outside windows over time. However, you’ll always want to test an inconspicuous area of the window first, and avoid using vinegar on tinted windows. This should be a go-to option when you’re learning how to clean windows!
What do the pros use when washing outdoor windows?
Professional window cleaners often use a variety of cleaning products, sometimes specified by the people whose houses they are cleaning. Typically, they’ll use solutions that are a mixture of ammonia or white vinegar with water, along with a few drops of dish soap. If you choose to use ammonia, be sure never to mix it with bleach, as this creates toxic chloramine gasses.
Should I use hot or cold water to clean my outdoor windows?
Hot water typically helps remove dirt and grime better than cold water, and it evaporates more quickly once your washing is complete (though this can happen more slowly on a cloudy day). That said, hot water can also exacerbate any window sill paint chipping that might be happening, so be careful when using it on your outdoor windows. To be safe, check your outdoor window trim for paint chipping before using this method to wash your windows.
Hire House Cleaning Services
Looking for reliable house cleaning services so you don’t have to make learning how to wash windows a DIY chore? Look no further than Taskrabbit! Talented Taskers are available with a few simple clicks to give you streak-free windows. Not only can they show up the same day to take care of your outdoor window cleaning or blind cleaning needs, but they can also clean the rest of your home or office. Don’t let dirty windows dim your home’s shine. Hire a Tasker today!
