6 Steps to Clean Outside Windows Without Removing Screens

Do your outside windows look dirty, but the screens are hard to remove? You are not alone! Many people face this same problem. The good news is, there is a simple way to clean outside windows without removing screens. In this article, I will show you the best way to do it easily at home using things you already have. No need to take off the screens or use any expensive tools.

Gather All The Right Supplies First

Before you start cleaning your outside windows, you need to gather everything you'll need. This step is very important. When you have all the supplies ready, the job becomes much easier and faster. It also helps you stay safe and avoid going up and down a ladder too many times.

You don't need any fancy tools. Most of the items you can find in your home or buy easily from a local store. The goal is to clean your windows well without having to remove the screens.

Here are the items you will need:

• A soft-bristled broom or a long-handled brush
• A spray bottle or garden sprayer
• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• A bucket of warm water
• A microfiber cloth or sponge
• A hose with spray nozzle (if available)
• A squeegee with a long handle
• Old towels or cloths for drying

Now, let's talk about how to use each item.

The broom or brush helps to remove loose dirt, leaves, and cobwebs from the screens. Make sure it has soft bristles so it does not damage the screen. The spray bottle or garden sprayer will help you apply the cleaning solution to the window and screen from the outside.

Dish soap and vinegar are gentle but strong cleaners. They break down dirt, dust, and grime easily. Mix a little dish soap (a few drops) and a cup of vinegar with warm water in your spray bottle or garden sprayer.

A microfiber cloth or sponge is soft and will not scratch the glass. It also holds water well, which helps to clean better. You can use it to gently wipe the screen and window glass.

If you have a hose with a spray nozzle, it can help you rinse off the dirt after scrubbing. But if not, a bucket of clean water and a cloth will work too.

The squeegee helps remove water from the glass without leaving streaks. This is important because it helps your windows look shiny and clean.

Old towels or cloths are good for drying edges and catching drips. You can place them at the bottom of the window to protect your walls or ground.

• Use a broom or brush to clean loose dirt
• Mix dish soap and vinegar in warm water
• Spray solution using bottle or sprayer
• Gently wipe with a microfiber cloth or sponge
• Use a hose or clean water to rinse
• Use a squeegee to remove extra water
• Dry with towels or cloths

Brush Away Dust And Dirt From The Screens

After getting all your supplies ready, start by brushing away all the dust, dirt, and cobwebs from the screens. This part may seem small, but it makes a big difference. If you skip this, your cleaning solution will turn into a muddy mess.

Stand outside your house and look at the screens closely. You'll probably see layers of dirt, maybe even some spider webs. Use your soft broom or long-handled brush and gently move it across the screen. Start at the top and work your way down. Don't press too hard. You only need to sweep off the surface dirt.

If you notice any sticky spots or bird droppings, you can spray a little warm water on it and then scrub gently with the brush. Be patient. It may take a few passes to get everything off.

Make sure to do this for every window you plan to clean. This dry brushing will also help you see if any screens are damaged or have holes. If you see tears or gaps, you may need to repair those later so bugs don't come in.

This step also gives you a chance to inspect your windows for any other problems like cracked glass or broken seals. It's a good time to take a closer look.

If you have screens that are very high up, use a long broom or even a mop with a long handle. Make sure it's soft so it doesn't scratch.

Doing this step before using water is important. Water can make the dirt stick more if you don't remove it first. That's why brushing off dry dirt should always come first.

• Use soft brush to sweep off dirt and cobwebs
• Work from top to bottom gently
• Spray warm water on tough spots if needed
• Check for screen damage
• Use long handle for high windows
• Always clean dry dirt before using water

Spray The Cleaning Mix Through The Screens

Now that your screens are free from loose dirt, it's time to spray the cleaning mix. This part is very satisfying because you will start to see the dirt break down and move away.

Take your spray bottle or garden sprayer. Fill it with warm water, a few drops of dish soap, and one cup of white vinegar. Shake it well or mix it gently to combine the ingredients.

