Dirty balcony windows can make your home appear gloomy while restricting sunlight entering your home, especially in winter when you require bright sunlight to light up your space.
By maximizing the amount of daylight that is entering your home, you can ensure better productivity and mood in your house.
Cleaning outside balcony windows that you can’t reach may seem daunting.
However, we have put together some handy tips on efficiently achieving the best window cleaning results.
Before getting started, you must adequately equip yourself with all the tools to clean your balcony windows.
Although there are many thinking tools available in the market for this purpose, choosing the most suitable ones depends upon the type of window you have and your cleaning requirement.
Here are some of the essential tools that you may need to clean your balcony windows:
- A Bucket
- Lukewarm Water
- White Vinegar
- Cleaning Solution
- Vacuum Cleaner
- A Large Broom with a Long Handle
- Cleaning Brush with Soft Bristles
- High-Quality Squeegee
- Nylon Scrubbing Pads
- Rubber Gloves
- Microfiber Cloth
- Long-Handled Cleaning Brush with an Attached Hose.
- Soft Sponge
Tools and Supplies
When it comes to cleaning balcony windows, having the right tools and supplies can make the job much easier and more effective. Here are some of the essential items you’ll need:
- Water: You’ll need plenty of water to clean your balcony windows, whether you’re using a hose or a bucket and sponge.
- Bucket: A bucket is useful for holding your cleaning solution and water, as well as for rinsing your sponge or cloth.
- Hose: If you have access to an outdoor water source, a hose can be a convenient way to rinse off your windows and balcony.
- Broom: A broom can be helpful for sweeping away debris and dirt from your balcony before you start cleaning your windows.
- Sponge: A sponge is a versatile tool for scrubbing away dirt and grime from your windows. Look for a sponge with a scrubber side for extra cleaning power.
- Cleaning solution: You can use a variety of cleaning solutions for your balcony windows, depending on your preferences and the level of dirt and grime. Some popular options include window cleaner, dish soap, vinegar, and multi-surface cleaner.
- Window cleaner: If you prefer a commercial window cleaner, look for a product like Windex that is specifically designed for cleaning glass surfaces.
- Dish soap: Dish soap is a great all-purpose cleaner that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, including cleaning your balcony windows.
- Squeegee: A squeegee is a handy tool for removing excess water and cleaning solutions from your windows. Look for a squeegee with a rubber blade for best results.
- Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces, including glass. Mix it with water in a spray bottle for an effective and affordable cleaning solution.
- Microfiber cloth: A microfiber cloth is a soft, absorbent cloth that is ideal for polishing your windows and removing streaks.
- Spray bottle: A spray bottle is useful for applying your cleaning solution to your windows. Look for a spray bottle with an adjustable nozzle for better control.
- Paper towels: Paper towels can be used for wiping away excess water and cleaning solution from your windows.
- Bleach: If your balcony has mold or mildew, you may need to use bleach to kill the spores and prevent further growth.
- CLR: CLR is a powerful cleaning solution that can be used to remove tough stains and mineral buildup from your windows. Use it sparingly and follow the instructions carefully.
By having the right tools and supplies on hand, you can clean your balcony windows quickly and easily, leaving them sparkling clean and streak-free.
Preparation
Before we start cleaning the balcony windows, it’s important to prepare the space properly. This will make the cleaning process much easier and more effective. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Clear the Balcony
First, we need to clear the balcony of any furniture or accessories. This will give us enough space to move around and clean the windows properly.
We recommend moving everything to one side of the balcony to make it easier to clean the other side.
Protect the Balcony Floor
It’s important to protect the balcony floor from any cleaning solution or debris that may fall during the cleaning process.
We suggest laying down a plastic sheet or a drop cloth to protect the floor. This will also make it easier to clean up any spills or debris.
Remove Window Screens
If your balcony windows have screens, it’s a good idea to remove them before cleaning the windows.
This will allow us to clean the windows more thoroughly and avoid any damage to the screens. We recommend placing the screens on a clean surface while we clean the windows.
Secure the Balcony Railing
It’s important to secure the balcony railing before cleaning the windows. This will prevent any accidents or damage to the railing during the cleaning process.
We suggest using a bungee cord or a rope to secure the railing while we clean the windows.
Open Balcony Doors
If your balcony has doors, it’s a good idea to open them before cleaning the windows. This will allow us to access the windows more easily and avoid any damage to the doors.
We recommend securing the doors in an open position to prevent them from closing during the cleaning process.
