How to Clean Exterior Windows From Inside?
Suppose you want to clean your exterior windows from the inside but cannot reach them properly. It is difficult and risky to clean the windows from the outside. But, with the right professional cleaners, cleaning your windows from the inside is very convenient and safe!
Using the right tools and techniques can easily clean every window corner, including the hard-to-reach spots and the window trim. The latest and innovative window cleaning tools can make your window look sparkling clean inside and out. For high windows, you can choose a telescopic pole. For large-surface windows, you can use a mop. You can use a magnetic window cleaner to clean both sides of the window simultaneously.
Let’s explore the best cleaners and expert tips to effectively clean your exterior windows from the inside!
Best Ways to Clean Your Windows From the Inside
You can clean your windows from the outside using a lint-free cloth or a garden hose. But what about cleaning your window from the inside?
There are different methods to squeegee your windows, removing all the impurities.
Straight Pull Method: Start by putting your squeegee in the top corner of your window. Then, pull it down straight until you reach the bottom. Start moving the pole horizontally, following the clean path you have just made.
Hand Fan Method: This is also known as the Fanning Method. In this method, you move your hand in a sweeping motion as if you are using a hand fan. It resembles a wide motion typically covering large areas.
Straight Pull and Hand Fan Method: This is a hybrid method. This is similar to the straight pull method, except instead of moving the pole horizontally, you should move it in an arc.
Pole Fan Method: This involves a long pole connected to a fan-like attachment or a brush at the end. This is generally used when the window is at an elevated height. You can use a water-fed pole to avoid using a ladder.
Pole Fan and Hand Fan Method: This hybrid method uses a pole to execute the hand fan method of cleaning by sweeping in a fanning motion.
Pole Fan Method: This method
S-shaped method: This is the signature method for a sparkling clean window! The cleaner started from the window's top-left corner, moving and guiding the tool in an “S” shaped motion, covering the entire window streak-free.
In the end, use a dry towel to rub off the edges.
Let’s have a look at some tools to use for cleaning:
1. Using a Mop
A mop is a cleaning tool or applicator with a T-bar handle attached to a sleeve below, and it is made of microfiber or lambswool. Typically, it has a water-fed pole. If not, it comes with a bucket to rinse the mop in. A mop is used for dipping, wiping, and scrubbing actions.
Using a mop is the best option when for larger windows. If you want to clean some spots on your window that are hard to reach, consider buying a long-handled mop with microfibers. Let us guide you on how to use a mop the right way:
Step 1: Prepare the cleaning solution and choose the right mop.
Step 2: Dampen the mop into water & chemicals like vinegar or simple dish soap!
Step 3: Applying gentle but consistent pressure on the mop, move it on the window up to down and vice versa.
Step 4: To control the liquid flow, use a microfiber cloth or squeegee to remove the remaining waste.
Remember to avoid direct sunlight as it can cause problems. More on that later!
2. Using Magnetic Window Cleaner
This multi-functional tool can clean both sides of your window simultaneously. It has a strong magnetic design with 2 pads, each with a magnet. The magnetic window cleaner is best for cleaning hard-to-reach or double-paned windows. The cleaner attaches one pad inside the window and the other pad outside. However, it can be tricky to move the tool due to the magnetic force, so it needs careful handling. Follow these steps to use it:
Step 1: Put the magnetic window cleaner carefully on the inside and outside of the window. Then, start moving the window pad from the inside. The magnetic pad on the outside will start moving with it.
Step 2: With a gentle motion, slide the cleaner smoothly as you clean.
Step 3: In the end, use a microfiber cloth to remove excess fluids.
3. Use a Telescopic Pole
It is an extension tool made of aluminum or carbon fiber. Its length can range from 8 feet to 24 feet. A U-shaped telescopic pole can be handy to clean exterior windows from the inside. In addition, you can attach a squeegee to clean areas that are difficult to reach otherwise. These are the steps on how to use this pole:
Step 1: First, on the very top, attach the mop or cleaner to our telescopic pole.
Step 2: After wetting your mop with soap or chemicals, extend your pole to reach your window upwards for cleaning.
Step 3: Slowly use the mop to wipe from up to down and repeat until clean.
It is better to work in sections when cleaning the window. Start from a side or a corner and finish the cleaning in sequence. Don’t forget to clean the tracks too!
Clean Your Window Trim
Don’t forget to overlook the material that surrounds your window frame. The trim of your window has two parts: the tracks and the sills. Dust and cobwebs can quickly get stuck on the edge of your window. Using a wet cloth damped in soap water can be used. If the trim is too dirty, use a mild cleaner to clean it effectively.
The steps to clean the window trim are the same as cleaning the window itself. However, drying off the edges with a cloth after cleaning the window trim is essential.
