How To Clean Windows Like A Pro

Inside: Tired of dirty windows? Check out how to clean outside windows like a pro! Outside window cleaning is easy and doesn't have to take all day with these simple steps!

Some women dream of expensive purses and diamond necklaces, but I dream of a clean house and windows that aren't covered with dirt from dog paws and grime.

My dogs paw at the windows when they want in and after a long muddy spring, the windows aren't pretty.

My obsession with clean windows came a couple of years ago when we moved into our house. I noticed that neighbors had window cleaners coming to clean every May.

Since I knew the window cleaners wouldn't be showing up at our house I got to work cleaning with some Windex and paper towels.

Unfortunately, the dirt and grime were so heavy on the window that it just smeared it around.

I didn't want to pay a bunch of money for a cleaning kit and I soon realized that I could use my mop.

Yup, that's right just a plain old mop. I have used this method for the last couple of years and it works great.

Check out how to clean outside windows like a pro!

How To Clean Exterior Windows Like A Pro

To get started you will need a few items. Chances are you already have everything you need at home.

Items Needed To Wash Exterior Windows

• Dish Soap ( I highly recommend blue Dawn dish soap, it's my favorite!)
• Vinegar - just the plain white vinegar
• Mop - if you have an old one you want to get rid of that will work great!
• Bucket
• Squeegee - you don't have to have one, but I highly recommend it
• Microfiber Cloth
• Glass Cleaner- I make my own, you can see the recipe here

You will need Dawn soap, vinegar, water, a mop, or a way to scrub the window. I have a Libman mop that I love. If you don't want to use your mop you can get a great tool off amazon for around $10 here.

Getting Started

Step 1: Mix up the cleaner you will be using on the exterior windows.

You will need: 8 cups of hot water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of Dawn soap. 

Add them all to a bucket and use the mop to mix it up. If you have a lot of windows to do you may want to mix up a double batch.

Step 2: Start spraying down the windows with water.

I only spray down a couple at a time to make sure they don't dry too fast. Especially if it is a hot sunny day.

Step 3: Use the mop with the soap mixture to scrub down the window.

You can even use the mop to clean the trim of your window while you are washing them.  Because my windows are white they get really grimy looking.

Just spraying them and scrubbing with a mop helps get them cleaner looking.

Step 4: Once you are done scrubbing rinse the exterior windows off again with the hose.

It's best to do the windows when it isn't overly hot and sunny out so the soap doesn't dry too quickly on them.

I like to use a squeegee on them to get some of the excess water off.

You can usually pick up a squeegee for under $10 at the store or Amazon has some starting around $5 here.

Step 5: If you want you can finish them off by using a homemade glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to clean the inside of the windows.

I love this method of cleaning my windows. It doesn't take much time and they are so much cleaner than if I just used Windex and paper towels.

Plus, if you have an extension pole you can do your second-story windows too. No more wishing you had clean windows, you now know how to clean windows like a pro.