5 Useful Tips for Washing Outdoor Windows When It’s Cold Outside

Washing Outdoor Windows In The ColdWashing outdoor windows is never fun, but it is especially miserable when it is cold outside. Unfortunately, sometimes it is necessary to clean off the winter grime so you can let the sunshine in, see through your windows and keep up on the household chores. With a few tips and a cost-effective homemade cleaning solution, you can effectively clean your outdoor windows in the winter and have them stay clean just a bit longer.

What Tools To Use?

First, assemble the necessary supplies to remove snow and ice from around the window. You can use a garden spade to shovel snow off the sill, and warm (not hot!) water to melt any ice from the window pain.

A sea sponge is an excellent choice for cleaning windows. It holds plenty of cleaning solution and is porous enough to remove stubborn spots on the glass.  A squeegee to wipe away excess water is nice to have but dry towels or newspaper will do.

You will also need a cleaning solution. You can find our recommended homemade solution here or you can use another solution that you like.

If you need a ladder to wash your outside windows, make sure that it is secure and free from ice. You should ask someone to hold the ladder for you while you are on it, since the movement of washing windows can make it very unsteady.

What’s the Best Window Cleaning Solution for Cold Weather?

Use an alcohol or vinegar based cleaning solution mixed with cold water. The vinegar and alcohol not only breaks up dirt, but it prevents water spots as the water dries and keeps the water from freezing.  Some people use a solution that includes antifreeze, like what you would put in your car, but we advise against that as it is harmful to the environment, can kill your plants below the windows and is not safe to breathe the fumes. Making your own solution is much safer and much, much cheaper.

Our Favorite Homemade Solutions

Vinegar-Based Solution

  • 1/8 cup white vinegar
  • Spray bottle filled with cold water

Alcohol-Based Solution

  • 3 tbs rubbing alcohol
  • 1/8 cup white vinegar
  • Spray bottle filled with cold water

Salt-Based Solution

  • 1/8 cup salt
  • Spray bottle filled with cold water
    • Mix until salt is dissolved

A big shout out to Speed Cleaning for sharing their solution secrets!

Additional Tips

  • Dress warmly in boots with good grips to help you stand securely on the latter, and wear a hat, and thick coat to stay warm.

  • Wear waterproof rubber gloves to protect your hands from the cold and the chemicals. Tuck your coat sleeves into the openings of the gloves so that your coat does not get wet.

  • If you encounter tough spots, let them soak for a few moments while you work on other parts of the window. Do not wait too long to clean the soaking spots, or the water might freeze. You can also use a razor blade to scrape off globs and gunk that is stuck on.

Braving the winter cold to wash your windows is a very noble endeavor indeed, and we wish you the best of luck!

For more window tips that can save you money and beautify your home, read our blog or talk to our shutter specialists today.

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