Outdoor Window Cleaning

Sometimes outdoor window cleaning can be a bit more challenging than indoor window cleaning. This is where you usually run into second story windows that require the use of ladders. You will have to work around the weather plus deal with things such as bee nests. You might also run into debris such as dust/dirt, bug spots, bird droppings, hard mineral build up, and possibly left over construction debris as well.

The Weather

The weather always plays a factor when it comes to outdoor window cleaning. As a professional window cleaner, I have to clean windows no matter what the weather has to offer me that day. As you can imagine it can get a little tricky sometimes. The fortunate thing for you is that you can pick and choose a nice day to do the job.

Rain Water

It can be a little disappointing when you spend the afternoon cleaning your windows and you notice in the distance a giant rain cloud coming your way. Not to worry! Rain water by its self will not make a window dirty. Rain water is usually clean and does not contain hard minerals that ground water does. Therefore, it will simply evaporate leaving the window sparkly clean.

Sometimes the rain will cause windows and glass doors to get dirty because, the water will hit and splash up and out of flower beds or uncovered decks and patios.

If the roof on your house has a good overhang and is equipped with a tight gutter system, unless the wind is blowing, the rain water should not come in contact with the windows.

Ground Water

Ground water that contains hard minerals can become a real concern when it comes to windows. Avoid spraying windows with a pressure washer or garden hose. Also adjust sprinklers so that they do not hit windows. Over time, mineral deposits build up and cause damage to glass. Click here for more information on preventing and removing hard water deposits.

Sun

Whenever you’re performing indoor window cleaning or outdoor window cleaning, it is best to avoid working in direct sunlight all together. The sun’s intense heat will tend to dry out the window faster than it can be squeegeed off. This can result in streaks.

Wind

It is usually a good idea to avoid working in a strong wind. Like the sun, it will cause the window to dry out faster that it can be squeegeed off, causing streaks. The wind can also become a danger when moving and working on ladders.

Ladder Safety

Always familiarize yourself with any ladder that you are about to use. There are thousands of injuries and deaths that take place every year due to human error. For further information, please click on ladder safety - it could save you a trip to the hospital. If you are not completely confident when it comes to ladders, the best thing you could do might involve hiring professional window cleaners to do the job for you.

Outdoor Dust/Dirt

When it comes to outdoor window cleaning, there is really no way to fully escape the dust. Every time a car drives by, or that you mow the lawn, or the wind blows, you will have dust. You can minimize dust to a certain degree though. If you live next to a gravel road, have it oiled. When you mow the lawn, you can give it a light spay with the garden hose before you start. Try to plant grass or any other kind of ground covering wherever there is bare ground.

Hard Mineral Build Up

Mineral build up can become a problem for some. Visit the hard water deposits page for more information.

Bird Droppings

Cleaning up excessive bird droppings from windows and window sills should be done with some extra care. Health risks from birds and bats are often exaggerated. Nevertheless, large populations of roosting birds may present the risk of disease to people nearby. The most serious health risks arise from disease organisms that can grow in the nutrient-rich accumulations of bird droppings, feathers and debris under a roost — particularly if roosts have been active for years. External parasites also may become a problem when infested birds or bats leave roosts or nests. The parasites then can invade buildings and bite people. If there is a small accumulation of droppings from a few birds or bats, it can be cleaned up with soap and water. You should use rubber gloves and a respirator to minimize the risks. If large quantities of bird or bat droppings are present, contact an environmental engineering consultant for further advice.

Bee Nests

Bees will build nests in bushes, siding and under the eaves of roofs. It is very common to run into a nest while cleaning windows. Always stay alert and check for bees before you start. A great way to avoid bees is to clean windows early in the morning when they are not active. Always be very careful when working around bees. For people who are allergic to bee stings, a sting may trigger a dangerous anaphylactic reaction that is potentially deadly.

Construction Debris

Special consideration should be taken when working with new construction. See the construction window debris page for more detailed information.

Cleaning Schedule

In my experience, within a developed residential area, outdoor window cleaning should be performed at least two times per year. Late spring and late fall are excellent times.

Outdoor Window Cleaning



How To Clean Windows