Hello, readers of my blog!
I came here to a friend’s housewarming party, and he bought a one-room apartment with a balcony opposite a house under construction. There is always dust, dirt... The window in the room and the balcony are dirty, you can’t even see the street. He asked why you don’t wash it? He answered that there was no point in washing, they would get dirty anyway, and he was afraid to wash windows at a height of the 9th floor.
Well, I scolded him, said that this is not how it’s done, and we went with him to look on the Internet for various ways to wash windows on the balcony, outside and inside. We scoured a bunch of forums and various sites, and in the end we got this help, which I decided to share on my blog.
I hope it will be useful to someone. In the comments, share your tips for cleaning balcony and loggia windows.
Cleaning balcony windows from the outside at a high level: recommendations
To effectively clean glass, it is important to listen to the following tips:
- Glycerin and alcohol are added to the water. Thanks to these substances, it will be possible to prevent the phenomenon of fogging.
- How to wash windows on an outside balcony on a high floor without ruining their top layer? Plastic cannot be cleaned with abrasives. The smallest particles scratch the top layer. Soapy liquid will wash away dirt much more gently.
- Do not use hot water to clean plastic. Because of it, yellowness appears that is difficult to remove.
- Do not use solvents to clean frames. They are not able to cope with dirt, and they will ruin the appearance.
- Do not clean dried dirt with a blade or knife. Because of this, scratches remain.
- There is more dirt outside, so they start washing from here.
Experienced housewives advise maintaining the proper level of cleanliness by periodically wiping surfaces. Cleaning is provided monthly. If visible stains form, they are removed immediately.
Little tricks
You can extend the results obtained if you follow some recommendations:
- Do not wash the frame with hot water. Over time, the plastic will begin to yellow.
- It is not recommended to use a lot of water on wooden frames. It may swell and will eventually have to be replaced.
- Do not use powder products as they will scratch the surface.
- A solution of glycerin and water helps repel any contaminants that fall on the glass. After cleaning, the windows will remain clean for a long time.
Perfectly clean windows indicate that the woman is a wonderful housewife and keeps the house clean. And so that this procedure is not hard labor, it is better to carry it out once a week and keep the glass and frame clean.
Algorithm for washing internal window parts
Once all the devices are prepared, the process begins.
Sequencing:
- If there are plugs on the profile, they are removed to clean the holes from dirt.
- The plastic is washed with soapy water. Use a cloth to achieve dryness.
- Existing scratches are cleaned with polishing agents.
- Start cleaning the glass unit. First, they pass heated water over the glass. Then apply soapy liquid or spray.
- Wash off the soap with vinegar water or liquid with ammonia. Dryness is achieved with a piece of polyester fiber material.
- Treat the sealing gum with soap and then with clean water. Wipe and treat with professional sealant compound.
Step-by-step process for cleaning windows from the outside
If the inside of the glass is washed, street dust is clearly visible. This part is more difficult to clean than the inside.
Step-by-step instruction:
- The doors open. They are washed in the same way as internal ones: starting with the frames, moving to the glass, ending with the seal.
- When cleaning the upper areas, stand on a sturdy ladder. It's good if you have an assistant to support you. To clean windows from the outside, take a floor brush with an adjustable handle. First, treat the glass with soapy liquid, then wash off the dirt.
- Rinse.
- Wipe until dry.
Belts are worn for safety. It is unwise to grab frames.
Use gadgets and call specialists for help
Magnetic brush for washing windows
You can use the services of a cleaning company specializing in professional cleaning of premises, but this will significantly affect the family budget.
An alternative would be to purchase modern gadgets that will make the job of cleaning glazed balconies and loggias easier.
Magnetic window cleaning brush
The device consists of two identical brushes held together by magnetic attraction. You need to spray the washing liquid, and then place the brushes inside and outside opposite each other. The brush on the outside will move the same way as the brush on the inside.
Window cleaning robot
The device consists of a vacuum pump and rotating disks. It is enough to plug in the robotic washer into the electrical network, attach it to the surface and set the trajectory of movement. Control occurs via the remote control.
External window cleanliness at its best: reliable methods and safety parameters
To complete all work stages successfully and without negative consequences, adhere to the following recommendations:
- When cleaning, do not lean on glass or plastic areas.
- Don't reach out of the window to wash away dirt from distant areas.
- The work is carried out with a soapy mixture, therefore it is prohibited to turn on electrical appliances.
- When using a ladder, place it on a stable floor without curvature.
- Cover your hands with gloves and your face with a respiratory mask.
