How to Clean the Inside and Outside Windows at the End of Tenancy?

Cleaning windows at the end of a tenancy is an important part of leaving the property in good condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean both the inside and outside of windows:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Bucket of warm, soapy water
• Window cleaning solution (or a mixture of water and vinegar)
• Squeegee
• Soft scrubbing brush or sponge
• Lint-free cloths or paper towels
• Extension pole for high or hard-to-reach windows (if necessary)
• Razor blade scraper (for stubborn stains or paint)

Inside Window Cleaning:

1. Remove Window Coverings: Take down curtains, blinds, or any window coverings that might be in the way.
2. Dust and Vacuum: Start by dusting the windowsills, frames, and tracks. Vacuum any loose dirt and debris.
3. Wash Window Frames and Sills: Dip a soft scrubbing brush or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the window frames, sills, and tracks. Be thorough, as these areas can accumulate a lot of dirt.
4. Clean the Glass: Wet the glass with your soapy water or window cleaning solution. You can use a sponge or cloth for this step. Make sure to cover the entire glass surface.
5. Squeegee Method: Using a squeegee, start at the top corner and pull it down in a straight line. Wipe the blade with a clean, lint-free cloth after each pass to prevent streaks. Repeat this process until you’ve squeegeed the entire window.
6. Detail Work: Use a cloth or paper towel to wipe down the edges and corners of the glass for a polished finish.

Outside Window Cleaning:

1. Safety First: If you need to clean windows on upper floors, consider your safety. Use a sturdy ladder or an extension pole for hard-to-reach windows. Ensure the ladder is placed on a stable surface.
2. Dust and Remove Debris: Just like inside, start by dusting off any loose dirt or debris from the outside window frames and sills.
3. Wash Frames and Sills: Use your soapy water and scrubbing brush to clean the outside frames, sills, and tracks.
4. Clean the Glass: Wet the glass with your window cleaning solution. If your windows are particularly dirty, you may need to use a hose to rinse off loose dirt before applying the solution.
5. Squeegee Method: Similar to the inside, use a squeegee to clean the glass. Begin at the top and work your way down, wiping the blade after each pass.
6. Detail Work: Finish by wiping down the edges and corners of the glass with a cloth or paper towel.
7. Inspect for Streaks: Step back and inspect the windows from a distance to ensure there are no streaks or missed spots. Touch up as needed.

Remember to check your tenancy agreement for any specific instructions regarding window cleaning, and always take safety precautions when cleaning windows on upper floors. Properly cleaned windows can leave a positive impression and help ensure the return of your security deposit when moving out.

Single-Story Property:

For single-story properties, cleaning windows is relatively straightforward as you won’t have to deal with the added complexity of multiple levels. Here’s how to clean windows on a single-story property:

1. Safety Precautions: Even though you won’t be dealing with heights, it’s still essential to take safety precautions. Use a sturdy step ladder if necessary and ensure it’s on a level surface.
2. Inside Window Cleaning: Follow the same steps outlined in the previous response for cleaning the inside of the windows.
3. Outside Window Cleaning:
   • Access: Start by accessing the outside of the windows using the ladder if needed.
   • Dust and Debris: Remove loose dirt and debris from window frames and sills.
   • Cleaning Solution: Apply your window cleaning solution to the glass. You can use a sponge or a long-handled window cleaning brush for this purpose.
   • Squeegee Method: Use a squeegee to clean the glass. Begin at the top and work your way down, wiping the blade after each pass.
   • Detail Work: Finish by wiping down the edges and corners of the glass with a cloth or paper towel.
   • Inspect for Streaks: Step back and inspect the windows to ensure there are no streaks or missed spots. Touch up as needed.

Double-Story Property:

Cleaning windows on a double-story property requires additional safety measures and equipment due to the height. Here’s how to clean windows on a double-story property safely:

1. Safety First: Safety is paramount when working at heights. Consider hiring a professional window cleaning service if you’re not comfortable with working at this height.
2. Access: Use a sturdy extension ladder or hire a cherry picker if necessary to safely reach the second-story windows. Ensure the ladder or equipment is set up on a level surface and is secured.
3. Inside Window Cleaning: Follow the same steps outlined for cleaning the inside of windows as mentioned previously.
4. Outside Window Cleaning:
   • Safety Harness: If using a ladder, ensure you have a safety harness and someone to assist you while you work on the ladder.
   • Dust and Debris: Remove loose dirt and debris from window frames and sills.
   • Cleaning Solution: Apply your window cleaning solution to the glass using a long-handled brush or a tool designed for second-story window cleaning.
   • Squeegee Method: Use a squeegee to clean the glass, starting at the top and working your way down. Wipe the blade after each pass.
   • Detail Work: Finish by wiping down the edges and corners of the glass with a cloth or paper towel.
   • Inspect for Streaks: Step back and inspect the windows from a distance to ensure there are no streaks or missed spots. Touch up as needed.

Cleaning windows on a double-story property can be challenging and potentially dangerous, so it’s crucial to prioritize safety or consider hiring a professional window cleaning service for the job.

End of Tenancy

If your rental or lease agreement specifies that you are not responsible for cleaning the upstairs outside windows, then you should adhere to the terms of the agreement. In such cases, it would typically be the landlord’s or property management’s responsibility to clean upstairs outside windows.

It’s essential to review your lease agreement carefully to understand the exact terms regarding maintenance and cleaning responsibilities. If the agreement clearly states that you are not responsible for cleaning certain windows or areas, you can communicate this to your landlord or property agent if they request you to do so. This helps ensure that both parties are in compliance with the agreed-upon terms.