Clean Glass Surfaces
Before we start cleaning the windows, it’s important to clean any glass surfaces on the balcony. This will prevent any streaks or smudges on the windows during the cleaning process.
We suggest using a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean the glass surfaces.
Consider Artificial Grass
If your balcony has artificial grass, it’s important to protect it during the cleaning process.
We suggest covering the grass with a plastic sheet or a drop cloth to prevent any cleaning solution or debris from falling on it. This will also make it easier to clean up any spills or debris.
By following these preparation steps, we can ensure that the balcony windows are cleaned effectively and efficiently.
Cleaning Technique
When it comes to cleaning balcony windows, we have found that the following technique works best.
First, we recommend starting with the outside windows. This allows us to avoid getting the inside windows dirty while we work on the outside.
We start by removing any bird droppings or other debris with a duster or clean towel. Then, we mix warm water with a small amount of liquid dish soap in a bucket.
We use this solution to wash the windows with a microfiber cleaning cloth, working from the top corner down.
If there are mineral deposits or water spots on the windows, we use a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to remove them.
We also pay special attention to the frames, cleaning them with the same solution.
Once we have finished cleaning the outside windows, we move inside to clean the inside and out. We start by removing any pests or debris with a duster or rag.
Then, we use the same warm water and dishwashing soap solution to wash the windows with a microfiber cleaning cloth, again working from the top corner down.
If there are any water spots or mineral deposits on the inside windows, we use the same solution of equal parts water and white vinegar to remove them.
We also pay attention to the frames, cleaning them with the same solution.
Finally, we use a squeegee blade to remove any excess water from the windows and wipe them dry with a clean towel.
If you have a condo balcony cleaning service, be sure to ask them to follow this technique to ensure your windows are cleaned properly.
For particularly stubborn stains or dirt buildup, a power wash may be necessary. However, we recommend trying this technique first before resorting to a power wash.
Tips for Streak-Free Windows
When it comes to cleaning balcony windows, achieving a streak-free finish can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you get those windows sparkling clean without any unsightly streaks.
Choose the Right Day
One of the most important factors in achieving streak-free windows is choosing the right day to clean them.
We recommend working on a cool, cloudy day when there is no direct sunlight on the windows. Too much sun can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind.
Use the Right Tools
Using the right tools can also make a big difference in the outcome of your window cleaning efforts. We recommend using a squeegee and a microfiber cloth.
The squeegee will help remove the cleaning solution and any dirt or grime from the window, while the microfiber cloth will help dry and polish the glass.
Avoid Paper Towels
While it may be tempting to use paper towels to clean your windows, they can actually leave behind lint and streaks. Instead, try using crumpled newspaper.
The ink in the newspaper can help remove any dirt or grime from the glass, and the paper itself is lint-free.
Work with Natural Light
Finally, we recommend working with natural light when cleaning your windows. This will allow you to see any streaks or spots that you may have missed, and make it easier to achieve a streak-free finish.
If you are cleaning your windows on a cloudy day, you can use a bright flashlight to illuminate any areas that need extra attention.
By following these tips, you can achieve streak-free balcony windows that will let in plenty of natural light and provide a clear view of the world outside.
Schedule
When it comes to cleaning balcony windows, having a schedule can help make the task more manageable.
We recommend setting aside time for this task during the spring cleaning season when the weather is cool and cloudy.
This will help ensure that the windows are clean and clear for the upcoming summer months.
To create a cleaning schedule, we suggest starting by assessing the number of windows you have and how frequently they need to be cleaned.
If you have a lot of windows or they get dirty quickly, you may need to clean them more often than someone with fewer windows or less frequent dirt buildup.
Once you have an idea of how often you need to clean your windows, you can create a schedule that works for you.
This could involve cleaning a few windows each week or setting aside a specific day each month to clean all of your windows at once.
When creating your schedule, it’s important to consider the weather. As mentioned earlier, a cool and cloudy day is the best time to clean balcony windows.
This is because the sun can cause cleaning solutions to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and residue on the glass.
Additionally, cleaning windows in direct sunlight can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
Overall, having a cleaning schedule can help make the task of cleaning balcony windows less overwhelming.
By breaking it down into manageable chunks and considering factors like frequency and weather, you can ensure that your windows stay clean and clear all year round.
Professional Cleaning
When it comes to cleaning balcony windows, sometimes it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Hiring a professional balcony cleaning service can save you time and energy, and ensure that your windows are sparkling clean.
Professional cleaners have the experience and equipment necessary to clean even the most hard-to-reach windows.
