How To Clean Old Windows Outside

Last updated on May 22nd, 2020

Tin can YOU Estimate who cleans the 57 windows in this old house? Well, I do. And I've become adequately proficient at it, too. My technique is similar to that of professional cleaning services, in that I accomplish the chore with neither newspapers nor newspaper towels.

Unlike modern exposures, which can exist tilted inward for like shooting fish in a barrel cleaning, my windows are former-fashioned, double-hung types. They open and close on a rope-and-weight system. The glass itself is 186 years old, which means it is bubbly and wavy. Yeah, old-house windows are bursting with character.

Here in New York'due south Hudson Valley, the best time for window work is in late September or early- to mid-October. The pollen has settled by and so, meaning 1'due south cleaning efforts are not practiced in vain.

Allow's keep to the western wall of the Music Room wing, where 5 tall windows await our attention. Although these exposures are at "ground level," a pace ladder is still required. For the windows are vi feet tall, and the wing sits atop a loftier foundation. (Yes, I know the fly needs a pigment chore. Permit'south relieve that for springtime, okay?)

Using the garden hose with a spray-nozzle attached, give each window a firm blast of water. The water will loosen much of the dirt, and prepare the drinking glass for the soap-opera to follow.

In the past, I've used a soapy solution composed of 45% water, 45% rubbing booze, and 10% sudsy ammonia. I tin tell you this formula works extremely well, and leaves the windows sparkling make clean. Outdoors, the solution is easily applied with a common sponge mop.

This year, however, I'one thousand testing a special mop made by Windex. The mop has an extendable handle (which is still besides short to reach my tall windows without a step ladder). It features a cleaning-pad that's impregnated with ammonia and various surfactants. 1 pad, according to Windex, is expert for twenty windows. I presume the claim refers to "normal" windows, not actress-alpine exposures like mine. Replacement pads are bachelor at supermarkets and hardware stores. So far I'm happy with the product. You lot can purchase it here.

Will vinegar clean windows? Well, maybe it will clean yours, if they aren't particularly dirty. But it certainly won't clean mine. Speaking from experience, vinegar isn't an effective grime-cutter.

To remove the lather, give the window another firm spray of water. The washing-solution, exist information technology the Windex mop-version, or the homemade formula, volition rinse abroad without leaving any streaks. Both solutions are fast-drying.

Should you spot any paint-dribbles on a window, every bit I sometimes do, you lot'll find that a directly-border razor blade will remove them effortlessly.

Just agree the blade affluent confronting the drinking glass, and it volition skin off the pigment without scratching your window. A razor will remove cellophane record and its residue, likewise. I keep such razors in a pocket-sized box in my cleaning arsenal.

Shall we tackle the within glass?

To clean the room-side of windows, employ the aforementioned water/rubbing alcohol/ammonia solution I mentioned earlier. For convenience, pour the solution into a spray canteen. In the picture above, I'grand standing on a step ladder, facing the bay of three windows at the south end of the Music Room. Y'all can run into my front end porch outside the window.)

Spray the window with the cleaner, and let it sit down for a few seconds to break downwardly the gunk. And then, using a squeegee, make a horizontal swipe across the superlative of the window. This will eliminate most drips and drops. Next, swipe vertically, until you reach the bottom of the window. In between swipes, wipe the squeegee's condom blade on a piece of terry fabric. If done correctly, there will be no smudges or streaks on the window, and y'all won't need paper towels or newspaper to produce the shine you lot want.

Use the same terry textile to wipe upward any solution which has gathered forth the latch ledge or sill.

And how do I access the windows on the 2nd floor? For these, I climb out of a bedroom window and stand on the porch roof. The windows receive the ammonia-water and duster treatment.

Every bit for for the second floor and attic windows in the back of the house, which have no landing below them, my just option is to attack them with a high-velocity power-washer. I hire the gadget from my local hardware store. A one-half-twenty-four hours'southward rental is hardly expensive. These windows don't come up out as clean as the soaped-up or ammonia-ized ones, but they become clean enough.

At present, I won't pretend that window-cleaning is my idea of a expert time. Merely on the other hand, I refuse to get through winter with muddied windows. I want sunlight to alluvion my rooms unhindered, and then do my myriad houseplants.

Now, my inquiring heed would like to know: Do you lot make clean your own windows, or practice you hire the job out? You can let me know by leaving a comment.

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