Washing outdoor windows isn’t an easy task.
However, it’s really important to clean both sides, not only for aesthetic reasons.
Dirty glass can easily crack or break, collect mould and dangerous bacteria, or may even attract pests.
The good news is that there are many professional tools and techniques available that can make washing your outdoor windows easy and effective.
Let’s find out all about the best practices below!
Cleaning tools
Before you begin, you must gather your cleaning tools and supplies.
As we live in an age where everything’s readily available at our fingertips, using professional equipment can ensure that we can achieve sparkling results in no time.
Here’s everything you will need to wash your outdoor windows:
- A hose;
- A sponge;
- A squeegee;
- A bucket;
- Warm water;
- Liquid soap;
- For higher windows, use a microfiber mop or a sponge mop on a pole.
If you have single-pane windows that are hard to reach from the outside, you can also use magnetic window cleaner to clean the glass from both sides simultaneously.
People who use that technique say it takes some time to get used to how to glide the magnets smoothly, but once that is accomplished, cleaning becomes quicker and easier.
Choose the ideal time to clean your outdoor windows
Next, you want to choose the best time to clean your outdoor windows.
Ideally, you want to choose a cloudy day, or if you’re doing it in the summer, a less hot day when no direct sunlight hits the windows. That is done so the cleaning product won’t evaporate too quickly and leave streaks or water rings behind.
The ideal temperature of the day must be somewhere between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once you’ve gathered your cleaning tools and supplies and chosen an ideal time, you’re ready to begin.
Safety precautions when washing outdoor windows
Common sense and safety regulations state that you should avoid working at height when it can be avoided.
If you have to use a ladder, you must be extremely careful. Using it correctly and following all safety procedures will ensure not only that your work will be more effective and easier but it will reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Washing windows outside may also include setting the ladder on unstable surfaces, such as grass or pebbles, which is extremely dangerous. That’s when you must use a ladder mat to prevent its feet from sinking and eliminate wobbling.
It’s important to never climb a ladder when you’re on blood pressure medication, or you simply don’t feel physically and mentally up to the task.
How to safely use a ladder:
- Before you use it, check its structural integrity and make sure it’s stable;
- Ensure that you properly set up the ladder (don’t place the base of the ladder too close or too far away from the base of the building, etc.);
- Always wear non-slip shoes;
- Climb only facing the ladder, using only one step at a time;
- Never overreach or lean to one side, or try to move it while you’re still on it;
- Exercise extreme caution when carrying anything up a ladder;
- Have another person help you if it’s too heavy to move or set up.
As you will clean using at least a few different tools, you might consider accessories such as ladder hooks or trays.
Once you ensure that you can perform all cleaning tasks safely, you are ready to begin.
Take care of loose dirt first
Before you proceed, it’s important to use a hose to give your outdoor windows a good rinse.
That will ensure a much smoother cleaning process, and it will also save you some money by not wasting cleaning products on dirt and grime.
The other reason for doing this prior is to ensure that the dust and dirt particles on the windows won’t scratch the surface during the cleaning process and cause damage.
If that happens, over time, windows will not insulate as well in the winter, and that will not only increase your heating bills but will also cost you additional funds to replace them.
That’s why protecting the glass surface is so important.
Hose off all the loose dirt you can get to without putting any pressure on the glass, and consider the preparation part done.
Prepare the cleaning solution
Next, you want to choose and prepare an effective cleaning solution.
You may use what you like, like your standard window cleaners.
However, you can achieve the same results, as well as save money, if you create your own DIY homemade window cleaning solution using warm water and white vinegar.
White vinegar is really powerful when cleaning windows, as it helps remove even the most stubborn of stains.
And, unlike ammonia, white vinegar is completely natural. So using it instead will guarantee not only that the work gets done but that you also won’t breathe in any chemical fumes.
To create your own water & white vinegar cleaning solution:
- Mix equal parts warm water with white vinegar in a bucket;
- Add a tablespoon or two of your normal dishwashing liquid (use a 100% biodegradable soap for the interior part to protect any pets or kids who are likely to put their tongues on the glass surface).
It’s also a good idea to use different cleaning tools for the indoor and outdoor parts, as there are bird excrement and mould on the outside that can contaminate your home if you use just one tool.
How to clean the outdoor windows
To clean them, dip the sponge in the cleaning solution you’ve chosen, and wipe the windows with the harsh side.
It’s recommended to use a horizontal motion to clean the windows because this way, there will be fewer smudges, and you won’t have to clean the surface a couple of times.
If you clean the inside part of the windows horizontally, then you should try cleaning the outside using vertical moves. This way, you will easily see where there are more smudges and which method is better for your windows.
Don’t forget to dry your windows. That can be done easily with a clean microfiber towel or a newspaper. It isn’t recommended to use paper towels, as they are more expensive and may sometimes leave lint and cause streaks.
Window cleaning can be hard, especially on the outdoor sides. That’s why sometimes it’s better to leave that part to professionals, which will virtually guarantee that you will avoid property damage and possible injuries.
And, after all, delegating that task can free up time to spend on more important things, such as family and friends.
Benefits of regularly cleaning your windows
The number one benefit is, obviously, aesthetic.
Clean windows enhance how your home looks not only on the inside but also on the outside.
More natural light entering your home is pleasant and useful, as it also means fewer bacteria and viruses.
Regularly cleaning your windows, especially the outdoor sides, will extend their life by ensuring no dirt and unwanted deposit will accumulate on them.
Dirty glass is also more likely to crack or chip off, so keep that in mind.
Depending on where you live, you might also consider that mould could be a serious health risk. As fungi love a warm and wet environment, watching out for window condensation, especially during winter, is important to safeguard your health.
By cleaning your windows regularly, you will ensure that mould won’t threaten your well-being by creating illness or unlocking dangerous allergies.
A well-maintained window will guarantee good insulation for a longer time rather than a poorly-maintained one. That means spending less money on heating and replacements, and with the current economic situation, that’s exceptionally important.
Broken windows, faulty locking mechanisms, and other glass-related issues can be dangerous. Statistics show that nearly five thousand people have window-related accidents, such as falling, every year.
If your windows don’t close easily or are hard to open, that can be especially hazardous in a fire, for example.
That’s why, to ensure your safety, it’s important to maintain your window integrity and check on it regularly.
Conclusion
By now, it must be clear that having a crystal clear view is far from the only reason why you must your windows regularly.