They also have access to specialized cleaning products that are designed to remove tough stains and grime.
Before hiring a professional cleaning service, make sure to do your research. Look for a company that specializes in balcony cleaning and has a good reputation in your area.
You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family members.
When professional cleaners arrive, make sure to remove any furniture or accessories from the balcony to give them plenty of space to work.
They may also ask you to remove any plants or decorations from the walls to ensure that they can clean every surface.
During the cleaning process, the professionals will use a variety of tools and accessories to ensure that your windows are spotless.
They may use a squeegee to remove excess water and a microfiber cloth to polish the glass to a shine.
Overall, hiring a professional balcony cleaning service can be a great way to ensure that your windows are clean and clear.
With their expertise and equipment, they can provide a thorough cleaning that will leave your balcony looking its best.
How Often Should You Clean Your Balcony Windows?
Keeping your balcony windows clean is ongoing as they are continuously exposed to dust and dirt particles.
For outdoor balcony windows, we recommend a deep clean every two to three months.
However, you will require more frequent cleaning if you live in an area with high dust and pollen levels.
A simple and straightforward way to make a cleaning schedule is by observing your balcony windows: take two balcony windows that are side by side, then clean the inside of one and the outside of the other.
If you notice a visible difference in the visibility and clarity of the glass, you can judge how often both require cleaning and then develop a cleaning schedule around it.
Once your windows are clean, your family and house plants will appreciate the sunlight and improved visibility.
Tips on Cleaning Balcony Windows You Can’t Reach
Outside balcony windows inevitably become dirty as they are exposed to dust, pollutants, pollen, and pests at all times.
Cleaning your balcony windows from the outside can be challenging as it requires a lot of time and investment. However, you can get the job done in no time by following these simple methods:
Use a Mop or Broom to Extend Your Reach
If you want a budget-friendly way to clean balcony windows that you can’t reach, you can do so without spending any money.
All you have to do is take a standard mop, wrap a microfiber cloth around the end (as this will allow you to extend your reach while standing on the ground), and start cleaning.
FURemover XL Heavy Duty Pet Hair Remover Broom, Multi-Surface Squeegee Rubber Broom, Extra Large 18-Inch Broom Head, Black, and Orange
You can also use this mop for indoor windows too high to reach.
For a DIY window cleaning solution, mix one-part water and one part vinegar in a small bucket and dip a soft microfiber cloth into it.
Then, attach the fabric to the mop and clean your balcony windows. Rest assured, they will be sparkly in no time.
Once you’re done, clean the windows with a dry cloth to avoid getting streaks.
Use a Telescopic Pole
Using a Telescopic Pole is another simple way to clean balcony windows you can’t reach.
These poles are quick to assemble and allow you to clean hard-to-reach areas of the house.
Telescopic Pole cleaners typically have a U-shaped handle that will enable you to clean the windows outside while standing inside.
Follow these simple steps to get the best results:
- Start by dry brushing the outside of your windows with a dry cloth. This step reduces the chances of things getting muddy and messy with a spray cleaner.
- Next, spray a window cleaning solution on the balcony windows. We recommend using products that can cut through grease and stubborn dirt marks.
- Lastly, use a clean microfiber to wipe off the cleaner from the balcony windows.
Vacuum Your Balcony Windows
Dirty windows reduce the amount of light entering your home and disrupt the view from the inside.
Did you know there is a vacuum cleaner designed specifically for windows?
Window vacuum cleaners are essentially a squeegee combined with a vacuum that works to clear all the dust and dirt particles stuck on your balcony windows, leaving them with a streak-less finish.
Moreover, window vacuum cleaners allow dirt and algae to be scrapped off effectively.
One of the most significant advantages of using a window vacuum cleaner is that they save the effort of drying your balcony windows by hand after using a squeegee (which leaves a lot of drips).
Window vacuum cleaners also clear the moisture from balcony windows, making them a worthwhile investment.
Some of the best window vacuum cleaners include Archer Window Vic WV5 and Bosch GlassVAC Cordless Window Vac.
Window Cleaning Robots
If you are tech-savvy, you can consider getting a Robot Window Cleaner which functions like an automatic vacuum for windows.
Window cleaning robots have a strong suction power, allowing them to stick to your windows and navigate around them using a microfiber cloth for deep cleaning.
These robotic cleaners are especially useful in homes where windows are difficult to reach.
Additionally, these devices typically have a strong rechargeable battery capacity and can continuously work for up to 120 minutes.