Keep These in Mind When You Clean Your Window
Cleaning your window without taking some precautions can be problematic. Here are a few things to keep in mind to get the best results:
Protect yourself
Safety comes first! Always ensure you’re working in a risk-free environment. Here are some safety rules to follow as a window cleaner:
Balance Ladder Safety: Do not overreach for directions when on the ladder. Most injuries happen due to losing balance on the ladder or outstretching your hands too far. Understand your balance and stay standing toward the middle of the ladder.
Wear Proper Gear: You are responsible for protecting your own body. So, you should wear hard gloves and protective head or eye gear as needed.
Eco-friendly Products: Keeping the environment clean is a responsibility. Using harmful chemicals or products that cause environmental pollution is not only a problem for your surroundings but could also be a problem for you. It is recommended to wipe from the bottom when you are wiping the window while cleaning.
Consider Weather Conditions: Watch out for the weather! It could be too sunny or right before a storm. Bad weather can cause accidents. Consult with the client, too. It is best to clean the windows in cloudy weather.
Equipment Maintenance: Your tools will wear off or lose functionality over time. It is crucial to service your equipment and replace them in due time. Using a piece of equipment that could have used maintenance can cause a threat to your safety!
Using Harness: You need a solid harness when hanging from a height. Many cleaners ignore this and fall to their death or break some bones.
If you’re using a mop, magnetic cleaner, or telescopic pole, ensure the area around the window is clear of any obstacles or debris. Keep a steady stance when using a telescopic pole to avoid accidents.
Best Time: Clean on a Cloudy Day
Your windows can act as a conductor when the sunlight is bright and hot. As a result, streaks on your window might remain after the water evaporates quickly on a sunny day. That is why cleaning your windows on a cloudy day is better. Besides preventing streaking, here are some benefits that come with cleaning your windows on a cloudy day:
Better Visibility – A sunny day can make it challenging to clean windows because the sunlight can cause a sparkle or a glaze on the windows. Spotting and cleaning dirt, streaks, or missed spots on a cloudy day is more manageable.
Fast Evaporation – A cloudy day gives more time for the water to evaporate. On the other hand, a sunny day can dry up the windows fast, causing less absorption or cleanliness. It is better to use lukewarm or cold water for the cleaning solution.
Less Physical Strain – Nobody likes working under scorching sunlight. It is lighter for window cleaners to work on a cloudy day. It lets them put in more effort and protects them from overheating.
Use the Right Tools
Choosing the right tools for your work might be your first step! It not only does the perfect cleaning, but it is also vital for your safety! If you choose the wrong tools, it can create confusion or cause workplace accidents. Make sure to double-check what tools you would need before climbing a ladder.
Using squeegees and microfiber cloths is an excellent choice to leave a streak-free finish. It is a good idea to avoid using scratchy tools with a rough surface as it can cause marks on the window.
Don't Forget the Tracks
Cleaning the tracks is often a forgotten task by some. Your window cleaner will remember to clean off the debris from there. You can clean off the tracks using the following tools:
A brush-attached small vacuum cleaner is a handy tool to clean dust quickly.
A small toothbrush or any general brush can be used to clean grime.
A spray bottle with a mix of cleaning solution or soap.
A piece of microfiber cloth can be used to wipe off moisture.
A set of paper towels can be used for additional cleaning.
A few cotton swabs for cleaning tiny areas or tight corners.
FAQ
1. Can I clean exterior windows from the inside if they’re dirty?
Of course, yes! There are so many options to choose from! Follow the proper steps. Whether you use a mop, a telescopic pole, or a magnetic cleaner, you should follow the best cleaning techniques.
2. Do I need to use special tools for high windows?
It is recommended, yes! If the windows are at a height that is difficult to reach, using a telescopic pole is the perfect tool. It allows you to clean high windows effectively.
3. How often should I clean my exterior windows?
It depends on the surrounding conditions. Also, it depends on the climate and location. It is recommended to clean your windows twice a year.
Where to Hire a Window Cleaning Service?
The look of grimy windows can be ugly! It can also breed germs from staying unclean. There is no doubt that cleaning your windows should be a regular chore annually. However, cleaning your windows twice a year can be challenging due to your busy lifestyle and limited experience in cleaning windows. This is where you can decide to get your windows cleaned inside and out using Collective Cleaning Service
If you hire our experienced window cleaners, you can relax and watch your windows become sparkling clean. You may be confident in cleaning, but finding the top-of-the-line tools can be challenging due to limited resources. Not only that, careful cleaning with the perfect motion comes with experience. Our professional cleaners use the best tools in the market and ensure a spotless, streak-free clean-up!
So, be ready to book an appointment today – it is free! You can get tailored services according to your personal needs. Contact us now!
