How to Clean Windows on High Floors

Cleaning windows on upper floors is one of the most challenging home maintenance tasks. Here's how to do it safely and effectively — without risking your life on a ladder.

The Safety Problem with High Windows

Falls from ladders are one of the leading causes of home injury. Cleaning windows on the second floor or higher from a ladder is genuinely dangerous, especially on uneven ground, near obstacles, or in wet conditions. The good news: modern extension pole tools make it possible to clean most high windows safely from the ground.

Method 1: Extension Pole with Squeegee (Safest)

An extension pole with a squeegee and microfiber scrubber attachment lets you clean windows up to 20 feet high from the ground. This is the safest and most practical method for most homeowners.

• Window Squeegee Cleaner with Extension Pole and Microfiber Scrubber — 12" squeegee and 11" microfiber scrubber with extension pole; reaches high windows safely from the ground; includes 2 microfiber pads

Technique: Wet the scrubber with cleaning solution, scrub the glass from the ground using the pole, then squeegee in overlapping strokes. Work from top to bottom.

Method 2: Clean from Inside

For double-hung windows, remove the sashes and clean the exterior glass from inside the house. Most modern double-hung windows tilt inward for exactly this purpose — check if your windows have a tilt-in feature.

Method 3: Magnetic Window Cleaner

Magnetic window cleaners have two halves that attach to opposite sides of the glass through magnetic force. You move one side from inside and the other follows on the outside. These work well for single-pane glass up to a certain thickness.

Method 4: Hire a Professional

For windows above the second floor, or windows that can't be reached with an extension pole, hiring a professional window cleaner is the safest option. Professional cleaners have proper equipment, training, and insurance for working at height.

If You Must Use a Ladder

If a ladder is unavoidable:

• Use a ladder rated for your weight plus tools
• Set the ladder on firm, level ground
• Have a helper hold the base
• Never lean sideways — move the ladder instead
• Never stand on the top two rungs
• Never clean in wet or windy conditions from a ladder

Cleaning Solution for High Windows

Use a solution that doesn't drip excessively when applied from a distance. A slightly thicker solution (add a tiny amount of dish soap to water) clings to the glass better than plain water when applied from below with an extension pole.

Frequency

High windows that are hard to clean tend to get neglected. Clean them at least twice a year — spring and fall — to prevent heavy buildup that requires more effort to remove.