Sparkling Exteriors: Expert Tips for Safely Cleaning Outside Windows
Cleaning of exterior windows requires extra effort as compared to inner ones because they have more grime and dirt. It’s mandatory to clean outdoor windows twice a year to keep their shine alive. Moreover, use effective techniques and pieces of equipment to clean outside windows safely and effectively. I have gathered expert tips to help you in cleaning.
Let’s break down the whole process of cleaning exterior windows into simple steps to follow.
Step 1: Safety First
First of all, ensure your safety by using a sturdy ladder that is properly positioned and secured. Wear protective gear such as gloves and safety goggles to prevent any injuries from cleaning solutions or debris.
However, if the windows are of low height and are reachable, skip this step.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need a bucket filled with a mild cleaning solution (a mixture of water and dish soap works well), a sponge or soft cloth, a squeegee, and a hose or spray bottle for rinsing.
Step 3. Choose A Cloudy Day For Window Cleaning
The windows won’t get direct sunlight which will make it easier for you to see the spots that need to be cleaned. Moreover, the water won’t get dry too soon avoiding the streaks on window panes.
Step 4: Remove Window Screens and Clean Them Separately
Step 5: It’s important to rinse all the windows with water before cleaning
This will help remove the top layer of dust and dirt, making it easier to tackle any stubborn grime that’s left behind. One of the easiest ways to rinse your windows is with a garden hose. If you don’t have access to a hose or you can’t reach all the windows with it, filling a bucket with water from the faucet and splashing it onto the windows will do the trick.
Once you’ve rinsed the windows, it’s time to create a window-washing solution.
Step 6: Wash windows Using a Washing Solution
Fill a clean bucket with cool water from the faucet and add one squirt of liquid dish detergent. This will create a solution that’s ideal for washing windows.
Next, dip a window scrubber or sponge into the solution and wring it out. A window scrubber is best for cleaning medium to large windows, as it will cover more surface area.
However, a large sponge, like the kind used for washing cars, will also work well.
For streak-free cleaning, use a microfiber cloth and squeeze out excess cleaning solution from the sponge. A window scrubber with a rectangular sponge attached to a handle is great for cleaning windows. Begin at the top and scrub in all directions to cover all areas of the glass. If the sponge gets dirty, dip it in the solution and wring it out before continuing.
Step 7. Use A squeegee To achieve a clear and polished finish on your window
A squeegee is a cleaning tool consisting of a flat, usually rubber blade, attached to a handle. It is commonly used to clean window panes by removing water, dirt, and grime from the surface. When the rubber blade is pressed against the window and pulled across it, it effectively removes moisture and debris, leaving the glass clean and streak-free.
To achieve a clean and clear window, follow these steps.
First, take a squeegee and start by creating a narrow vertical strip on one side of the window. Begin from the top corner and tilt the squeegee such that only the corner is touching the glass. Pull it down the glass to create a clean vertical strip along the edge on one side of the window. This will make it easier to squeegee the whole window clean using horizontal strokes.
If you’re right-handed, start in the top left-hand corner. But if you’re left-handed, start in the top right-hand corner.
Now, use horizontal strokes to squeegee the entire window clean. Turn the squeegee horizontally, place the edge against the clean strip in the top corner, and pull it firmly across the window to remove the cleaning solution from the glass. Work your way down the entire window, overlapping your strokes by about 2 in (5.1 cm), until the glass is completely clear.
Make sure to wipe your squeegee with a clean, dry cloth between the strokes to remove excess liquid. You don’t need to rinse the window after scrubbing it with soapy water because the squeegee will remove all of the solution and leave the window clean.
Step 8. Dry Any Remaining Drops
Use a microfiber cloth or other lint-free cloth to dry off any drips of water you missed with the squeegee. Pay special attention to the perimeter of the glass where the squeegee might not have reached all the way.
Put your fingertip inside the cloth and wipe it along the side, top, and bottom edges to get right into the corners and ensure you dry up all the remaining drops of water.
You can also use newspaper to dry your windows.
Step 9. Reattach the window screens that you removed.
Give the screens a final inspection once they are dry and spot-clean any areas you notice are still dirty. Pop them back into place or screw them back on when you are satisfied that they are clean.
If you clean your outdoor windows and screens every 6 months or at least every spring, it will be much easier to keep them looking clean.
While dish soap works well, a mixture of white vinegar and water can be an effective natural cleaning solution.
White vinegar is a great natural cleaner for windows. It contains acetic acid, which dissolves grease, grime, and hard water stains. It also has mild deodorizing properties and is safe to use on most surfaces. To prepare the solution, mix 1 part white vinegar with 10 parts water and fill a spray bottle. Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to scrub the window with the solution, then squeegee downwards. Work on a cloudy day and avoid using the solution on window frames, especially painted wood or metal.
Expert Tip
Fall offers the perfect opportunity to tackle your exterior windows before winter sets in.
Final Notes
What are your favorite tips for cleaning exterior windows? Share them in the comments below!
I hope you enjoy reading this article on How To Clean Outside Windows Safely And Effectively. For more cleaning hacks and tips, please click the link below.