How To Wash Large Outdoor Windows

Washing large outdoor windows can be a daunting task, but it's essential to keep them clean for both aesthetic and practical reasons. Dirty windows can obstruct your view, make your home look unkempt, and even damage the glass over time. Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, you can clean your large outdoor windows quickly and easily. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, you'll need to gather a few supplies:

A long-handled squeegee with a rubber blade
A bucket or large bowl
Warm water
Dish soap or a commercial window cleaner
A soft cloth or sponge
A ladder (if necessary)

2. Prepare Your Solution

In your bucket or large bowl, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap or a commercial window cleaner. The solution should be soapy and foamy but not too sudsy.

3. Wet the Windows

Use your soft cloth or sponge to wet the windows with the cleaning solution. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies.

4. Squeegee the Windows

Start at the top of the window and work your way down. Hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle and pull it towards you in smooth, even strokes. Overlap your strokes to avoid streaks.

5. Dry the Windows

After you've squeegeed the windows, use your soft cloth or sponge to dry them. Be sure to get all the water off the glass. A microfiber cloth is great for this, as the electrostatic attraction won’t leave streaks.

6. Rinse the Windows (Optional)

If you're using a commercial window cleaner, you may want to rinse the windows with clean water after you've washed them. This will help remove any residue.

For stubborn stains, you may need to use a stronger cleaning solution or a specialized window cleaning product. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.

Tips for Washing Large Outdoor Windows

Here are a few tips to make washing large outdoor windows easier and more efficient:

Wash on a cloudy day. This will help prevent the sun from drying the cleaning solution too quickly and leaving streaks.
Use a ladder if necessary. If the windows are too high to reach, use a ladder to safely clean them. Be sure to have someone hold the ladder for you.
Start at the top. This will help prevent dirty water from dripping down onto the clean part already cleaned.
Work in small sections. Divide the window into smaller sections and clean one section at a time. This will help you avoid missing any spots.
Rinse your squeegee frequently. This will help remove any dirt or debris that may be on the blade.
Dry the windows thoroughly. This will help prevent streaks and water spots.