Get step-by-step instructions on how to power wash outside windows. Learn what supplies you need, the cleaning process, and tips for getting streak-free results.
As the sun begins to shine brightly and the warmer weather invites you to spend more time outside, it’s only natural to want to open up your windows and let the fresh air in. But what if those windows are covered in grime and dirt? Dirty windows can be a real eyesore and block natural light from flowing into your home.
Power washing outside windows can be a great solution to this problem. It’s an effective and efficient way to eliminate all the dirt, dust, and grime accumulated over time.
But before you start blasting away the dirt with your power washer, you should know that you will be undertaking a potentially dangerous task that can damage your windows or result in injuries. So, what does it take to power wash outside windows successfully?
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to properly power wash your windows.
Why You Should Power Wash Your Windows
Before we jump into how to power wash your windows, let’s discuss why cleaning them in the first place is important. Power washing your windows has the following benefits:
Saving Time
Power washing windows is faster than scrubbing them with your hands and soapy water. With a power washer, you can quickly clean your windows without feeling exhausted.
Removing Stubborn Stains
Power washing removes stubborn stains from your windows, such as hard water spots, bird droppings, and road grime. It’s also a great way to get rid of dust and pollen, which can dull the appearance of your windows.
Improving Curb Appeal
Power washing your windows can instantly give your home a facelift, making them look new again and significantly improving your home’s curb appeal. When your windows are clean, your home’s exterior will look brighter, cleaner, and more inviting.
In a commercial property, power washing windows can make a great first impression on potential clients. If you have clean windows, you’ll be sending the message that you care about the details and take pride in the appearance of your business.
Reducing Maintenance Costs
Power washing your windows periodically can extend their lifespan by removing mold, mildew, and other contaminants that lead to decay over time. Plus, washing can prevent pests that can stain your windows through insect corpses and droppings. That means you won’t have to replace them as often, so you can save money on maintenance costs.
How to Power Wash Your Windows
Now that you know why power washing your windows is important, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to do it. Here are the essential steps for getting the job done:
Gather The Necessary Supplies and Equipment
You will need the following for an effective power-washing job:
A pressure washer: A pressure washer with adjustable PSI (pounds per square inch) settings is ideal for power washing outside windows. You can choose between a gas and an electric pressure washer. It will be best to use an electric pressure washer since it has a lower PSI, perfect for cleaning your windows without breaking or damaging them.
A cleaning solution: A cleaning solution is essential for removing dirt, grime, and other stubborn stains from your windows. You can use store-bought pressure washer-approved window cleaners such as Windex Complete. Alternatively, you can make your cleaning solution at home using distilled water and vinegar or a mixture of mild dishwashing soap and water.
Protective gear: When power washing windows, you should have the right protective gear, such as safety goggles, closed-toe shoes, gloves, a face mask, and long-sleeved clothing. These items will protect you from splashes of cleaning solution and water.
Extension wand: Using a ladder when power washing your windows is not advisable. A pressure washer has some kickback, which could easily throw you off balance and cause you to fall. You should use an extension wand and a turbo nozzle to reach higher windows and clean them safely from the ground.
Prepare The Windows For Washing
Once you have all the necessary supplies and equipment, prepare your windows and the surrounding area for power washing. The key preparation steps include the following:
Remove the window screens: A power washer can rip through your window screen since most of them can’t handle the pressure. So, you should remove your window screens before you begin power washing. If you want to wash the screens, you can use a garden hose and mild detergent.
Clear the area around windows: Move any furniture, planters, and other objects away from the windows you will be pressure washing. These items can get in the way of your work or get wet when you’re power washing.
Protect surrounding surfaces: If there are items you can’t move or surfaces that can get damaged because of the pressure washer, you should cover them with a tarp. Cover nearby shrubs and plants with plastic sheets or tarps to protect them from contaminated water and cleaning solutions. You should also cover electrical outlets with tape.
Close the windows: If you don’t close your windows well, water could get inside, causing damage to the window frames and other areas of your home.
Start Power Washing Your Windows
And now the fun part begins! How you handle this part could mean the difference between perfect, gleaming windows and a disaster. Follow these steps for the best results:
Set Up the Power Washer
Setting the power pressure means selecting the appropriate PSI setting and the spray fan. You want to avoid using a high PSI or a narrow nozzle since either one or a combination of these two can cause damage to your windows. Use a 40-degree or wider nozzle and a PSI of 1,300 or the lowest on your power washer.
Wash Down the Windows
Use the power washer to wet your windows. This step will remove dirt, debris, bugs, spider webs, and other loose elements from the surface of your windows. Removing these elements first will make it easier to clean the windows and create a better bond between the cleaning solution you’ll use later and the window surface.
Apply the Cleaning Solution
When you’re ready to apply your chosen cleaning solution, set your pressure washer nozzle to a fan spray, add the cleaner to the detergent tank, and spray your windows from top to bottom. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes so it can do its job before you move on to the next step. You should only soap one window at a time to prevent the cleaner from drying before you have a chance to rinse it away.
Power Wash the Windows
Using the power washer, start at the top of your window and work your way down using a side-to-side motion. Keep your nozzle moving as you spray so you don’t accidentally apply too much pressure and damage the window.
You should also hold the nozzle at least 5 inches from the window surface because the closer you are to the window, the stronger the spray will be. Once you’re done with one section of the window, move on to the next until you’ve finished all sides, and repeat the process for all windows. If you have a multi-story home, use an extension wand or a turbo nozzle to reach the upper-story windows.
Rinse the Windows
You can rinse the windows using a garden hose or your pressure washer. If you opt for the pressure washer, set the nozzle to a fan spray and use a low-pressure setting.
Start from top to bottom and angle the nozzle downwards so the water runs off rather than pooling on your windows. Ensure you don’t leave any soap behind, which can cause streaks and spots on the glass.
Check for Final Touches
Once you’ve finished rinsing, take a few steps back to check for any spots or stains left on your windows. If there are, you can repeat the power washing process until they’re gone.
You can also use a squeegee to scrape any water from the window frames to help prevent staining. Give your windows time to dry in the sun before closing them.
Tips for Effective Cleaning
If you must do all the hard work of power washing your windows, you should ensure that your effort pays off. Follow the tips below to achieve the perfect results:
- Start from the top and work your way down
- Clean your windows when it’s cloudy or morning to minimize quick water evaporation that can leave spots or stains behind.
- Don’t leave water on your window sills to minimize the risk of wood rot, damage, or mold growth.
- Clean your window frames and tracks
- Use low water pressure
Should You DIY Window Cleaning or Hire a Professional?
Power washing your windows can save you money and give you the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself. However, power washing outside windows on your own will take much of your time, and you may not even achieve your desired results if you lack the right equipment. Even worse, you may damage your windows if you are not careful.
So, if you’re looking for a perfect job done quickly, it’s best to hire a professional window cleaning company. They have the right tools and techniques to do the job quickly and without damage. Plus, they will determine the best method to use between power washing and others, like a water-fed pole method.
Hire a Professional Window Cleaning Company
Power washing your windows is a great way to keep them looking good and make your home more inviting. While you can do it yourself, hiring a professional window cleaning service is the best option for saving time and hassle.
If you’re in Houston, Texas, you can count on the expert window cleaning services of Advantage Pro Services. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to get an estimate for your project.