- Products containing aggressive agents are extremely harmful due to their adverse effects on humans.
Safety precautions
Washing dirt off window structures is not the easiest or safest task, and broken glass and a cut hand are not the worst things that can happen to you. That is why, when starting work, you need to know the basic safety rules :
- Do not lean on the window sill, glass, frame.
- Don’t mindlessly lean out of the window, trying to wash away that “stain.”
- Cleaning glass involves dealing with water and wet objects. Be careful if you are using electrical appliances at the same time or if they are located near you.
- Place a stepladder or other support only on a rigid, level base.
- Be sure to use protective equipment when applying cleaning agents. For hands - gloves, for the respiratory system - a respirator or gauze bandages.
- Do not use chemicals that are too aggressive, which can have a negative effect even on those who do not personally use them.
Following these simple rules will protect you from the possible negative consequences of washing windows yourself.
How to wash external windows on a balcony: nuances
During the process, the following points are taken into account:
- Before cleaning, remove dust from the glass by wiping it with a piece of cloth.
- Frames are washed with water at a temperature not exceeding 46 °C.
- After cleansing, stains are removed by wiping dry.
- How to wash windows on a balcony without damaging the double-glazed windows? Solvents, alcohol-containing compounds, and gasoline are prohibited, as these products will damage the plastic.
- Do not use rough sponges or metal products that scratch the surface.
- Before the cleaning process, make sure that all safety requirements are met.
How to wash balcony glass from the outside: traditional methods
Those who love non-hazardous products can make their own detergents for successful cleaning. They contain only natural ingredients that are not harmful to the body.
One of the products is stirred in a liter jar of water:
- half a glass of alcohol;
- a spoonful of vinegar solution;
- 20 ml of dish detergent;
- 50 ml corn starch.
All recipes have been tested over the years and the experience of numerous housewives. With the help of the proposed instructions, you will be able to wash your balcony windows without streaks. And the air in the house will be filled with fresh notes.
There are recipes for the winter season. They will save the glass from fogging and freezing. The rags are impregnated with any of the following compounds:
- pour 20 g of chalk powder and 2 tbsp into boiling water. l. acetic substance;
- 50 g of salt are dissolved in a cup of water;
- pour 2 tbsp into 1 liter of water. l. dish gel and the same amount of alcohol substance;
- For 500 ml of water take a spoonful of glycerin and a similar volume of alcohol.
Deep stain removal products
If there are old persistent stains, frost or soot on the windows, you can deal with them using the following recipes:
Vinegar
Salt
- Mix 30 ml of vodka, 10 g of white clay and chalk powder. Apply to stains for 5 minutes, then rinse with water.
- Mix 20 g of chalk powder and vinegar each, add a liter of warm water to them.
- To remove icing, mix 100 ml of water and 20 ml of table salt. Apply the mixture to the window, leave for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
Vodka
White clay
Chalk powder
Both store-bought and home remedies effectively clean glass on a balcony or loggia without leaving streaks.
General guidelines for cleaning windows and tools
Before the cleaning process begins, equipment is selected. It is a mistake to think that you can handle the job with just a rag.
You will need tools to help you clean quickly and successfully:
- Soft sponge . The tool should not contain hard particles that scratch the top layer. It is more convenient to use a large sponge so as not to spend a lot of time cleaning. Melamine resin sponges are popular these days and can handle any stain.
- Water containers . Prepare two basins. One contains a soap solution. The second is for clean liquid, it is changed several times.
- Mop with bristles . It can be used to wash windows on the loggia, including hard-to-reach areas. The brush with magnets is comfortable to use. It includes two parts with magnetic inserts that hold the halves firmly. The device is equipped with felt pads that facilitate the process of removing dirt.
- Rag . A few will come in handy. One performs actions to wash away dirt. To eliminate streaks, a dry rag will be useful. A piece of suede material will help a lot. Its porous structure absorbs water perfectly and does not leave hairs.
- Stepladder . A sliding ladder will help you reach high areas. It’s great if a second person protects you from falling while cleaning.
- Scraper with rubber . It is useful for difficult stains. Its soft and elastic nozzle will allow you to wash windows without damaging the glass. The tool is indispensable if it is necessary to eliminate residues after repairs. A convenient scraper will get rid of dried cement and whitewash.
- Gloves . It is better to do cleaning with gloves, this allows you to protect your skin from the harsh effects of chemicals. The product is selected depending on the size of the brushes. Rubber or latex gloves are preferable.
