The Safest Way To Clean Windows With A Ladder

One of the main exterior cleaning jobs that you should keep on top of at home is maintaining the quality of your windows and making sure they are sparkling clean. An easy way of doing this is to call out a professional window cleaner, but this can be costly, and you may prefer to do the job yourself. If you're trying to squeeze window cleaning into the items you've ticked off on your to-do list, you may rush it. This isn't a good idea, especially if you have a two-story house, as you'll need to use a ladder. And doing anything at a height involves some amount of danger. 

You should take all of the appropriate safety precautions when cleaning your exterior windows using a ladder. The key things to consider before tackling this job yourself are choosing the right ladder for the task at hand, making sure you pick a safe location that is free of hazards (like electrical lines or uneven surfaces), and wearing the appropriate gear. Once you take care of these concerns, you can turn your focus to finding the best ways to clean your windows without the fear of something bad happening. 

Safe window cleaning starts with getting a ladder that's the right height for your windows. The ladder doesn't have to do all of the work, though. You can buy a telescopic pole to fix onto your choice of cleaning tool to make cleaning easier and keep you from stretching too far. It's good practice to always check that the ladder is secure before you start and avoid resting it on wet or unstable surfaces. Give it a test by climbing up the first couple of rungs. If it feels sturdy, continue up the ladder. If not, adjust its placement or get someone to hold the ladder for you. To prevent slips, wear gloves and shoes that supply a tight grip. 

You'll also need a bucket of liquid cleaner. A mix of warm water and mild detergent works perfectly, or you can use citric acid in a simple DIY solution that will get your windows sparkling clean. Leave the bucket at the bottom of the ladder to avoid spills. Dip a cloth or a strip cleaner on a telescopic pole into the solution. Fully extend the pole before climbing the ladder. Once you're at the right height, use a circular motion to clean your windows. Avoid swapping tools whilst at the top of the ladder. Instead, make your way down to the ground to safely pick up your squeegee. Starting from the top of your window and working your way down, use your squeegee to remove any water drips. Lastly, dry the edges using a microfiber cloth to mop up any excess water.