Whether you simply want to clean your home thoroughly or you need to get your house ready for a special event that requires a welcoming home, there are a few steps and basic rules to follow in order to make sure the cleaning process is safe and effective. If you don’t know how to clean outside windows you can’t reach, and you’re thus on the lookout for help, this article might be of interest.
Catering to such needs is not the easiest task, and what makes things complicated is that cleaning windows you can’t reach involves a certain degree of danger. That’s why utmost attention is required as safety comes first.
The height of the windows calls for consideration, and special equipment is most probably needed to get the job done safely, comfortably, and effectively. Here are the things you should do before, during, and after cleaning outside windows you can’t reach.
First things first
Before getting into the cleaning part, you must assess the situation attentively to know whether it is dangerous for you to carry out this task or hiring a professional is a safer choice.
If the house you live in is a high-rise one, yet the windows are not very high and can still be reached and cleaned safely with the proper ladder and equipment, then you can go further with your planning and choose a day based on the weather forecast.
This aspect holds great importance since cleaning on a sunny day might actually render your efforts useless or prolong the time you spend cleaning the windows. That’s because the bright sun and high temperature will dry the cleaning solution before you get the chance to remove the excess and clean the windows properly.
Plus, you might not spot any stains since the rays will be reflecting off the glass. Not to mention that cleaning outside windows you can’t reach also involves special equipment that might stop you from moving too fast and, given the height of the windows and the danger the cleaning process involves, it is best not to be too hasty.
It is thus recommended to clean them on a cloudy day in order to avoid such unpleasant events. However, it is also best to avoid cleaning them when there’s too much humidity, or there are environmental hazards, such as sleet and snow.
The things you’ll need
Depending on the type of windows you have, and whether they can be cleaned from inside or with a ladder from outside, there are a few things you’ll need to get to clean them safely and effectively.
In case you’re in a good physical condition and, after you’ve assessed the situation, you decide on cleaning the first-floor and even ground windows using a ladder, you’ll first need to get a safe, sturdy ladder. Make sure that it comes with anti-slip ladder pads and you place it on even ground for maximum safety.
If, however, you don’t feel safe using a ladder, you can also try to clean the windows using an extendable window cleaning pole. The market now offers models that can reach up to 17 feet so that they can be used to clean ground, first-floor, and even second-floor windows. You can thus avoid any health risks that using a ladder involves.
Look for a telescopic pole that comes with a squeegee rubber blade and a strip washer specifically designed for cleaning windows. Once you’ve decided whether to use a ladder or an extendable pole, you will also need a bucket, warm water, cleaning solution, and white vinegar. Plus, you might also need a vacuum cleaner or a broom with a handle.
Outside window cleaning steps
Now that you know which tools to use and what the weather on your cleaning day should be like, you can go on with your planning. Once you find the perfect day to do that, gather all of your tools outside your house and close to the windows you want to clean. If you’re a music buff, play some of your favorite tunes to make the experience more enjoyable.
- Get the windows ready.
After you’ve gathered your tools and special equipment, make sure you remove any dirt and debris from the windows within reaching distance. A vacuum cleaner is of great help, but if the windows are high up and thus difficult to reach with it, a broom with a long handle is a more comfortable option.
- Mix the cleaning solution.
A mixture of water, vinegar, and washing liquid should do. Some people even go only for the vinegar and water combination, but that also depends on how dirty the windows are. Add warm water to your bucket and the cleaning solution of your choice.
- Clean the windows.
If you’ve decided to clean the windows using a telescopic pole, dip the mop or the strip washer into the cleaning solution and then attach it to the pole. You can also use a microfiber cloth instead as long as you can attach it to the pole and clean the window without it falling off.
Now, make sure you scrub the exterior of the window without being too harsh and reach its entire surface, from one nook to another. After you’ve removed all the dirt and cleaned the entire window surface, it is time to replace the strip washer with the squeegee. This attachment will help you remove any remaining dirt and excess water.
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the squeegee between wipes. Start cleaning the window with this tool from the top corner moving downward and apply even pressure as you do that. In case there is water left on the frames as well, it is best to use a dry strip washer to remove it and thus make sure the surface remains spotless. The windows should air dry naturally once you’re done.
If the windows are too high up to be cleaned only with a telescopic pole and a ladder is needed, it is best to take all the safety measures to avoid endangering your health. Make sure there is a friend or family member there to help you and even hold the ladder still and get you the things you need.
If it still feels too risky, it is best not to push it and hire a professional cleaner to do the job for you. Such a cleaner is equipped with all it takes to clean the windows efficiently and safely.
Cleaning outside windows from inside
If you live in a block of flats, the steps mentioned above won’t work unless you live on the first floor and you can take those steps without disturbing your neighbors or exposing yourself to some sort of risk.
Still, even if you do live in such a building, you can still clean hard-to-reach outside windows. The simplest and most affordable option is a U-shaped telescopic window cleaning pole. These tools were designed specifically to cover such needs. In many cases, such a tool will do. However, it might not work if you have large windows.
Another affordable and easy-to-use option is a magnetic window cleaner. This is a common choice among many people who live in high-rise buildings, especially because they won’t cost you as much as other options, and the latest models come with significant improvements that add to their efficiency and ease of use.
There are other options, but they are costlier. One of them calls for professional cleaners, as we’ve said above. They are trained to do this and thus come with all the tools and experience required to get the job done safely and properly.
You could also invest in some of the latest cleaning gadgets available these days. A robot window cleaner costs more but will clean the windows without requiring too much of your effort. You just need to turn it on to do its job.
The thing with magnetic cleaners and window cleaning robots is that they won’t clean the frames as well, which means that you still need to use a telescopic pole to clean those parts. Plus, when using one of these options, the results might not be perfect, and cleaning the windows several times to get them spotless might thus be required.
Final thoughts
Regardless of the type of building you live in, be it a house you own or a block of flats, your safety comes first. If it feels too risky to clean outside windows or you’re not in good physical condition, it is always better to hire a professional cleaner, even if it costs you more.
Having clean, shiny windows will add to a positive vibe indeed, but taking the unnecessary risk of compromising your safety and health to clean them should not be an option. If you’re in good health and you’ve cleaned your outside windows using a ladder before, it is still best to take all the necessary safety steps.