- Washing vacuum cleaner . It ensures safe cleaning at height. A vacuum cleaner will clean and remove water particles.
Selection of cleaning compounds
It is better to choose creamy solutions for cleaning, without additional cleaning crystals that damage the plastic and wood of the window. The use of various powders and baking soda will not guarantee against scratches. They can also scratch surfaces. After all, as you know, all glass in window frames is covered with a special film that absorbs ultraviolet radiation. The spray also does a good job of cleaning the surface.
To ensure high-quality cleaning of loggia windows, when choosing a product, carefully read its composition and intended use. It should not contain:
- acids;
- alcohol;
- whiteness;
- alkalis.
The solution must also be intended for plastic. Currently, stores offer a variety of glass and frame cleaning products. The following brands are available on the market:
- Mister Muscle;
- Clin;
- Unicum;
- GraSS;
- Help;
- Amway LOC;
- IKeep;
- Homestar and many others.
You need to choose based on your experience and finances.
My compositions according to my own recipes
Using a saline solution will help you wash the windows on your loggia or balcony. You just need to pour salt into the water - approximately 50 grams per 300 ml of water, preferably warm. Moisten the glass generously with this solution.
Another option is to use regular 9% table vinegar with the addition of starch. It's better to take corn. Proportions 2:4 per 1 liter of water.
Adding a little shampoo or dish soap to the water makes a good cleaning solution. It is also possible to use fabric softener. Proportions 1:4. 4 parts water and 1 part product.
You can pour vinegar over the lemon peel and seal it in a jar. Infuse for a week. Then strain. Proportions 1:1. Before use, add 1-2 glasses of water. After a week, the composition is filtered and used as a cleaning agent.
You can wash glass using chalk. The chalk must be crushed and mixed with water until it becomes paste-like.
A good option for cleaning windows on the balcony is a regular soap and water solution. Our grandmothers also used this product and were quite satisfied.
You can also prepare an effective glass cleaner from potassium permanganate. All you need to do is add a few crystals to the water to give it a pinkish tint.
If you have regular potatoes in the house, you can use those too. Potato juice is a good cleaning agent. Divide the potatoes in half and apply to the glass. Then simply wipe with a damp cloth and wipe dry.
An excellent remedy for persistent contamination of the glass surface is pharmaceutical Chlorhexidine and glycerin. It is advisable to dilute in the proportion of 1 teaspoon of chlorhexidine, 0.5 teaspoon of glycerin per 300 ml of water.
Washing windows outside and inside the balcony
When all the equipment and cleaning agents are ready, you can put the glass and frames in order. The latter are cleaned with soapy water. Wipe them dry with a cloth to remove stains. Scratches can be removed with polish.
Next we deal with the glass. First, wipe off the dust with a cloth soaked in clean water. The process is continued using a detergent. The remaining foam is removed with water and ammonia and a piece of microfiber.
How to wash windows on a balcony from the outside and inside, avoiding stains?
During the process they move from top to bottom. Finish the cleansing with water and ammonia drops. There is no need to apply too much soap to avoid excessive foam formation, which is then difficult to remove.
Washing balcony windows begins from the inside, then moves to the outer surfaces of the frames. Here they do the same thing: first they treat the metal-plastic parts and wipe them with a microfiber cloth. Distant areas are reached using a handle-changing brush or scraper. These tools will help you clean hard-to-reach places. Additionally, use a stepladder.
For sliding frames, take the same equipment and cleaning mixtures as when cleaning other windows. The step-by-step algorithm is similar. The difficulty is to remove the sliding sash. A professional handyman may be required to complete the task.
To clean the windows on the balcony from the outside, they use insurance. You can’t rely only on the sash, because it will easily come off. If the risk of falling is high, it makes sense to invite a specialist from a cleaning organization.
How much does a cleaning company service cost?
Cleaning company specialists will come to the aid of those who, for some reason, cannot spend the time and effort to wash their balcony windows.
Professional services are not cheap . So for one section of a window block you will have to pay from 250 to 400 rubles. A balcony block with a door will cost more - from 600 rubles. Cleaning mosquito nets - from 50 rubles per net.
The specialist will be able to name the final cost of the work only after inspecting the “field of activity”. The price of the service may vary depending on the degree of contamination, the type of balcony glazing (panoramic windows are more expensive), and the size of the balcony window structure.
How to clean sliding balcony windows: step-by-step instructions
It is not difficult to wash the parts of the sliding system. There is no need to stand on the ladder structure. The parts are easy to remove. They move due to miniature rollers, from which the frame is removed during cleaning. To unfasten it from the guides, take the sash along the edges, lift it, pull the bottom towards you, and lower it.
