One of the challenges facing anyone who doesn’t live or work in a bungalow is how to clean the windows that are not on the ground floor. Planning is essential to ensure you remain safe and have access to the appropriate equipment.

Plan ahead

Choose a day that is dry but not too hot. Ensure any fragile items or trip hazards are moved away from your working area. Look out for potential problems, such as a brise soleil. Available from companies such as //alusystems.uk/brise-soleil-solar-shading, these sunshades could make it harder to access the window and therefore require professional assistance.

Ladder v extendable pole

Ladders may be the traditional way to reach high places, but they are not suitable for everyone and present a risk of falling if not properly stabilised. It may be safer and require less physical fitness to simply purchase an extendable pole to reach first- and second-floor windows.

Process

First, remove dust and cobwebs using a long-handled broom or a suitable vacuum cleaner. Make a cleaning solution with 50ml white vinegar and 250ml washing-up liquid in a bucket of warm water. Soak a strip washer in the liquid, attach it to your extendable pole, and cover the entire window. Remove the washer and attach a squeegee to remove the soap along with the dirt. Finish with a dry strip washer, then leave to air dry.

Using the wrong methods or equipment to try to clean high windows not only risks being ineffective but could also be dangerous. Ensure you plan and organise appropriately beforehand.