To clean outside windows you can’t reach, you will need a ladder, extendable window washing tools, or both. The size, shape, and location of your home all factor into the best and safest method for window cleaning and maintenance.

Your home’s windows are there to add beauty and comfort to your home. People are often drawn to homes with a lot of natural light—but your view can quickly be spoiled by dirty window panes.

Getting the inside to sparkle is pretty straightforward, but cleaning hard-to-reach outside windows can be tricky. That’s why

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is here to cover everything you need to know to clean outside windows you can’t reach easily.

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How to clean outside windows

Put the shine back into your home by cleaning those hard to reach outside windows safely. You will need to gather your supplies and rid the area of debris first.

Before cleaning the glass itself, use a vacuum cleaner, mop, or extendable brush to clean around the windows and remove loose soil, cobwebs, and other debris. This will make the glass easier to clean.

You will need a ladder, extendable window washing tools, or both. If you are using a ladder, make sure the ground is firm and even before climbing up—you don’t want the ladder to wobble or fall with you on it.

Plan to do this work on a day that is mild with calm winds, not-too-hot temperatures, and minimal direct sunlight. This will help things go more smoothly and will help keep you comfortable while you work outside.

Ground floor windows

To start with your ground (or first) floor windows, take the following steps:

Gather your equipment. You’ll need a garden hose with a stream sprayer attachment, cleaning detergent, a bucket of water, an extension pole, and a brush and squeegee that can be attached to your extension pole.

Spray down the window with the hose.

Add your cleaning solution to your bucket of water (following the mixing directions) and dip your brush or sponge into the solution.

Scrub the window with your brush/sponge and the cleaning solution. Start at the top of the window and work your way down.

Rinse the window using the hose.

Attach your squeegee to your extension pole and pull your squeegee across the window starting at the top to remove the remaining water for a streak-free finish.

Cleaning upstairs windows from the outside

To clean your upstairs windows from the outside, you will use the same method described above, just on a ladder. Make sure your ladder is in good condition and stable first.

You may want to wear a safety harness and work with a partner who can hold the ladder steady at all times. At the very least, do this work with someone nearby (within shouting distance) in case you find yourself in need of aid.

If you are cleaning large windows, make sure you don’t overreach from the ladder. Clean one section of the window at a time, moving the ladder as needed.

Cleaning upstairs windows from the inside

If you live in an apartment or have windows higher up than a ladder will safely allow, there are some other tools available for cleaning hard to reach outside windows:

Try a

u-shaped telescopic, extendable pole

made specifically for this situation.

Consider buying a

robotic window cleaner

that will clean both sides of hard to reach windows.

Use a

magnetic window cleaner

. This tool uses the same principle as a robotic cleaner but is a much more cost-effective manual version.

The most important thing to remember is that working safely is your top priority. Do not attempt any cleaning maneuver that feels uncomfortable; instead, hire a professional.

MORE:

How to repair loose car door panel upholstery

Tools for cleaning hard to reach outside windows

Tool	How it works	Cost
Ladder	Lifts you to reach high windows safely	$150-$200 for a 12-16 foot ladder
Extended wiper/squeegee	Extendable pole attaches to scrubber and squeegee, allowing you to reach higher	$25-$100
Window vacuum	Cordless cleaner/vacuum combo—does not extend	$80
Magnetic cleaner	Cleans inside and outside the window at the same time using a magnetic tool that is operated from the inside	$40-$115
Mop	Can be used wet or dry to scrub and loosen the soil	$10-$50
Water-fed poles	Reach up to 30 feet and connect to a hose, scrubber, and squeegee to clean high windows	$250-$300
Robotic cleaner	Uses magnets to clean both sides of the window automatically (like a Roomba for widows)	$300-$400

MORE:

How to replace chipped tiles

Tips for keeping your outside windows clean

The best thing you can do to keep hard-to-reach outside windows clean is to make it part of your regular home maintenance. Make sure that windows and screens are clean and in good repair year-round by scheduling maintenance seasonally, which will eliminate stubborn build-up on your windows.

If you are having new windows installed, you might consider adding a ceramic coating before installation. Using a ceramic coating on glass makes it hydrophobic and resistant to dirt. This keeps your windows clean longer and makes them easier to clean for the future.

It is more difficult to add a ceramic coating to windows that are already installed, but it isn’t impossible. Consult a professional if you are considering that method.

MORE: How to stop air leaks around windows and doors

Does homeowners insurance cover windows?

Your home insurance typically covers your windows from all of the same damage that the rest of your house is covered for. So if your windows are broken because of the perils listed in your insurance policy, you can file a claim for the cost of repair.

If you aren’t sure what perils are covered by your home insurance, now is a great time to find out! The insurance gurus at

Jerry

can explain your coverage, help you make adjustments, and find you the cheapest policy for the coverage you need. Just download the app to get started.

You will get quotes in seconds, can make changes at any time, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away!

“
Jerry
was wonderful! I used it for my auto and renters policies. I trusted it so much that I signed up my homeowners insurance under Jerry as well. All of the agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable.” —Mary Y.

How do you clean second-story windows from the ground?

Use extendable window washing tools to clean second-story windows from the ground. An extendable water-fed pole is a great tool for this. It can reach up to 30 feet to deliver cleaner, scrub, and then squeegee second-story windows.

Is a window cleaning robot worth the cost?

A window cleaning robot will cost you around $400. These tools do a pretty good job cleaning both sides of your window—and more importantly, they keep you safe in the process. If having that sparkling view is important to you, a window cleaning robot can be worth it.

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