Stand about one foot away from the screen. Begin spraying from the top of the window. This helps the solution run down naturally, covering more area. Make sure you spray through the screen, not just on it. The mix should go through the screen and reach the glass.

Spray a generous amount, but don't flood it too much. You want the window behind the screen to get wet, but not soak your walls or the area below.

Let the cleaning solution sit for about 2 to 3 minutes. This gives it time to loosen up any dirt or spots stuck on the glass. While it sits, you can move to another window and repeat the spraying.

After a few minutes, come back and spray a little more if the surface looks dry. The key is to keep it wet so the grime can soften.

If you notice any spots not coming clean, spray extra solution and gently tap the screen with your brush. Do not press too hard. Let the cleaning mix do most of the work.

You can also use a sponge or microfiber cloth and press it gently against the screen. The soft pressure can help move the solution to the glass behind.

Remember to work carefully. Avoid spraying too much at once so that it doesn't drip too fast or splash around.

• Mix warm water, soap, and vinegar
• Spray through screen from top to bottom
• Let solution sit for a few minutes
• Keep surface wet to loosen dirt
• Use sponge or cloth gently if needed
• Avoid flooding the area

Wipe And Scrub Gently Over The Screen

After the spray sits on the window for a few minutes, it's time to gently scrub and wipe. This step helps remove the leftover dirt that the spray loosened. It also helps you get that clear, shiny window look.

Take your microfiber cloth or sponge. Make sure it is damp but not dripping. Gently press it against the screen and move in a circular motion. Do not try to press too hard. You want to clean, not damage the screen.

If the screen has tighter mesh, just rub lightly over it. The pressure from your hand will help transfer the motion through the screen and reach the glass behind it.

For windows that are a bit higher, you can attach your cloth to a mop or a long tool. Wrap it tight so it doesn’t fall off while you’re scrubbing.

If the cloth gets dirty fast, rinse it in your bucket of clean water and go again. Always use a clean part of the cloth for the best results. Dirty cloth will only smear dirt around.

This part takes a bit of time, but it’s very helpful. You’ll see the cloudy spots disappear. If some stains don't come off easily, you can spray a little more solution and gently scrub again.

Be extra careful around the edges. Sometimes dust hides in corners. Use the edge of your cloth or even a cotton swab to reach tight areas.

Don’t rush this part. A slow and gentle scrub will give you cleaner results than rushing through it.

• Use microfiber cloth or sponge to scrub
• Press lightly in circles over the screen
• Use mop handle for high areas
• Rinse cloth when it gets dirty
• Gently scrub edges and corners
• Take your time for better results

Rinse The Window Well And Let It Dry

Now that you've scrubbed and wiped the window, it’s time to rinse everything clean. This step washes away the dirt and cleaning mix, leaving your windows shiny.

If you have a garden hose with a spray nozzle, use it to rinse the window and screen. Aim the water at the top and let it flow down. Move slowly so you don't miss any spots.

Use a medium water spray, not too strong. High pressure can damage the screen or force water inside your house. A gentle shower setting works best.

If you don't have a hose, just use a bucket of clean water and a soft cloth. Dip the cloth, wring it out a little, and press it gently against the screen. Do this several times until you feel the soap is gone.

Once rinsed, let the window and screen air dry for a few minutes. If it's a hot day, it may dry very fast. You can speed things up by using a squeegee. Start at the top of the window and pull down gently. This removes extra water and stops water spots.

Wipe any drips with an old towel or cloth. Make sure the edges and bottom corners are dry.

Let the screen dry fully before touching it again. A dry screen is easier to check for spots or leftover smudges.

• Rinse with hose or clean water
• Use soft water spray, not strong
• Use cloth and bucket if no hose
• Let air dry or use squeegee
• Wipe edges with a towel
• Wait for screen to dry fully

Check For Streaks And Repeat If Needed

After everything is dry, stand back and take a good look at your windows. Do they shine? Do you see any streaks or spots? It’s normal to miss a few places on the first try.

