How do you clean 2nd floor sash windows without falling out of the window?

CakeCrusader

That's it really, I can't find a window cleaner. I've just had them painted (I asked if the painter could clean them, which he did, with white spirit so they need doing again) one couldn't be bothered to turn up, the one who did turn up used a brush with a hose and just water, which wasn't great as it left water marks and streaks all over the glass, and this type of window cleaning isn't good for wooden windows. I can't reach if I lean out (it's a bit dangerous too), I can't clean them from inside, so how on earth do you do it?


Many thanks, lady with dirty sash windows. :beer:

jk0

Get a spray bottle of windolene, some kitchen roll, and a small step ladder. Push the outer pane down & do the top half of it. Push the inner pane half way up and do the top half of that. Push the inner pane up, outer pane up, and do the lower half of the outer pane. Push the inner pane halfway up, and do the lower half of it.

CakeCrusader

Can't do that with a step ladder, sadly. 2nd floor = upstairs. The upper panes are fixed. I can do the bottom 1/4 of the bottom panes, that's it as I can't reach further up.



Thank you

missile

Sash windows are usually are hinged so they can be swung inward to facilitate cleaning.
This might be of interest? https://www.homeownershub.com/uk-diy/how-to-clean-sash-windows-1106844-1.htm

Doozergirl

I think you keep looking for a window cleaner. One with the 'reach and wash' system.

Ask your neighbours for a recommendation.

London50

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NPK6SGR/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07NPK6SGR&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzTU5XNldTS0s5SEFCJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTIwNjk2MkRYMU1UVUpHRUZUUCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNzQxMDYzMzAyVEUyTFJJWUFUQiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Norman_Castle

CakeCrusader wrote: »

I can do the bottom 1/4 of the bottom panes, that's it as I can't reach further up.

Could you reach with a cloth on a stick? I've used a sponge scourer stapled to a stick and recently used a micro fibre cloth on an old floor cleaning stick. https://swiffer.com/en-us/shop-products/sweeping/swiffer-sweeper-floor-mop-starter-kit These might be too deep to get between the frame and glass but you might find a narrower version.

Years ago a friend used to stand on the 8" ledge outside then close the window to clean them. This was on a second floor flat. Bonkers.

TELLIT01

missile wrote: »

Sash windows are usually are hinged so they can be swung inward to facilitate cleaning.
This might be of interest? https://www.homeownershub.com/uk-diy/how-to-clean-sash-windows-1106844-1.htm

Modern sash windows may be hinged, but sash windows have been in use for hundreds of years without any fancy 'swing in' facility.
For the OP, if the upper pane can't be opened, you are going to require a window cleaner who will either climb a ladder to the second floor, or one who uses the long reach poles but actually knows how to use it properly.

CakeCrusader

Thank you for all of the ideas!



They don't hinge, sadly. It's a Victorian house with the original windows, the bottom slides up, the bottom slides down, and that's it. I'd looked at magnetic gadgets last night but the panes of glass are the original panes and rather thin so it's a bit risky. I've looked at sticks and I can't find one that's long enough. I'll keep looking for a window cleaner.

Ally_E.

They make them for very thin glass too https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baffect-Ultra-Strong-ergonomic-High-rise-Thickness/dp/B072J8RX69/ref=pd_sbs_201_1/253-9756707-1156015?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B071W17498&pd_rd_r=254024fc-9873-46e9-9964-be858e3f31da&pd_rd_w=OfYyV&pd_rd_wg=NHk5F&pf_rd_p=15756fbb-4ceb-4379-9d2c-7af36daab01e&pf_rd_r=EC7TYGG0NMKGAK77JTA0&refRID=EC7TYGG0NMKGAK77JTA0&th=1 I will be buying this

CakeCrusader

Ally_E. wrote: »

They make them for very thin glass too https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baffect-Ultra-Strong-ergonomic-High-rise-Thickness/dp/B072J8RX69/ref=pd_sbs_201_1/253-9756707-1156015?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B071W17498&pd_rd_r=254024fc-9873-46e9-9964-be858e3f31da&pd_rd_w=OfYyV&pd_rd_wg=NHk5F&pf_rd_p=15756fbb-4ceb-4379-9d2c-7af36daab01e&pf_rd_r=EC7TYGG0NMKGAK77JTA0&refRID=EC7TYGG0NMKGAK77JTA0&th=1 I will be buying this

I'd be very wary of he reviews. If the magnets are strong enough to badly bruise fingers then they may be too strong for thin panes of glass. I run the risk of never getting it off! :eek: This one has potential; https://www.amazon.co.uk/SudaTek-Telescopic-Cleaning-Squeegee-External/dp/B06XMXZPB3/ref=sr_1_71?crid=2YQNGSJN85KA3&keywords=window+cleaning+equipment&qid=1566816931&s=gateway&sprefix=window+clea%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-71