🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 30 (from laksa018)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa030.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-outside-windows-11775557\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-outside-windows-11775557\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/how-to-clean-outside-windows-11775557","crawl_time":1776204374,"first_indexed_time":1756071394,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,southernliving!www,\/how-to-clean-outside-windows-11775557 s443","src_root_hash":"3239763844413174230","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Clean Outside Windows: 5 Easy Steps","meta_descriptions":["Are your exterior windows dirty and grimy? Learn how to clean outside windows with our step-by-step guide and find tips for achieving sparkling windows."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"You can achieve crystal clear windows within a day.\nBy\nAshlyn Needham\nAshlyn Needham is an expert decor and design writer with 6 years of writing for brands and personal clients. She has been published in The Spruce, Southern Living, House Digest, Family Handyman, and more.\nPublished on August 24, 2025\nCredit:\nGetty Images\nIs your home looking dingier than normal these days? It could be time to clean your outside windows. While the process requires more time and effort than cleaning your inside windows, that doesn't mean it's hard to get a professional-grade in a day. Cleaning your\nexterior\nwindows is a fairly easy process that any homeowner can do (unless you have more than one level). In this guide, we're breaking down the five steps you need to follow for streak-free outdoor windows so you can go back to having a beautiful home that welcomes in the sunlight.\nWhat You'll Need\nThere are a few tools and materials you'll need to get a professional-grade window clean at home, such as:\nA garden hose\nA bucket\nHot water\nDish soap\nDiluted vinegar\nSqueegee\nVacuum with brush attachment\nHow To Clean Outside Windows\nSpray With Garden Hose\nCredit:\nGetty Images\nStart by wetting your exterior windows with water from the garden hose. This will help loosen stuck on dirt for the following steps and help bigger chunks of dirt or debris to fall off. Adjust the nozzle on your hose to the a gentle, yet powerful setting to loosen as much dirt as possible.\nWash With Soapy Water\nCredit:\nGetty Images\nWhen you're cleaning exterior windows, it's best to create your own cleaning solution than use a store bought spray one. Grab an empty bucket and fill it with hot water plus a few drops of your favorite dish soap. To pack an extra punch in your cleaner, add in a few cups of diluted vinegar.\nThen, soak a sponge or mop (if you're cleaning high up windows) in the mixture. Once your sponge or mop is good and wet, begin scrubbing each window starting at the top and working your way down.\nTo reach higher windows, pop out a ladder and use it with caution. Or, use a mop with an extendable pole to reach the top of higher windows.\nRinse Thoroughly\nCredit:\nGetty Images\nOnce all of your windows have been scrubbed, rinse once again with your garden hose to remove the suds.\nDry With a Squeegee\nCredit:\nGetty Images\nA squeegee is the best asset to have when cleaning exterior windows since it helps to give each pane a streak-free finish. Once you've rinsed off the suds, use your squeegee to wipe away the water following these best practices:\nStart and the top and wipe down in a straight line.\nWipe the squeegee off after each swipe.\nUse firm pressure.\nClean Window Screens\nCredit:\nGetty Images\nOf course, part of getting the true sparkling finish is cleaning what's after your exterior windows, such as the window screens. Pop them out of place and place them up against the side of your home to wash with a quick rinse of the garden hose before letting them dry and putting them back in place.\nTips For Cleaning Exterior Windows\nTo get the most out of your exterior window clean, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:\nClean windows on a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the water and leaving streaks.\nExterior windows should be cleaned once or twice a year, if not more depending on how dirty they get.\nIf your home has multiple levels, it might be better to hire a professional window cleaner for safety.\nAlways clean from top to bottom for a streak-free finish.\nWas this page helpful?\nTell us why!","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/how-to-clean-outside-windows-11775557#main)\n\n[Southern Living](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/)\n\n- Please fill out this field.\n- Magazine\n  - [Subscribe](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/how-to-clean-outside-windows-11775557)\n  - 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She has been published in The Spruce, Southern Living, House Digest, Family Handyman, and more.