How to Wash High Windows

Co-authored by Susan Stocker

Last Updated: November 17, 2020 References

Cleaning high windows can be tricky, especially if they are above a sloped area or in a hard to reach spot. High windows also tend to get very dirty, especially if they have not been wiped or washed in awhile. Though you can hire a professional to wash high windows, doing them yourself can save you money and give you the satisfaction of maintaining them on your own. By using an extendable pole on a day that is not too sunny or hot, you can have clean, streak-free windows in no time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Removing Dust

1
Set up a ladder under the window at a safe angle. Chances are the high windows have not been cleaned in awhile, so they will likely have dust, dirt, and debris on the the frames that needs to be removed. Make sure the ladder is at a safe angle by standing with your toes against the feet of the ladder on the ground and stretching your arms out in front of you, towards the ladder. Your fingertips should be able to touch the rungs of the ladder easily.^{[1]
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- You should also ensure that the ladder always hits your hip area or midsection when you are on it so you have enough balance and support to stand on it safely.
- If you do not own a ladder, you can borrow one from a friend or rent one at your local hardware store.
2
Wipe the windows down with a handheld vacuum or a wet cloth. The vacuum will be useful for animal droppings, spider webs, and thick dust. A wet cloth may be enough if there is just a light layer of dust or dirt on the windows.^{[2]
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3
Never lean out of a high window from the inside to clean the windows. This can put you at risk of falling out of the window. You should also be on the outside of the windows on a stable ladder when you clean them.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Washing the Windows

1
Get an extendable pole with an attachment head. The best tool for cleaning high windows is a pole that extends at least 18 feet (5.5 m). The pole will have a locking device so you can lock it at the length you need, as well as a head that you can attach a squeegee or stripper washer to. Look for extendable poles at your local hardware store or online.^{[3]
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- Get a pole that extends just enough for you to reach the windows with a little length to spare. A pole that is too long can be difficult to maneuver as you clean.
- Avoid using a ladder to wash the windows, as this can be dangerous, especially if the window is above an area with a slope or uneven ground.
2
Buy a strip washer at your local hardware store. A strip washer is a flat, fuzzy brush that will allow you to clean the window properly. The strip washer will have a small hook or piece at the bottom that fits snugly into the attachment head on the extendable pole.
- You may buy a few strip washers to have on hand, as they can become worn down over time.
3
Use a squeegee with a rubber blade for the best clean. A squeegee is a must for cleaning high windows effectively, as it allows you to move the cleaning solution on the window glass without causing streaks.^{[4]
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- A squeegee with a replaceable rubber blade is even better, as this allows you to reuse the squeegee and replace the blade once it starts to wear out.
- A combination squeegee that has a rubber blade on 1 side and a strip washer on the other may also be a good option if you do not want to have to switch between 2 heads.
4
Place the strip washer in the bucket of cleaner to soak for 1-2 minutes. Put a few squirts of mild cleaning detergent and soap in a bucket. For a natural option, you can use 1 part white vinegar to 10 parts water. Make sure the fuzzy head of the strip washer is completely submersed in the cleaning solution.^{[5]
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- If you are using a combination squeegee that has a strip washer side, place it in the bucket with the strip washer side face down in the cleaner.
5
Extend the pole and attach the strip washer. Make sure you lock the pole into place so it is long enough to reach the high window. Take the strip washer out of the bucket and attach it to the pole. Most extendable poles will have a tapered fit so you can pop the strip washer on and off easily.^{[6]
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- The strip washer should be wet but not soaking or dripping too much. You may need to shake excess water off the strip washer before you attach it to the pole so it is not too wet.
6
Clean the window from the bottom up. Move the strip washer from the bottom corner upward in a smooth, even stroke, reaching as high as you can on the window. Bring the pole back down to the bottom and move it back up again next to the area you just wiped. Try not to go over the same area twice.^{[7]
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- Continue to do this until you have spread the cleaning solution across the entire window from bottom to top.
- If the window is very tall or wide, flip over the strip washer to distribute the cleaning solution on the entire window.
7
Remove the strip washer and attach the squeegee to the pole. Bring the pole back down to the ground and pop off the strip washer. Place it in the bucket of cleaning solution to soak. Take the squeegee and place it on the pole, attaching it snugly.^{[8]
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- The squeegee should be dry to start and completely clean. If you are using an old squeegee make sure there is no dirt or debris on it before you use it.
8
Wipe the cleaning solution off with the squeegee. Position the squeegee in the top corner of the window and bring it down to the bottom of the window in 1 even stroke to remove the soap on the window, as well as any dirt or debris. Apply even pressure as you bring the squeegee downward.^{[9]
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9
Clean the squeegee off with a cloth between wipes. Once you have made 1 horizontal stroke downward with the squeegee, bring it back down to the ground and use a lint-free cloth to wipe off the soap and dirt on it. Do this each time you clean 1 area of the window, as you do not want to spread the soap or dirt on the squeegee around on the window.^{[10]
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- You can also place the squeegee in the bucket of water for a few seconds and then wipe it off with a cloth if it is very dirty.
10
Squeegee the window until all the soap is removed. Continue working in horizontal strokes from the top to the bottom of the window, wiping the squeegee off with a cloth between swipes. Make sure all the soap has been removed on the window before moving on to the next 1.^{[11]
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- Always apply the cleaning solution with the strip washer and remove it with the squeegee as you clean each window. This will ensure there are no streaks on the glass and that you give the window a good clean.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Drying the Windows

1
Remove excess water with a dry strip washer on the extendable pole. If you get water or soap on the window frames, make sure you remove it before it can dry. Excess water can damage frames made of wood. Place a dry strip washer on the pole and use it to wipe up the water so you do not need to use a ladder.^{[12]
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2
Wipe excess water with a ladder and a rag if you do not have a dry strip washer. Get a dry rag or cloth and dab any water on the frame to remove it. Make sure the ladder is positioned safely so you are not in danger of falling.
3
Allow the windows to air dry overnight. The windows should dry overnight as long as it does not rain. Check the windows in the morning to ensure they are clean and streak-free.^{[13]
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- If you missed any spots on the window, use the strip washer and the squeegee to clean them.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you clean window screens?

Susan Stocker
Green Cleaning Expert
Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices.

Susan Stocker

Green Cleaning Expert

Expert Answer

The quickest and easiest way to clean window screens is to remove them. Be careful not to bend them when you're taking them out. Then, rinse them down gently with a garden hose and let them air dry before putting them back.