How to wash second-story windows without a ladder

Skip the risky balancing act.

Natural light pouring in from windows makes a space brighter and more inviting. But keeping every pane spotless isn’t always as easy as reaching for a spray bottle and paper towel—especially if you’re dealing with second-story windows. Attempting to balance on a precarious ladder puts your safety at risk, so it’s best to explore other cleaning avenues.

We chatted with two window experts who shared their preferred methods for safely cleaning upper-level windows. With the right tools and techniques, you can get the job done effectively sans ladder. 

Meet Our Expert

• Dow Rigler, president and owner of Arizona’s Window & Door Store
• Clayton Wise, franchise support manager at Fish Window Cleaning

Related: The Right Way to Clean Under Your Refrigerator, Stove, and Dishwasher

Clean Tilt-In Windows From Inside Your Home

Your windows could have a built-in shortcut for cleaning them, and you may not have even known it. Many double-hung windows are designed with tilt-in sashes, allowing you to clean both the interior and exterior without stepping outside, explains window cleaning professional Clayton Wise.

To see if your windows have this handy feature, look for small latches or tabs on the top edge of the lower sash. If you press the tabs/latches, the top should tilt inward while the bottom stays in place. Still unsure? Check your window’s manufacturing instructions. These will shed light on whether your windows have this capability and provide any necessary instructions.  

When cleaning tilt-in windows, start by removing all dust and debris from the frame and sill with a microfiber cloth. Next, spray glass cleaner on a fresh cloth to wipe away any remaining buildup. To keep the surface streak-free, clean one side of the glass with horizontal motions and the other with vertical motions. (This makes it easier to identify which side any remaining streaks are on.) 

Use an Extension Pole With a Mop and Squeegee

For windows that don’t tilt inward, your best bet is to use an extension pole from the safety of the ground. You can either purchase one exclusively for cleaning windows (Target, Walmart, and Amazon all have options) or build your own.

“Build your own window cleaning extension pole by attaching a window mop and squeegee to a 20 to 30 foot pole (depending on how high up your windows are),” instructs home window expert Dow Rigler. “Although keeping your balance will be tricky at first, having both feet on the ground lowers your fall risk. Plus, it only gets easier the more you do it.”

For best results, wet the window first to remove buildup, then pull the squeegee across the glass in overlapping strokes, top to bottom. Wipe the blade clean between passes to avoid transferring dirt back onto the window. 

Try a Water-Fed Pole System

A water-fed pole system is one of the most effective ways to clean upper windows without leaving the ground. In fact, pros often choose this method when cleaning windows themselves. 

“Professional window cleaners often use deionized (DI) water-fed pole systems, which allow us to clean second and even third-story windows safely from the ground,” Wise explains. “A soft brush removes dirt and debris, while purified water rinses the glass spot-free without leaving mineral deposits or requiring hand drying.” 

For a polished finish, our experts recommend avoiding cleaning windows in direct sunlight or during the hottest part of the day. Warm glass can cause water to evaporate too quickly, increasing the likelihood of streaks. Instead, it’s best to choose a cooler part of the day and work from the top of the window downwards.  

Consider Specialty Window-Cleaning Gadgets

If you regularly struggle to clean your glass with other methods, it might be time to get creative. Budget permitting, Rigler recommends checking out specialty cleaning gadgets such as robotic and magnetic window cleaners. 

Magnetic window cleaners work by using two cleaning pads connected with magnets, allowing you to clean both sides of your window at once. This method requires a little trial and error; you have to ensure the magnet maintains contact with the window the entire time. Luckily, these are lower-cost, with options as cheap as $20.

For homeowners with extra cash to spend, a robotic window cleaner could be a great option. Similar to a robotic vacuum you might have at home, these cleaners use motors and sensors to clean. They typically rely on suction to stay on the glass and are useful for maintenance-style cleaning (versus tackling a super-soiled window). These can be more expensive, ranging in price from $200 to $1,000. 

Know When to Contact a Professional Service

Some window cleanings are truly best left to professionals—especially if yours requires difficult angles or leaning out the window. If your second-story window can’t be safely accessed from the inside or with ground-based tools, calling in professionals with specialized equipment is the right call. 

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