5 Tips For Cleaning the Outside of Your Windows

Windows are one of those features in your home or apartment that you don't really notice until they become an issue. We use them every day to bring the outside in (natural light is key!) — that is until the stains on the glass start to become part of the view. With all of the rain, snow, wind, and other elements your windows are subjected to, it's no wonder they start to look a little grubby after a while.

While windows have a reputation for being delicate, you don't need to hire a professional window cleaner to make those panes shine again. With the right tools and technique, it doesn't take long to make the outside of your windows start to look brand new again. Here's how to do it (Note: if you're working with high windows, just be sure to use a safe and secure ladder or a mop).

1. Prepare your windows. First, rinse your windows with a hose. Then fill a bucket with clean, cold water plus a few drops of a mild liquid dish soap.
2. Wipe down the surface of the window. Using a microfibre cloth moistened with the water and dish soap solution, clean the window. For higher windows, attach a microfibre cloth to a mop to get to those hard-to-reach spots.
3. Rinse the window thoroughly with a garden hose. If you're washing the windows in the Spring, Summer, or when it's warm, you can use cold water.
4. Get to work on hard-to-clean dirt. For stubborn stains or caked-on grime, use a nonabrasive scrubber or sponge, then wipe away the residue with a microfibre cloth.
5. Dry the windows. Use a squeegee to remove any excess water and dirt from the surface of the window. It's best to squeegee your window horizontally, and wipe it clean after each pass. Letting your windows air dry could leave behind water stains that will undo all the hard work you've done.