Hire Professional Window Cleaners
Do you want to avoid the hassle of cleaning balcony windows altogether?
If yes, you can hire a professional cleaning agency to do the job as they have the appropriate equipment and training to make your balcony windows sparkly clean.
Not only will this guarantee your safety, but it will also save time and effort.
Spray Your Balcony Windows with a Hose
If you are looking for has been a quick fix for dirty balcony windows you can’t reach, spray them down with a hose. You can also use a high-pressure sprayer machine for this purpose.
However, remember that this is not a permanent solution as it may leave watermarks on the windows that you will eventually have to clean with a microfiber cloth.
Here are the simple steps to wash your balcony windows with a hose:
- Take a hose and rinse your balcony windows with a sharp water flow control setting to avoid causing damage to the balcony windows.
- Next, fill a bucket with clean water and add a few drops of cleaning liquid.
- Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and clean the surface of the balcony windows.
- You can rinse the solution with another round of hose and pat them dry.
Use a Steam Cleaner
Another method to clean balcony windows you can’t reach is to use a steam cleaner which will give you the same results as a professional cleaning service.
Steam cleaners deliver steam vapors to your windows at extremely high temperatures, resulting in sparky windows.
You will find steam cleaners more effective than traditional window cleaning methods.
Follow these steps to clean your balcony windows using a steam cleaner:
- Start by filling the steam cleaner reservoir with distilled water. Avoid using tap water as it contains high mineral content, which reduces the efficiency of steam cleaners. Do not steam clean balcony windows that are cold as the heat from the steamer may crack them.
- Set your steamer to low pressure, allowing less moisture to come out. Then, allow steam to pass over the balcony windows from top to bottom. The steam from the steamer will remove all the dirt and bacteria from your windows.
- After the steaming process, use a microfiber cloth attached to a mop or an extendable window cleaner to dry the windows.
Since steam cleaners do not require you to use any window cleaning solutions, this is an eco-friendly and sustainable method of cleaning your balcony windows.
Any residual moisture on your balcony windows will eventually evaporate, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning chemicals leaving marks on your windows.
Besides sanitizing your balcony windows, steam cleaning removes mold, allergens, pollen, water-based stains, and oil from windows.
Use a Magnetic Window Cleaner
Using a magnetic window cleaner will allow you to finish your window cleaning task in no time. This method enables you to clean balcony windows while staying inside.
Moreover, this unique and innovative tool offers a secure way to clean both sides of the window that are wider than your arm’s length.
Magnetic Window Cleaners consist of magnetic parts that stick together from both sides of the window.
The part inside consists of a handle that allows you to hold the Window Cleaner and guide it along the areas you need to clean.
Most magnetic window cleaners also come with a string of around six meters for safety reasons. This product is worth trying to make your windows sparkle!
Wrapping Up
Balcony windows are the gateway to the outdoors, which is why they need to be sparkly clean to ensure optimal visibility and brightness in your home.
While cleaning tall balcony windows may seem challenging, there are some simple methods you can try to get the job done quickly.
Follow the simple techniques mentioned in this blog to clean balcony windows you can’t reach!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best solution for cleaning outdoor windows?
For outdoor windows, we recommend using a mixture of warm water and dish soap.
You can also add a small amount of vinegar to the solution to help cut through any stubborn dirt or grime.
Be sure to rinse the windows thoroughly with clean water after washing.
How do you clean high-rise balcony glass?
Cleaning high-rise balcony glass can be challenging, but it’s important to ensure the windows are clean and clear for safety reasons.
We recommend hiring a professional window cleaning service that has the equipment and experience necessary to safely clean high-rise windows.
What’s the best product for cleaning balcony windows?
There are many products available for cleaning balcony windows, but we recommend using a microfiber cloth and a solution of warm water and dish soap.
This is a gentle and effective way to clean windows without leaving streaks or residue.
How do you clean outside windows you can’t reach?
For windows that are out of reach, we recommend using a magnetic window cleaner.
This tool allows you to clean both sides of the window at the same time, and it’s safe and easy to use. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
What’s the best way to clean windows without streaks?
To clean windows without streaks, we recommend using a microfiber cloth and a solution of warm water and dish soap.
Be sure to rinse the windows thoroughly with clean water after washing, and use a squeegee to remove any excess water.
How do you use a magnetic window cleaner?
To use a magnetic window cleaner, simply place one-half of the cleaner on the outside of the window and the other half on the inside.
Move the cleaner back and forth to wash the window, and use a squeegee to remove any excess water. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
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