Why You Should Never Pressure Wash Your Windows

Pressure washing your windows might seem like the easiest way to clean them, especially for those with second floor windows to clean. But washing windows using a pressure washer is risky. Applying high pressure water to windows can cause irreparable damage, costing you thousands in replacement windows. There’s a better and safer way to get that steak free finish on your windows. 

Related: The Right Way to Pressure Wash Your House (Without Damaging It)

Why Pressure Washing Your Windows is a Bad Idea

Windows aren’t designed to handle high water pressure. Using a pressure washer to clean your windows can result in costly damage to your windows and your home:

It Can Break the Seals

When you blast them with water, you run the risk of damaging the air tight seals that prevent moisture from getting in between the pains of glass in modern windows. This leads to fogging inside the window pains and less efficient windows. And once those seals are broken, the only way to fix the window is to replace it. If you use too much pressure, you can even shatter the glass.

Can Leave Your Windows Looking Worse

Not only is pressure washing dangerous to use on windows, it also just isn’t a very effective way to get your windows clean. While pressure washing can remove dirt, mildew and spider webs from your windows, it’s not very good at leaving your windows sparkling clean. Unless you use a pressure washer with a pure water system, it will leave behind streaks and mineral spots on the glass.

Can Cause Water Damage

Pressure washing around windows can force water into cracks and seams between your windows and siding where water isn’t supposed to go. This can lead to leaks in your home or rot and mold from trapped water. 

Related: Never Use This Pressure Washer Nozzle

The Best Way To Clean Windows

A safer and much more effective alternative to power washing your windows is to clean them by hand:

• Use a cleaning solution designed specifically for cleaning windows. You can also make your own window cleaner by mixing 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of running alcohol and 1 cup of distilled water. 
• Use a spray bottle to apply the cleaner to your windows then wipe it clean using a microfiber cloth or squeegee. 
• For second floor exterior windows, use a telescoping pole with a squeegee and scrubber attachment. Dip the scrubber attachment in the solution to apply it to the window, then follow up with the squeegee side to remove the cleaner. 

Tips for Cleaning Windows

• Choose an overcast day: Direct sunlight causes windows to dry too quickly, leaving streaks and spots. Choose a cloudy day for the best finish. 
• Work in Sections: To clean effectively you need to remove the cleaner while it’s wet. Work in small sections, so the cleaner doesn’t dry before you have time to squeegee or wipe it off. 

The Bottom Line

While you might be tempted to clean your windows using a pressure washer, the risk of damaging your windows coupled with the fact that it doesn’t do a good job of cleaning windows, make it a poor choice. While it may take longer, manually cleaning your windows using a microfiber cloth, squeegee, and dedicated glass cleaner is the best and safest option.