First, the channels inside are washed. Then wipe dry to prevent liquid accumulation. The cleaning method for sliding windows is the same as for regular ones. After washing with foam compounds, the glass is wiped dry with a cloth, then treated with a shine agent.
The step-by-step algorithm looks like this:
- Use a screwdriver to secure the plugs near the rollers. Remove from the guides.
- The roller mechanism is cleaned with a brush.
- The sash is washed randomly, starting from the indoor part and ending with the outdoor part.
- At the end of the process, the frame is put in place.
Cleaning of casement windows on the loggia outside
It is not difficult to keep casement windows clean if they open inwards. But if the doors swing outward, the task becomes more complicated. How to wash the outside windows in this case? Most often, windows have frames with swinging sashes; they are cleaned one after another.
Algorithm of actions:
- One sash is opened and the second is closed with a bolt.
- The open part is freed from external dust.
- Move a mop soaked in soapy water across the glass. First, they go through inaccessible areas, and then at eye level.
- The product is washed off with warm water.
- Pass with a scraper or dry rag.
- The washed sash is closed and the next one is dealt with.
The final step is to wash the inside of the glass.
Why should you order window cleaning from?
The cleaning company has gained an excellent reputation; clients appreciate us for a number of advantages:
- by ordering external cleaning of wooden, plastic windows or any other service, you will be able to control the entire cleaning process;
- The number of floors does not matter to us. We take on orders of any complexity;
- We guarantee high-quality cleaning without marks or streaks;
- experience, professional equipment and cleaning products allow us to complete the job quickly.
You can order the service right now by calling us by phone
How to clean high windows in an apartment?
Tools with a scraper can do this task. First, remove the dirt with a rubberized nozzle, then go through it with a scraper.
A mop with rag material wrapped around it is suitable. The fabric is dipped in a water-vinegar solution. Fogging will be prevented by alcohol with added glycerin (10:1).
Cleaning in winter
Housewives often wonder whether it is worth washing windows outside in winter? Freshness is also needed in the rainy season. In severe frosts, there is no need to clean, and when the weather thaws, the shutters should be washed.
You can dissolve the ice using a mixture of 1 liter of water and 2 tbsp. l. salt. If you wet icy areas with this water, all the ice will melt. After this, just walk over the windows with a dry cloth. Don't trust windshield wipers.
To make glass clean, add 10 tbsp to a liter of water. l. salt. Wash the home side and then the outside. Wipe in vertical stripes, then horizontally. Salt dissolves the ice and the windows shine. It is convenient to use a vacuum cleaner to clean the areas between the sashes. If the air temperature is below 5 °C, a steam generator is used.
What equipment and detergents do we use for washing?
Our company keeps up with the times, so we use the best equipment from world-famous companies. Experts use:
- Cleanfix and Karcher equipment, which occupies leading positions in the cleaning equipment segment;
- ties with telescopic rods, allowing cleaning without the use of ladders;
- Karcher steam generators, used for high-quality removal of heavy contaminants, as well as treatment of hard-to-reach areas;
- glass scrapers used during window cleaning after construction. They perfectly clean polyurethane foam, glue, tape, stickers and other types of dirt without damaging the glass sheet.
In combination with professional equipment, VITREX brand products are used, which is a guarantee of gentle cleaning. Concentrated solutions effectively dissolve contaminants; after their use, no traces or stains remain.
How quickly will specialists arrive after receiving an application?
Our cleaning company will perform the work on the day the application is received or at any convenient time specified by the customer. We serve Moscow and the region, working not only on weekdays, but also on weekends and holidays. And one more pleasant surprise: there is a favorable discount system for regular customers!
Choosing a mop for quick cleaning
Cleaning with a mop is quite convenient. But which type should you prefer? It depends on the goal being pursued and the size of the windows.
If you need to remove water from a miniature window, a brush with a rubber attachment called a coupler is suitable. Its width can be different, the handle can be short or long. When choosing a screed, analyze the tightness of the rubber layer to the body. The evenness and size of this part is also important. The curvature will make it difficult to remove water.
The window mop has an elongated handle and is a professional tool. The design usually contains both a sponge and a screed. The extended handle ensures safe cleaning of outdoor and indoor window areas.
The following developments are used:
- Rubber squeegees are ties that remove water and soap using a cloth or sponge surface.
