How to Clean Hard to Reach Windows Inside and Out

June 17, 2022

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How-to’s

Clean Hard To Reach Windows Inside And Out - Clera Windows + Doors

No one should have to risk their life for clean windows. There are many ways to safely and effectively clean almost any type of window. So if you’re wondering how to clean outside windows you can’t reach, you’re in the right place! We’ll also talk about how to clean inside windows so that you’ll be able to have a clear and crisp view of the outside world.

Let’s start giving your windows a glow-up!

  • The Formula For Lasting Cleanliness
  • Use an Extendable Squeegee (for cleaning)
  • Use a Covered Broom (for drying)
  • Use an Extendable Window Scrubber (for drying)
  • Use A Hose (for a quick clean)
  • Remove the Window From the Frame (for cleaning sliding windows)
  • Hire a Window Cleaner

The Formula For Lasting Cleanliness

If you’re reading this guide, chances are you have windows in your home that have hard-to-reach surfaces. Getting them squeaky clean will always require a bit of added effort, but it’s all worth it because it allows you to make the most out of every cleaning session.

Here at Clera Windows + Doors, we highly recommend The Blue Rain Window Cleaning Method for your inside and outside windows. This method results in window cleanliness that can last for three to six months and consists of three simple steps.

The cleaning agents you’ll need are:

To view the full step-by-step instructions, check out our guide: The Best Way to Clean Windows in 3 Easy Steps

The Formula For Lasting Cleanliness - Clera Windows + Doors

Use an Extendable Squeegee (For Cleaning)

Next up in our guide on how to clean outside windows you can’t reach, we have the extendable squeegee—this tool is a lifesaver.

Extendable squeegees usually have a telescopic pole handle, which means they can be used for both hard-to-reach and easily accessible surfaces. With a collapsed handle, extendable squeegees can be used on reachable interior window surfaces. Then, when it’s time to clean less accessible interior/exterior surfaces, simply extend the handle.

This tool comes in various lengths—some are even long enough to reach second-floor windows safely from the ground!

The point of buying an extendable squeegee is so that you don’t need to stand on risky high surfaces to clean your windows. If you get an extendable squeegee that is too short, you will still need to climb on a ladder to reach the windows. In such cases, this tool may not be worth it. Consider ordering a squeegee of the right length or hire a professional window cleaner.

When shopping for an extendable squeegee, make sure to choose a product with a durable arm that can withstand a bit of pressure as you scrape off stains and grime from the windows.

Here are a few other tips if you’re going to use a squeegee for cleaning windows:

  • Remember to always clean from top to bottom. Starting from the bottom will leave you with streaky windows by the time you get to the top.
  • You can use a standard window cleaning solution or follow the steps we detailed in The Blue Rain Window Cleaning Method.

Use a Covered Broom (For Drying)

So now that an extendable squeegee has cleaned up the windows, what’s next? It’s time to dry your windows and prevent water streaks from forming on the glass. The best materials for drying include the following:

  • Paper towels
  • Newspapers
  • Microfibre cloths (the best choice out of the three)

The final step on how to clean inside windows is straightforward: take any of the above materials and wipe your windows dry. However, this step isn’t as straightforward with less accessible window surfaces.

One possible solution for this is to find a pole on which you can safely fasten a paper towel, newspaper, or microfibre cloth. A broom is a handy choice but may not be long enough to reach certain window surfaces.

Use an Extendable Window Scrubber (For Drying)

If you’re going to dry windows that are higher up, consider getting window washing kits that have both an extendable squeegee and an extendable microfibre window scrubber.

Use A Hose (For a Quick Clean)

If there is a need for a quick fix for dirty exterior windows, one can always spray them down with a hose. You can also use a high-pressure sprayer for this purpose. However, this may cause water marks on the windows and isn’t a permanent solution.

Use A Hose For A Quick Clean - Clera Windows + Doors

Remove the Window From the Frame (For Cleaning Sliding Windows)

Cleaning windows that slide horizontally can be extremely difficult. By sliding the window to the side and reaching out, you can clean one window, but how do you clean the other?

Taking the window out of the frame, cleaning it, and then putting it back is the easiest way to accomplish this task. By doing so, you won’t need any fancy tools.

Try the following steps to remove your sliding window panel from its track:

  1. Check for any screws on the top track and security devices that prevent it from being taken out. These need to be removed first.
  2. On top of the track, there may be a small black rubber piece. It must also be removed.
  3. Make sure the window is unlocked.
  4. Slide the window open (almost all the way) and put your hands securely on the panel.
  5. Push the panel into the top track, lift it out of the bottom track, and pull it towards you.
  6. Clean your window and do the above process in reverse to put the panel back.

For a video demonstration on how to clean sliding windows, watch this video:

Hire a Window Cleaner

The above steps on how to clean inside windows and how to clean outside windows you can’t reach are not for everyone. For example, there may not be squeegees and scrubbers with long enough poles to reach higher windows of multi-storey homes. In such scenarios, it might be best to hire a window cleaner.

Easy-To-Clean, Low Maintenance, and Energy-Saving Windows by Clera

Ultimately, another alternative solution is to get windows that are designed for easy cleaning.

Clera Windows + Doors is a leading manufacturer of stylish, durable, and energy-efficient doors and windows. In the past 41+ years, we have transformed hundreds of homes. If you’re looking for easy-to-clean windows that elevate your home’s aesthetic, check out our windows today.

You can also contact our team for questions and a FREE estimate!

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