How to Clean the Outside of Apartment Windows

Preventative Building Maintenance Work Checklist
Written By
Kaye Wagner
Kaye Wagner
Published: Jul 13, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

If you have sliding windows, however, you may find it difficult to clean the outside of your windows safely, especially since opening one side of the window obscures the other. Using a squeegee with an adjustable handle and pole prevents you from needing to lean out the window and can make window cleaning much easier.

Things You Will Need

  • Adjustable squeegee
  • Window cleaner
  • Paper towels
  1. Spray window cleaner on the back of the squeegee until the sponge is completely soaked.

  2. Adjust the squeegee so it is at a 90-degree angle. Open your window.

  3. Stand behind the closed portion of the window. Hold the squeegee so the handle is perpendicular to your body and the bent portion is parallel to the window. The squeegee should touch the outside of the window.

  4. Press the sponge portion of the squeegee over the window until the entire window is soaked with window cleaner.

  5. Turn the squeegee around and press the rubber against the window in straight lines. Continue until you have removed all of the window cleaner and dirt. Wipe down the rubber with a paper towel in between strokes to prevent dripping and streaking.

  6. Close the window as much as possible to reveal the other side of the outside window. Repeat the process until the window is completely clean. Soak the squeegee as needed.

The Drip Cap

  • If you live in an apartment building, you probably rarely clean the outside of your windows.
  • Using a squeegee with an adjustable handle and pole prevents you from needing to lean out the window and can make window cleaning much easier.
  • Continue until you have removed all of the window cleaner and dirt.
  • Wipe down the rubber with a paper towel in between strokes to prevent dripping and streaking.

References

Photo Credits

building image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com

building image by peter Hires Images from Fotolia.com

Kaye Wagner

Kaye Wagner has been working in the fields of journalism and public relations since 2006 and is a recipient of a National Hearst Award. She is particularly interested in home-and-garden projects, as well as beauty and fashion writing. An…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.