\n\n[Southern Living's editorial guidelines](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/about-us-6502349#toc-editorial-guidelines)\n\nPublished on August 24, 2025\n\nClose\n\n![stone and siding house with exterior windows](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/XH5XCBBem6mLnxCPqo8FW1D04AY=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-168325352-0440a61c17164967a46f207499a2b7c7.jpg)\n\n![stone and siding house with exterior windows](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/XH5XCBBem6mLnxCPqo8FW1D04AY=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-168325352-0440a61c17164967a46f207499a2b7c7.jpg)\n\nCredit:\n\nGetty Images\n\nIs your home looking dingier than normal these days? It could be time to clean your outside windows. While the process requires more time and effort than cleaning your inside windows, that doesn't mean it's hard to get a professional-grade in a day. Cleaning your [exterior](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/exterior-home-design-ideas-6533055) windows is a fairly easy process that any homeowner can do (unless you have more than one level). In this guide, we're breaking down the five steps you need to follow for streak-free outdoor windows so you can go back to having a beautiful home that welcomes in the sunlight.\n\n## What You'll Need\nThere are a few tools and materials you'll need to get a professional-grade window clean at home, such as:\n\n- A garden hose\n- A bucket\n- Hot water\n- Dish soap\n- Diluted vinegar\n- Squeegee\n- Vacuum with brush attachment\n## How To Clean Outside Windows\n1. ### Spray With Garden Hose\n   ![exterior window sprayed with water]()\n   \n   ![exterior window sprayed with water](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/BRRS51zuBkVdjnL2OmcyM33-sgI=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1259619495-3c0b241aa49e4ddd9252e332b0238210.jpg)\n   \n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   Start by wetting your exterior windows with water from the garden hose. This will help loosen stuck on dirt for the following steps and help bigger chunks of dirt or debris to fall off. Adjust the nozzle on your hose to the a gentle, yet powerful setting to loosen as much dirt as possible.\n2. ### Wash With Soapy Water\n   ![woman washing windows]()\n   \n   ![woman washing windows](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/fnrtHebWEqgPCJ3tmChoRMdQ_LA=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-628517790-bcdb7a7510f941ce8ac54f741e023618.jpg)\n   \n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   When you're cleaning exterior windows, it's best to create your own cleaning solution than use a store bought spray one. Grab an empty bucket and fill it with hot water plus a few drops of your favorite dish soap. To pack an extra punch in your cleaner, add in a few cups of diluted vinegar.\n   Then, soak a sponge or mop (if you're cleaning high up windows) in the mixture. Once your sponge or mop is good and wet, begin scrubbing each window starting at the top and working your way down.\n   To reach higher windows, pop out a ladder and use it with caution. Or, use a mop with an extendable pole to reach the top of higher windows.\n3. ### Rinse Thoroughly\n   ![exterior windows being rinsed]()\n   \n   ![exterior windows being rinsed](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/VazIHFny-IYSRR1e6pIcXvelm8c=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1257735550-3b074066bace44778cff226eec00cd3c.jpg)\n   \n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   Once all of your windows have been scrubbed, rinse once again with your garden hose to remove the suds.\n4. ### Dry With a Squeegee\n   ![squeegee wiping off window]()\n   \n   ![squeegee wiping off window](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/uEtYrCfXh4D4QFZAtoY8HAkHKtU=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1411041649-df6e5ed2e59343408e58d6fad8b4ae83.jpg)\n   \n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   A squeegee is the best asset to have when cleaning exterior windows since it helps to give each pane a streak-free finish. Once you've rinsed off the suds, use your squeegee to wipe away the water following these best practices:\n   - Start and the top and wipe down in a straight line.\n   - Wipe the squeegee off after each swipe.\n   - Use firm pressure.\n5. ### Clean Window Screens\n   ![person washing window screens]()\n   \n   ![person washing window screens](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/Br-09UwGhCqWVk18fXzZ6DGy0xo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1653919918-575f6d663e1341aba1542c3f7b4f123d.jpg)\n   \n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   Of course, part of getting the true sparkling finish is cleaning what's after your exterior windows, such as the window screens. Pop them out of place and place them up against the side of your home to wash with a quick rinse of the garden hose before letting them dry and putting them back in place.\n\n## Related Stories\n[How To Deep Clean Your House In 1 Day, According To An Expert ![Person wiping down a doorknob]() ![Person wiping down a doorknob](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/EXRSX1ZyImVRostc1eCY80SywvI=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1213509244-2000-9ceb588116804b9e9f52ed6f8bb7269d.jpg)](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/how-to-deep-clean-house-in-day-11866608)\n\n[How To Clean Stovetop Grates The Right Way ![Dirty Stovetop Grates]() ![Dirty Stovetop Grates](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/56aS8DGGivpzQFdYCbfwCF0sFww=\/300x200\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1131860892-bb8603469bb44e7e9dcd4dc470b33310.jpg)](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/how-to-clean-stovetop-grates-11904306)\n## Tips For Cleaning Exterior Windows\nTo get the most out of your exterior window clean, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:\n\n- Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the water and leaving streaks.