How to Clean Exterior Windows Without a Ladder

Cleaning your downstairs exterior windows is a chore, but at least you can reach them. However, there are ways of cleaning the upstairs windows that do not require you to perch precariously on a ladder. You may be able to clean them from inside. If this is not possible, purchase one of the bottles of window cleaning detergent that attaches to a hose.


Clear all debris, cobwebs and loose dirt from the windows. If you can do this from inside, use the brush from a brush and dustpan set. If you have windows that reverse for easy exterior cleaning, you can vacuum this away using a brush attachment, providing the window is completely dry. If you cannot reach the glass from inside, use a broom with a long, extending broom shaft while standing directly underneath the window. Achieve extra reach by tightly taping the bottom of the broom shaft to the top of another one.


Clean reversible windows with a steam cleaner, or a solution of mild detergent such as dishwashing liquid. In the case of the steam cleaner, use the squeegee attachment. Polish the window with a clean, good quality microfiber cloth to achieve extra shine. Alternatively, use a microfiber cloth dipped in mild detergent solution and wrung out; finish by polishing with a dry microfiber cloth. Use a cloth dipped in mild detergent solution followed by a dry microfiber cloth if you are cleaning one window by leaning out of an adjoining one.


Attach the outdoor window cleaning detergent to your garden hose, if you cannot reach the exterior windows from inside. Remove the yellow plug and turn the control on the bottle to "rinse." After thoroughly rinsing the whole window, turn the control to "clean." Ensure the suds cover the entire area of the glass. Wait for 15 seconds, and rinse the window thoroughly a second time to ensure you wash away all traces of detergent.


Clear away any debris left lying on pathways or lawns directly underneath your exterior upstairs windows. Empty and dry your bucket, or drain your steam cleaner. If you used the hose window cleaning detergent, replace the yellow plug and store it in a dry place. Roll up your hose and put it away.