Expert: Jamie Novak - 7/13/2006

Question
Hi Jamie,
DO you have any ideas about how to clean the outsides of upstairs windows with out having to climb a ladder?I've tried a squeegee and can't seem to hit the whole window with it.Thanks,
Jo

Answer
Thanks for asking! That can be tricky. Sometimes you can ball up a piece of newspaper or a rag and tape it to the end of a stick.

There are a few more ideas below. The MOST important thing I would say is that once you get the window as clean as you can then apply some rain repellent usually meant for car windshields. This will keep the windows cleaner much longer.

Good luck! -Jamie

Easy window washing

Lots of homeowners dread this job, but it improves the look of your house both inside and out. Lipford recommends using a window-cleaning solution and an inexpensive window squeegee. If your windows are divided into small panes, consider trimming the squeegee to the size of the window.
·  Start with a bucket of soapy water, a spongy applicator, a clean rag and a squeegee. Dip the applicator in the soapy water, then sponge the soap on an individual pane of glass in a back-and-forth motion. Wipe the edges of the pane with the rag to remove any residue, then bring the squeegee down from the top of the pane, removing the soap. Wipe the squeegee with the rag and repeat this step until the pane is clean.
·  Water spots can be treated with the same tools, and with the addition of a very fine grade of steel wool. Once the soap is applied, scrub the pane gently with the steel wool (a fine grade won't scratch glass). Clear off with the squeegee (again, in a downward motion). If the spots are still visible, check with your local hardware store for cleaning solutions that treat lime and calcium deposits.
·  For cleaning windows from the inside, an opposite pattern should be followed with the squeegee. Lay some towels below each window to catch any drips, then apply soap with the spongy applicator. Wipe the perimeter with a rag, then, instead of the up-and-down motion of the squeegee, wipe away the soap working from left to right and from top to bottom. This will reveal any streaks that may have been left behind outside.
·  You can get the job done without a window cleaner, using two tablespoons of white vinegar mixed into two quarts of water. Dip a clean rag in this solution, then wipe down the windows. Wipe them dry with wadded-up newspaper.

Using a pressure washer

Homeowners are starting to discover the practicality of pressure washers to help maintain their homes. The models available are becoming more and more user-friendly, allowing even novice homeowners to clean exterior surfaces, including siding, decking, walkways and even outdoor furniture. All you need to run the power washer is a garden hose and a power source. Be extra careful not to hurt yourself or damage the surface you are cleaning.
·  Keep the nozzle in motion, spraying at a steady speed with long, even strokes to ensure consistent results.
·  Maintain a consistent distance between the nozzle and the cleaning surface.
·  When cleaning heavily soiled or stained surfaces, use cleaning detergents formulated for pressure washers.
·  Consider using brush attachments or a turbo nozzle to help remove stubborn dirt, grime, and stains.
·  Work in identifiable sections, such as the area between the expansion joints in concrete.
·  When cleaning a new surface, start with a wide spray pattern and hold the nozzle four to five feet from the surface. Move closer to the surface until the desired effect is achieved.
·  When cleaning heavily soiled or stained surfaces, use cleaning detergents formulated for pressure washers.
·  Consider using brush attachments or a turbo nozzle to help remove stubborn dirt, grime, and stains.