Walk around your house and check each window. Look from different angles and in different light. Sometimes streaks only show when the sun hits the glass just right.

If you see any dirty spots or streaks, don't worry. Just go back with your cloth or spray bottle. Spray the area again and gently wipe it clean.

For tough streaks, try using only vinegar and water with a clean microfiber cloth. This helps remove streaks without adding more soap.

Sometimes, hard water leaves white spots. If you see these, spray a little vinegar and wipe with a dry cloth. This helps make the glass look clear again.

It's okay to repeat the cleaning if you missed something. The more you do it, the better you'll get. And once it's clean, you'll love how bright and fresh your windows look.

• Look for streaks after drying
• Check in sunlight and shadows
• Re-spray and wipe missed spots
• Use vinegar mix for hard water spots
• Repeat if needed for best results
• Enjoy the clean, shiny view

Final Thoughts

Cleaning outside windows without removing the screens is very possible and not hard. You just need the right steps, a little time, and some patience. It may feel slow the first time, but the results are worth it. You'll enjoy clear views and bright rooms again. Do this every few months to keep your windows always looking fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to spray vinegar on window screens?

Yes, it is safe to spray vinegar on window screens. Vinegar is a natural cleaner and works well for removing dirt, dust, and water spots. It is gentle and will not harm the screen or the window glass. Just make sure to mix it with water and use it with a spray bottle. Vinegar also helps kill bacteria and remove bad smells. Many people like it because it is non-toxic and cheap. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing or wiping for best results.

Can I clean windows without removing screens?

Yes, you can clean outside windows without removing the screens. This method saves time and is safer, especially for windows that are high or hard to reach. You just need to spray your cleaning mix through the screen and then wipe gently using a sponge or cloth. With the right tools and some care, you can clean both the screen and the glass behind it. It may take a bit more effort than usual, but it works well and gives great results.

Do I need special tools to clean windows with screens on?

No, you do not need special tools. Most of the things you need can be found at home. You just need a broom or brush, a spray bottle, soap, vinegar, water, and a soft cloth. If you have a hose, that can help too. A squeegee is nice but not necessary. The most important thing is to be gentle and take your time. With the right method, your windows can look clean and clear without any fancy tools.

Is it safe to use a hose on window screens?

Yes, it is safe to use a hose, but you should use a soft spray. If the water pressure is too strong, it might damage the screen or push water into your house. Use a shower setting or spray gently from a distance. Always check for screen damage before using a hose. If the screen is loose or torn, avoid using water pressure until it is fixed. A hose is great for rinsing away dirt and soap quickly.

Can I clean second-story windows without taking off screens?

Yes, you can clean second-story windows without removing the screens by using tools with long handles or an extension pole. You can attach a cloth or sponge to the end and spray your cleaning mix with a garden sprayer. Some people also use telescoping window cleaners. Be careful when working from the ground and always avoid standing on unsafe surfaces. With the right tools, even high windows can be cleaned safely and easily.

Do I need to dry the window after cleaning?

Yes, it is a good idea to dry the window after cleaning to avoid streaks and water spots. You can use a squeegee or a dry microfiber cloth to remove extra water. Start from the top and move down slowly. Drying also helps you see any spots you missed. If you let the window air dry, it may leave marks, especially if the water is hard. Drying gives your window a clean, clear shine.

Is it better to clean windows on a cloudy day?

Yes, cloudy days are better for cleaning windows. On sunny days, the sun can dry the water and soap too fast, leaving streaks and spots. When it's cloudy, the cleaner stays on the glass longer, which gives you more time to wipe and scrub. It's also easier to see smudges without bright sunlight. If you can, choose a calm, cloudy day with no wind for the best results.

Can I use paper towels to clean windows?

It's better to use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels. Paper towels can leave lint and tiny pieces behind, which makes your window look messy. They also don't clean as well as cloths. Microfiber cloths are soft, reusable, and do not leave streaks. If you don't have one, use a soft cotton cloth or old t-shirt. These options are better than paper towels and give a cleaner finish.