How to Pressure Wash Windows

Written by Ben Barlow | Edited by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: May 28, 2022 References

When it’s time to clean your windows, look no further than the power washer you might already have at home. Using a power washer to clean off your windows can speed up the process immensely, so you won’t have to spend all day on this chore! Pressure washing your windows the wrong way can lead to damage or cracks in the glass, so it’s important to take a few safety precautions before you start. Read through this article for step by step instructions on how to use a pressure washer to safely clean your windows in a single afternoon.

This article is based on an interview with our professional window cleaning specialist, Ben Barlow, owner of Barlow Window Bros. Check out the full interview here.

1

Cover up anything outside you don’t want to get wet.

That includes electrical outlets and any outdoor furniture. Do a quick walk around your home and put electrical tape over exposed outlets. Move furniture or patio decorations out of the way, since pressure washing can cause some splashback.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Ben Barlow
Window Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.}
- Be sure you have a clear pathway to walk around in, too. If your hose gets caught on something sharp, it could puncture it.

2

Close your windows and make sure they’re water tight.

If your windows have any cracks or leaks, the inside of your home could get wet. Before you start pressure washing, take a look at your windows and the window fittings—is the glass uncracked and the fittings tight without any bubbles? If you notice any issues, fix those before you pressure wash your windows to avoid any water damage.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Ben Barlow
Window Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.}
- In general, wooden window fittings are more susceptible to damage than acrylic or vinyl ones.

3

Remove any screens from the windows.

Pressure washers can rip through screens, so take them off first. If you have a two-story house, you might need to grab a ladder and climb on up. Pop the screens out carefully, then set them aside to put them back on later.^{[3]
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- If you want to clean your window screens, you can use a garden hose and regular dish soap mixed with water.

4

Fill your pressure washer tank with window cleaner.

Check your instruction manual to see what kind of cleaner you need. For a lot of pressure washers, you can buy a specific soap and water mixture that’s made for windows. If yours doesn’t have that (or you can use anything), simply fill up your pressure washer tank with water, then mix in a few drops of regular dish soap. Then, unscrew the cap on the water tank, and use a funnel to pour your mixture in up to the fill line.^{[4]
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- If your windows have any hard water spots, try using a commercial window cleaner instead.^{[5]
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5

Attach the widest nozzle you have to the pressure washer.

Usually, that’s the 40-degree nozzle. Too small of a nozzle, and you run the risk of cracking the glass in your windows. Pick out the widest nozzle you have, then screw it onto the end of your pressure washer hose.^{[6]
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- If you haven’t used your pressure washer before, practice using it on concrete before you start using it on your windows.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ben Barlow
  Window Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.}

6

Set your pressure washer to the lowest pressure setting.

Usually, this is 1300 to 1700 PSI and 1.5 GPM. Too high of a pressure setting, and you run the risk of cracking the glass in your windows. Find the dial on your pressure washer and turn it all the way down to set it to the lowest setting. Keep the pressure down low the whole time you’re washing your windows to avoid any damage.^{[8]
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7

Wear eye protection.

Pressure washers are power tools, so use caution with yours. Put on eye goggles, and don’t point your pressure washer at anyone if it’s plugged in. Using a pressure washer incorrectly can result in injury, so it’s very important to be cautious.^{[9]
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- Always wear close-toed shoes, just in case the spray goes anywhere near your feet.

8

Stand at least 3 to 5 ft (0.91 to 1.52 m) away from the windows.

Standing too close can damage your windows. When you first start out, back up until you’re at least 10 ft (3.0 m) away from your windows. If you need to, you can walk a little closer, but stay at least 3 to 5 ft (0.91 to 1.52 m) away the entire time you’re washing your windows.^{[10]
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- The closer you are to your windows, the stronger the spray is. A super strong spray has the potential to crack glass.

9

Spray the windows at a 40- to 60-degree angle.

Stand off to the side, not directly in front of your windows. When you’re ready to start washing, stand a little bit off to the side to lessen the pressure from your nozzle even more. Turn on the pressure washer using the power button on the side and move the nozzle from side to side, covering your entire window. When you’re done with one window, walk to the next one to keep cleaning.^{[11]
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- Use caution around wooden window trimmings, as pressure washers can damage or chip the wood.
- It’s important to do this step quickly—since you’re spraying soap and water onto the windows, letting the mixture dry can lead to streaking.
- Try to start early in the morning, especially during the summer. That way, you can beat the sun, and your soap and water mixture won’t dry before you can rinse it.^{[12]
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  Expert Source
  
  Ben Barlow
  Window Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.}

10

Use a turbo nozzle to reach the second story.

It’s too dangerous to take a pressure washer onto a ladder. If you have a multi-story home, take off your normal nozzle and attach a turbo nozzle to the end of your pressure washer. Stand underneath the upper story windows, then use the far-reaching nozzle to cover them in soapy water.^{[13]
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- A turbo nozzle sends the water out in a spiral, which can make it spray further away from the pressure washer. That’s why a turbo nozzle is so helpful for reaching the second story.
- Pressure washers have a little bit of kickback, which is why it’s dangerous to take them on a ladder.

11

Rinse the windows off with plain water.

Rinsing your windows off well will help prevent any streaks. When you’ve covered all your windows in soapy water, use a regular garden hose (or your pressure washer filled with regular water) and give all your windows a good rinse. If you are using your pressure washer, empty the water tank and rinse it out using a hose before filling it up with plain water. Use the same wide nozzle and keep the pressure on the lowest setting. Once your windows are rinsed, you can leave them to dry in the sun!^{[14]
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- If you’re really worried about streaks, use a squeegee and a microfiber cloth to wipe the clean water off before your windows dry.
- If you know you have hard water (water full of minerals that can leave deposits on surfaces), attach a water softener to your garden hose before rinsing.^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ben Barlow
  Window Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.} That way, you won’t leave any hard water spots, and your windows will look shiny and clean.

Warnings

Using the wrong nozzle or pressure settings on your pressure washer can crack or damage your windows. Use extreme caution, especially if you live in an older home.

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