10 Ways To Clean High-Up Windows (No Ladder Required)

Cleaning windows is never fun, but it becomes downright treacherous when the glass you're trying to reach is all the way up. Admittedly, there are ways to safely clean your windows with a ladder. However, for most homeowners, hauling cleaning supplies up a wobbly ladder is just an accident waiting to happen. But you can't just leave your windows looking grimy, either — besides generally looking better, clean glass lets in more natural light, making your space feel brighter.

Plus, there's just something deeply satisfying about looking out through a spotless window. The good news is you don't actually need to risk life and limb or wait until it rains to get clean windows. With the right tools and a bit of creativity, you can handle the job yourself. Besides, once you get the hang of it, you're far more likely to stay on top of maintenance instead of letting months of grime build up until it becomes aggravating.

And here's the thing: There are more options than you might think, from extendable squeegees to surprisingly effective DIY hacks using stuff you already have at home like a broom or garden hose. Each method is relatively simple, practical, and guaranteed to make the job less of a hassle. And depending on how far you're willing to stretch your budget, we've also thrown in a few cool cleaning gizmos that you could try. Who knows, one of them might even take the chores off your hands completely.

One of the easiest ways to extend your cleaning reach is to wrap a cloth tightly around broom head. If you can, secure it with rubber bands or clips. This instantly gives you a makeshift window cleaner. We especially recommend cleaning with a microfiber cloth because it's able to wipe away streaks without scratching the glass, and it's easy to rinse and reuse. The best part about this setup is it costs nothing and works pretty well for simple tasks like dusting cobwebs or giving your windows a quick wipe down.

Sometimes, a light wipe down just doesn't cut it, and you need a steady stream of water to break down built up gunk. That's where a water-fed pole system comes in. It's essentially a long pole with a brush top that connects to a hose and lets you scrub and rinse in one go. You could try to rig up a DIY version or get a professionally assembled one online. Whichever route you choose, experts advise that you use purified water. That way, your window will dry without any streaks or water spots.

As effective as a water-fed pole system is, it's not always the easiest thing to set up. An alternative that works almost as well is to attach a hose-end sprayer filled with cleaning solution. It connects directly to your garden hose and lets you coat the glass with soapy water. Let that sit for a little while before going over the windows again with just water this time. While it doesn't give the same precision as a brush, you'll still get good results if you clean the windows at the right time.

If the hose-end sprayer isn't powerful enough, try a pressure washer next. You're still using water and cleaning solution, only the pressure washer gives you far more force to lift stronger stains. You do have to be careful when using this method, though. It's advisable to stick to a wide-angle nozzle and keep the pressure low, usually under 2,000 PSI so you don't crack the glass or damage the frame. Stand at least 5 feet back, and hold the spray at a slight angle instead of hitting the window directly.

Most of the methods we've covered so far involve spraying water, which naturally means loads of dripping. If you'd prefer something a little tidier, try a window vacuum cleaner instead. Because it sucks up moisture as you go, you don't have to worry about dirty water running down the walls and leaving an even bigger mess behind. But you may be wondering: isn't a window vac a handheld device? If you attach an extension pole (which some brands sell as an add-on), you'll be able to reach those upstairs windows.

There are plenty of ways to use a squeegee around the house, from keeping your pool algae-free to installing wallpapers without bubbles — and yes, that includes tackling those tall windows. Many models come with extendable poles that lock at different lengths, so you can adjust them depending on how high up the glass is. If you're picking one up, go for a dual-head design. They usually comes with a sponge for scrubbing and a rubber blade for drying, so you don't have to swap tools mid-job. Some even swivel, making it easier to get into corners.

These handy tools come in two parts: one for the inside pane and one for the outside. As you move the inside piece, the outside one follows along, scrubbing and wiping at the same time. This way, you can clean both sides of a window without even stepping outside. They're ideal for apartments or condos, where standing outside with a sprayer or extension pole isn't practical. For the most part, magnetic cleaners work well on single-pane and double-pane glass, but make sure to choose a model with a magnet strong enough to stick to your window.

A spray-and-forget window cleaner works just like you imagine. All you have to do is attach it to a garden hose and apply some of the product to the window as instructed. Some are advertised as no-rinse, but the more effective ones are the ones you do have to rinse off. It's not always a perfect fix, but it's one of the lowest-effort ways to deal with windows that are hard to reach. If you'll be applying cleaner near plants, though, be careful. Rinse the plants before and after so the chemicals don't affect them.

For some of us, the problem with cleaning is the effort it takes. One of the most convenient smart tech gadgets that will do the work for you is a window-cleaning robot. They work a bit like robot vacuums, slowly moving across the window surface and scrubbing. However, depending on the model, after pressing the start button, you might need to guide it across with a remote or through the app. Once it's in motion, it handles most of the grunt work. Just keep in mind that these robots are best suited for flat panes.

There's no shame in leaving tough jobs to the pros. If you've got windows that are simply too high, awkwardly angled, or spread across multiple stories, professional cleaners have the right tools and safety gear to handle them efficiently. They'll use commercial-grade poles, lifts, or harnesses that you probably don't have access to. It might cost you more than the other DIY methods, but for especially large homes or tricky windows, hiring professionals can save you time, effort, and stress. Plus, they'll do the job more thoroughly than a robot or a spray-and-forget cleaner.