The eye may be the window to the soul, but looking out a window is still among the greatest of journeys. You can comfortably gaze outside your bubble and witness life unfolding, protected by the invisible barrier of glass and frame.
Windows let light in and allow you to see outside, but they, too, get dirty. This means regular cleaning, and while it is easy to reach them from inside your home, outside is a different story. There are many barriers to washing exterior windows, especially in a multi-story home, so you must figure out the best way to perform your task. Fortunately, innovative people have come up with several solutions.
These are the best ways to clean exterior windows.
Window Cleaning Services
We all want to save money and do home projects ourselves, but some jobs may be beyond your capability and interest. If you would rather have someone else clean your windows, hire a qualified company to do it for you. Window cleaning services are usually available in most areas and have the right tools and skilled manpower to get the job done professionally and fast.
This is the best way to clean exterior windows. Whether you tackle it yourself or hire a window cleaning service to do it for you, regular window cleaning will avoid the buildup of grime and dirt. And the best part? You will be able to see outside, and your home will have great curb appeal, too, and be the envy of the neighbourhood.
Assemble Your Tools
Any job that is worth doing or is a necessity is worth doing right. This means you can’t use your sleeve to wipe down your windows, and it takes a collection of equipment to get the task done properly.
Some of these things you may already have, and a few you will have to purchase. They include:
- Bucket
- Scrubber
- Squeegee
- Sponge
- Cleaning solution
- Old towels
- Telescopic pole
- Hose
- Ladder
These will aid you in your washing quest, and if you want to use more advanced tools, there are different gadgets like magnetic cleaners and multi-use poles.
Pre Wash
Before putting the cleaner on the glass, do a pre-wash to remove large chunks of dirt and debris. Start with hosing down the windows and lightly wiping off the buildup with a cloth or old towel. Once you have a fairly smooth surface, you can begin cleaning.
Start From the Top
Regardless of how many windows you have, you should always start from the top. There will be water, soap, dirt and debris following the effects of gravity, and by washing the highest windows first, you don’t have to go over them again.
Spray Down Windows
For high windows, spray them with water and use an extension or telescopic pole to get up close. This gets your windows wet and ready for scrubbing. For windows you can easily reach, give them a good soaking to rid them of any leftover dirt or buildup.
There are also water-fed poles that you can use, which can pump up a cleaning mixture to make it easier.
Soak Your Sponge
Depending on the window, you can use a scrubber or sponge on an extension pole or handheld. Make up your hot, soapy water or cleaning fluid in a bucket, and if you are looking for a DIY mix, use equal parts vinegar and water.
Dip your sponge or scrubber into the bucket and let the liquid soak in for a few seconds, then take it out and squeeze out the excess water, making it damp but not dripping.
Washing
Now, you are ready to scrub your windows. A cloudy day is best for washing because it will give you more time before the cleaning solution dries on the glass. This is a fairly straightforward process of washing top to bottom so dirty water doesn’t run on clean areas, and you can use a circular motion on tough stains.
Rinse your sponge regularly into a second water bucket to get the dirt off, and get fresh, soapy water to wash with from the first bucket.
Rinsing
Try not to get too many windows washed ahead before rinsing, as the solution can dry and leave dirt and grime behind. Using your hose, thoroughly rinse off the windows, including edges, framework and corners, so all the soap is gone.
Now, you can look for missed areas and streaks to rewash. Hit it again, rinse the remaining soap off, and you are ready to dry.
Drying
A squeegee is your best bet for drying off windows, but a crumpled newspaper works well, too. Remove all the leftover water to leave behind a clean, clear piece of glass.