- Steam mops are electric models. The manufacturer has provided all kinds of attachments. The devices remove dirt using steam.
- Brush with magnets - contains two halves. The device is fixed on the glass and cleaning is performed.
- Telescopic mop - has an elongated handle, helps to reach hard-to-reach areas, including very high places. The development allows you to wash glass professionally.
What you need for cleaning
To fight for clean glass on the balcony, you need to choose the right equipment and special tools. Otherwise, you risk seriously damaging the window structure.
Inventory - from basins to telescopic brushes
The quantity and quality of the necessary equipment largely depends on whether you will have assistants and how large the “front of work” is. Answer these questions and start making your choice.
- Cotton or microfiber cloths. They absorb moisture well and do not leave streaks.
- Soft sponges. They are convenient to use when cleaning frames on the balcony.
- Basins, buckets (at least two). They are needed to dilute the cleaning solution and have clean water on hand.
- Telescopic mop for cleaning balcony windows. Usually it has a double nozzle - with a foam sponge and a rubber scraper (slime). The retractable handle allows you to clean glass from the street side, at a great height. To work on a small area, you can use a regular scraper with a rubber attachment.
- Ladder. Necessary for working at high altitudes. You should not put a chair in its place if there is no assistant next to you.
A minimum set of equipment is almost always available in the house
When cleaning windows on a balcony, you should avoid using hard abrasive sponges, which can damage the structure. Be sure to inspect household rags for foreign objects. If you are using old clothes, these could be buttons or buttons. Also, do not remove old stains with a knife, screwdriver or spatula.
Note! The appearance of scratches on glass and frames will cause dirt to clog in them and moisture to accumulate. This will ruin the appearance of the structure.
Selecting cleaning products
Among the entire range of cleaning products for windows on the balcony, liquid formulations occupy a leading position. They are sold in containers with a spray bottle, which makes application of the substance much easier.
Applying cleaning composition using a spray bottle
The compositions of liquid products are approximately similar. The main difference is the presence of alcohol. Decide for yourself what is your priority - quick, thorough cleaning or environmental friendliness and the absence of an unpleasant odor.
Alcohol easily dissolves old stains. Evaporating quickly from the surface, it leaves no streaks. Therefore, if there is no alcohol in the composition, you will have to take longer to achieve crystal cleanliness of your balcony windows.
Note! You should not skimp on a liquid product if you use it regularly and there are children in the house. Inexpensive, low-quality formulations are more likely to cause allergies or simply leave an unpleasant impression after spraying.
Also, do not use products with abrasive particles, alkalis, acids, or solvents.
The range of glass cleaning products is huge
Modern gadgets for cleaning windows
If rags and sponges are “last century” for you, pay attention to modern technology. For cleaning windows you can use:
- household glass cleaners;
- steam generators with appropriate functionality and attachments;
- robot vacuum cleaners.
The most compact option is battery-powered windshield wipers. These are devices that spray a cleaning concentrate and almost immediately suck up the dirty liquid, preventing drips from forming. The reservoirs are easy to remove and then wash. The kit usually includes a rubber scraper (squeegee) and a microfiber attachment.
The glass cleaner significantly speeds up the cleaning process and is suitable for balcony windows, mirrors, smooth ceramic tiles, and glass countertops.
The average price of a household windshield wiper is 3,000 rubles
The telescopic nozzle allows you to use the electrical appliance even at high altitudes
Steam generators operate on a completely different principle. They act on contaminants with hot steam supplied under high pressure. This allows:
- quickly and effectively clean windows;
- disinfect the work surface;
- refuse synthetic detergents.
Note! To prevent the glass from breaking during operation of the device, you need to maintain a distance of at least 10 cm between it and the nozzle. If you are using a powerful steam generator that is not intended specifically for windows, this distance can be increased.
How the steam cleaner works
Robot vacuum cleaners are attractive because they can be controlled remotely and clean windows from the outside without much effort. Reliable adhesion to the glass of the device is ensured by a vacuum or a magnetic block. Special sensors and a cable “insure” it from falling.
The principle of operation of the robot is simple: you need to apply a cleaning substance to a special nozzle, fix the product on the surface of the glass and start it by simply turning it on. The scraper included in the device will collect dirt, and the microfiber nozzle will thoroughly wipe the window, eliminating stains. Side rollers and bumpers allow you to wash the window even along the frames without damaging them.
Robot cleaner Hobot 168
Robot device for cleaning glass
Note! Even large volumes of work in a country house can be handled easily if you rent a household glass cleaner or a robot for washing windows.