How to clean outside windows without spending a lot of money is something many people wonder about when they look out through streaky, dusty, or rain-spotted glass. Professional window cleaning services can be costly, and many commercial cleaners are expensive, especially if you need to clean large or multiple windows. The good news is that you can achieve sparkling, streak-free glass using budget-friendly tools, simple techniques, and household ingredients that you may already have at home.
Quick Overview
Learning how to clean outside windows on a budget doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. This guide shows you simple, low-cost methods to achieve sparkling, streak-free glass while keeping your home safe and well-maintained.
Whether you’re cleaning ground-floor windows, balcony panels, or high-up windows, this guide walks you through:
✅ Preparing windows properly before cleaning for the best results.
✅ Making effective, homemade cleaning solutions with household ingredients.
✅ Step-by-step cleaning techniques, including squeegee use and drying edges..
✅ Maintenance tips to keep windows cleaner for longer.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to clean outside windows on a budget, including preparation, tools, homemade cleaners, safety tips, and techniques for windows that are hard to reach. Whether you’re cleaning apartment balcony windows, ground-floor glass, or second-storey panels, this guide will help you achieve professional-looking results without professional prices.
Most people don’t realise how much clean windows can affect the look and feel of a home. Learning how to clean outside windows properly can:
Over time, outside windows collect:
Left uncleaned, this buildup not only looks unpleasant but can also lead to:
That’s why understanding how to clean outside windows correctly — and affordably — is so valuable. With the right approach, you can maintain beautiful, clear windows without spending a fortune.
One of the best parts about learning how to clean outside windows on a budget is that you don’t need fancy tools or expensive brands. Most of what you need can be found around your home or purchased cheaply.
Here’s a helpful list of affordable cleaning tools:
If you don’t have a squeegee, don’t worry — it is helpful but not absolutely necessary. However, it does make outside window cleaning much easier and more streak-free, so it’s worth buying one if you can.
Many local markets, dollar stores, or discount shops sell basic cleaning tools for a very low price. With just a few items and the right method, you can master how to clean outside windows effectively without breaking your budget.
Before you start, preparation plays a major role in achieving clean, streak-free glass. Many people jump straight into scrubbing, but the key to knowing how to clean outside windows properly is starting with a clean surface.
Here’s what to do first:
Use a soft brush, broom, or dry cloth to wipe:
This removes:
Skipping this step can cause:
Doing this dry clean first makes the wet cleaning process smoother and more effective.
One of the most overlooked aspects of learning how to clean outside windows is understanding the weather. Cleaning windows on the wrong day can ruin your efforts.
Avoid cleaning when:
Why?
Direct sunlight can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and marks. Wind can blow dust back onto your wet glass.
The best times to clean outside windows are:
This allows you enough time to clean without streaks forming too quickly.
If your windows have screens, they can trap dust and reduce airflow and visibility. If they’re removable, take them off and clean separately.
Budget-friendly ways to clean screens:
If you cannot remove the screens, wipe them gently with a damp cloth.
Cleaning screens improves airflow, prevents mould buildup, and helps your freshly cleaned glass stay clean longer.
One of the best ways to clean windows on a budget is to use homemade cleaners. Instead of purchasing expensive store-bought solutions, you can make highly effective cleaning mixtures from basic household ingredients.
Here are three affordable and reliable cleaning solutions to use when learning how to clean outside windows cheaply:
This is the simplest and most budget-friendly cleaner.
Mix:
Stir gently to avoid creating too many bubbles.
This method is best for:
Dish soap helps break down dirt without damaging the glass or frames.
Vinegar is one of the most popular and effective natural cleaners.
Mix:
Pour into a spray bottle for convenience.
This method is great for:
The slight acidity of vinegar dissolves residue and leaves a polished finish.
If you dislike the smell, you can:
The scent will fade as the glass dries.
Some outside windows develop stubborn marks such as:
How to use:
Avoid pressing too hard to prevent scratches.
Combining dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda (used appropriately) gives you a powerful yet low-cost cleaning toolkit for learning how to clean outside windows efficiently and effectively.
Now that you have your supplies and cleaning solution ready, let’s go through the full cleaning process step-by-step. This method is simple, affordable, and suitable for most types of outside windows.
