Glass is a transparent thing that can gets dirty easily.
We love seeing clean and clear glasses, especially on windows.
I mean, look at those buildings with clear glass all over the walls. Doesn’t it look good?
Now if you see a clean glass and take it for granted, wait until you see how dirty a window glass can be and you’re wondering how to get the cleanliness back.
Cleaning the inside part of the window might sound easy. Yeah, you can use sponge, soapy water, and squeegee and you can easily accomplish the job.
But what about the outer side of the window?
How to clean outside windows that you can’t reach?
To do this, you can use some long-handled window cleaning tools which you can buy or DIY. You can also use magnetic window cleaner. Or, if you have the budget, you can just hire a professional window cleaner.
Sounds challenging doesn’t it?
But it’s actually feasible.
There are several options that you can try according to your budget.
| Low budget ($5-$10) | Use what you have at home to make DIY windows cleaner |
| Moderate budget ($20-$30) | Purchase window cleaning tools and use them to clean |
| High budget ($200) | Purchase a robot window vacuum and use it |
| Very high budget ($250 or more) | Hire a professional window cleaner |
Use What You Have At Home
This is the cheap option that you can take if you want a clean window but you don’t want to spend too much money on it.
Beneficial things that you can use:
- a water hose
- a mop
- a squeegee, a long stick, and a big rubber band to secure
Use Long Squeegee
If you live in a 1 story house and the reason that you cannot reach the outside window is because it’s too high, you can try this option.
If, by using a long squeegee you still cannot reach the window, you can use a safe ladder.
Using this option for tall building is NOT recommended because it’s dangerous, difficult, and it can be super messy.
Use Magnetic Window Cleaner
This option is safer than using long-handled squeege.
You might still make some mess when the dusty water drips to the lower part of the window. But you can overcome it easily if you move the tool faster.
Use Window Vacuum Robot
If you want something fancier than the magnetic window cleaner, you can try this option.
The window vacuum robot can be operated using a remote so, unlike the magnetic window cleaner, you don’t need to be strong or agile to move the tool. Just grab the remote and press the buttons.
However, you still need to do some job before and after cleaning, i.e. putting the soap (before cleaning) and washing the ‘cleaning pad’ after being used.
The cons of using this tool are:
- your window must be ‘not-too-dirty’. Some little dust here and there is OK, but if there are stubborn stains, you might need to be very patient when using this tool. Regular cleaning is recommended so the windows won’t be too dirty.
- no replacement pads, which means you have to wait until used pads dry before reusing them to clean other windows
- corners are not cleaned well
Although the result isn’t as good as cleaning by a professional window cleaner, this tool can help you keep your windows look clean if you use it regularly.
You can get a robot window cleaner here.
Hire A Professional Window Cleaner
If you don’t have to do any of those options above and you choose to spend, you can try this option.
Hire a professional window cleaner and let them do the job without your hands getting dirty.
The price of professional window cleaning service can vary in a wide spectrum.
Some people pay $35-$50 per hour, some people have a deal beforehand after explaining their situation (the number of windows, the height, etc) and pay a custom quote. It can vary from $150 to $400 or more depends on the location, the reputation of the company, and your needs.
Usually, professional window cleaner also offer inside window cleaning with additional charge. So, if you really want to spend, you might want to consider this option.
Some Questions Related to Cleaning Exterior Windows
Can you clean outside windows a vacuumer?
Yes, you can use a vacuumer to clean the DUST before actually washing the window with another tool.
Remember that you must be very careful when doing this.
Can you clean outside window with Windex?
Yes, you can use this product AFTER the dust and stains are removed.
You can use Windex for the final touch (to make your window shine) but don’t bother using any of it when your window is still all dirty. It can be a yucky mess and you can waste a lot of Windex.
Can you remove the window to clean it?
If you live in a one-story house and you have a relatively small window, you can do this carefully. Call your husband to help you.
If you live in a high-level building (apartment, a house with 2 stories or more) doing this thing can be very dangerous especially when you live with small kids.
DO NOT DO THIS unless you live in a one-story house.
Final Thought
Cleaning the outside windows that you cannot reach is truly challenging.
It might sound daunting and it can be dangerous when you do it the wrong way.
There are various ways to clean your exterior window. And you can choose it based on your situation (what kind of home do you live in and how much are you willing to spend).
When you are thinking about the possible options, always take SAFETY into account and prioritize it above all.
Happy cleaning!
