Should You Pressure Wash Your Windows?
Washing your windows is a task most homeowners put off doing until they can’t put it off any longer…it just takes too much time and energy to do it properly.
Today, many homeowners have pressure washers to clean their home’s siding, walkways, driveways, decks, cars and many other things…they make a slow, tedious job go a lot faster. So it makes a lot of sense that people are starting to wonder: why not use the pressure washer to clean the windows?
Most professional window cleaners don’t use a pressure washer, they prefer to do a thorough job by hand. Not only is hand washing safer for the windows, but proper hand washing can ensure your windows are streak free. In fact, many professionals advise against using a pressure washer. Nevertheless, it can be done using certain precautions.
How to clean windows with a pressure washer…
If you want to try this method of window cleaning, there are some things you should consider:
- Before turning on the pressure, carefully check your windows for holes, cracks, leaks or failed seals or cracks around the glass or window sill. Keep in mind that even if your windows don’t leak when it rains, rain is not under the same type of pressure you would be using. Additionally, using pressure could also damage your window seals and putty and actually cause leaking.
- Check the paint on or around your windows. If the paint is older, cracked, pealing or damaged, using a pressure washer will probably damage them even more.
Even more important than protecting your house is protecting yourself…use safety glasses at all times while using your pressure washer.- Next you need to be sure your pressure washer is safe to wash your windows…some of them are pretty powerful. It needs to be able to wash at below 2000 psi.
- Be sure you have a wand for second story windows (never try this while on a ladder!), and a wide spray nozzle with a spray pattern of 40-65°, a smaller nozzle could etch or break your window.
- Plain water won’t clean your windows, you will need to use some type of cleaner. The manufacturer of your pressure washer has probably recommended a detergent you should use.
- Don’t get the tip of the nozzle too close to your window, keep it at a distance of about 12 inches and at a gentle angle to the window. Also, spray from the edge of the window to the center, avoiding putting pressure on the seal.
- Rinse off the window with clear water as soon as possible to prevent the cleaning solution from drying and leaving a film or streaks.
The best way to get your windows clean…
Sure you could pressure wash them or hand wash them, and probably do a good job. But the fastest, safest, and easiest way to ensure sparking clean windows is by hiring a professional.
I have been cleaning windows in the Seattle area for 30 years, and quite frankly, I enjoy it! I will be happy to answer all of your questions, and I know the window cleaning mistakes to avoid. I clean private homes or apartment complexes.
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