If you have access to a garden hose or water source, lightly rinse your windows first.
This helps remove:
If you don’t have a hose, simply wipe the windows with a wet cloth or sponge.
This step prevents scratching and makes cleaning easier, which is an essential part of learning how to clean outside windows effectively.
Dip your sponge, cloth, or scrubber into the cleaning solution and apply generously. Start from the top of the window and work downward.
Why top-to-bottom matters:
Gently scrub areas with visible dirt or stains.
If stains are stubborn:
Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive pads — these can damage the glass.
For truly professional-looking results, a squeegee is one of the best tools you can use.
How to use it properly:
This prevents water marks and streak lines.
If you don’t have a squeegee:
Paper towels or old cotton t-shirts also work in a pinch.
Even when using a squeegee, small droplets often remain along the edges.
Use:
Wipe:
This step makes your windows look crisp and polished, prevents water stains, and is a crucial final part of learning how to clean outside windows on a budget.
Many people struggle most with learning how to clean outside windows that are located on higher floors or in awkward positions. You may not want to spend money on professional cleaners or special equipment — and you don’t have to.
Here are some budget-friendly options:
Extendable cleaning tools are affordable and highly useful. You can also improvise by attaching a cloth or sponge to:
Secure it using rubber bands or tape.
This inexpensive trick allows you to reach tall windows safely without risk.
Some modern windows allow partial outside access from indoors.
If yours tilt inward or slide open:
Safety should always come first.
If a window is too high, unsafe, or difficult to reach, avoid:
In such cases, it may be better to clean only reachable areas or ask for help when necessary.
Learning how to clean outside windows safely is far more important than reaching every inch of glass.
Some outside windows develop cloudy or milky patches caused by mineral deposits from rainwater or hard water. Learning how to clean outside windows in these situations can restore their clarity and shine.
These deposits often appear as:
A vinegar-based solution works especially well for this problem.
Steps:
For extra stubborn marks, repeat the process.
Important: Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrapers — they may scratch or permanently damage the glass.
Once you’ve learned how to clean outside windows effectively, you’ll want to keep them clean for as long as possible to reduce future effort and cost. Here are some helpful maintenance tips:
Regular cleaning prevents buildup and keeps the process easier each time.
Recommended schedule:
If you live in a dusty, coastal, or highly polluted area, consider cleaning more frequently.
More cleaner does not equal cleaner windows.
Using too much product can cause:
A mild solution is more effective, budget-friendly, and safer for your glass.
Dirt often returns from the frames to the glass.
Wipe frames regularly to:
This also helps your windows last longer.
Leaves, pollen, and plant sap can dirty windows faster.
If possible:
This reduces how often you’ll need to clean and makes maintaining your windows easier.
Understanding how to clean outside windows correctly also means knowing what to avoid. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
This can cause:
Tip: Choose shaded or cloudy periods instead.
Avoid:ChemicalsSteel wool
These can scratch or permanently damage the glass.
Rapid evaporation leaves heavy streaks.
Instead:
This helps achieve a clearer, streak-free finish.
Scrubbing dry dust directly onto glass can cause scratches and muddy streaks.
Tip: A quick pre-wipe saves time and improves results.
Learning how to clean outside windows on a budget doesn’t just save money — it can also be environmentally friendly.
Here are some sustainable options:
These choices reduce waste while cutting costs further.
While this guide focuses on budget cleaning methods, there are situations where calling a professional may be safer or more practical — especially for:
If cleaning requires dangerous climbing or specialised equipment, your safety should always come first.
However, for most everyday residential situations, the techniques in this guide provide more than enough knowledge on how to clean outside windows effectively on your own.
Learning how to clean outside windows on a budget is not only practical — it empowers you to maintain your home without unnecessary expenses. With simple tools, homemade cleaners, and safe techniques, you can achieve bright, streak-free, and sparkling windows at a fraction of the cost of professional services.
By following the steps in this guide — rinsing, scrubbing gently, using a squeegee, and drying edges — you’ll gain confidence in cleaning your own windows, keeping your home brighter, fresher, and more welcoming all year round.