\n- Exterior windows should be cleaned once or twice a year, if not more depending on how dirty they get.\n- If your home has multiple levels, it might be better to hire a professional window cleaner for safety.\n- Always clean from top to bottom for a streak-free finish.\n\nExplore more:\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/home)\n- [Cleaning and Housekeeping](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/home\/cleaning-and-housekeeping)\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nTell us why\\!\n\nOther\n\n## Related Articles\n[![Female hands in yellow gloves cleaning window with green rag and spray detergent. 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grout](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/ZktXP0uFQnXFXlQ1ltNrCH7x_1c=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1149532984-f92f149005fa4edb8ffa0a663649dfe6.jpg) How To Make Dingy Shower Grout Look Brand-New In Just 3 Steps](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/how-to-clean-shower-grout-11920481)\n\n[![Dusty Ceiling Fan]() ![Dusty Ceiling Fan](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/thmb\/TgOcmb_jaR2Fk0BJZdX7f7GnnTo=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-1360391611-a57cc17306de47978799b0450db4b70e.jpg) How To Dust Your Ceiling Fan Without Making A Mess](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/how-to-dust-ceiling-fan-11776560)\n\n[Southern Living](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/)\n\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/how-to-clean-outside-windows-11775557)\n\nFollow us\n\n- [Food](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/food)\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/home)\n- [Garden](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/garden)\n- [Travel](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/travel)\n- [Holidays](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/holidays-occasions)\n- [Culture](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/culture)\n- [Style](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/fashion-beauty)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/news)\n- [Shopping](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/shopping)\n- [Podcasts](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/podcasts-7373302)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/about-us-6502349)\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/www.magazines.com\/southern-living-magazine.html)\n- [Editorial Guidelines](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/about-us-6502349#toc-editorial-guidelines)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-privacy)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/careers)\n- [Contact 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She has been published in The Spruce, Southern Living, House Digest, Family Handyman, and more.\n\nPublished on August 24, 2025\n\nCredit:\n\nGetty Images\n\nIs your home looking dingier than normal these days? It could be time to clean your outside windows. While the process requires more time and effort than cleaning your inside windows, that doesn't mean it's hard to get a professional-grade in a day. Cleaning your [exterior](https:\/\/www.southernliving.com\/exterior-home-design-ideas-6533055) windows is a fairly easy process that any homeowner can do (unless you have more than one level). In this guide, we're breaking down the five steps you need to follow for streak-free outdoor windows so you can go back to having a beautiful home that welcomes in the sunlight.\n\n## What You'll Need\nThere are a few tools and materials you'll need to get a professional-grade window clean at home, such as:\n\n- A garden hose\n- A bucket\n- Hot water\n- Dish soap\n- Diluted vinegar\n- Squeegee\n- Vacuum with brush attachment\n## How To Clean Outside Windows\n1. ### Spray With Garden Hose\n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   Start by wetting your exterior windows with water from the garden hose. This will help loosen stuck on dirt for the following steps and help bigger chunks of dirt or debris to fall off. Adjust the nozzle on your hose to the a gentle, yet powerful setting to loosen as much dirt as possible.\n2. ### Wash With Soapy Water\n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   When you're cleaning exterior windows, it's best to create your own cleaning solution than use a store bought spray one. Grab an empty bucket and fill it with hot water plus a few drops of your favorite dish soap. To pack an extra punch in your cleaner, add in a few cups of diluted vinegar.\n   Then, soak a sponge or mop (if you're cleaning high up windows) in the mixture. Once your sponge or mop is good and wet, begin scrubbing each window starting at the top and working your way down.\n   To reach higher windows, pop out a ladder and use it with caution. Or, use a mop with an extendable pole to reach the top of higher windows.\n3. ### Rinse Thoroughly\n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   Once all of your windows have been scrubbed, rinse once again with your garden hose to remove the suds.\n4. ### Dry With a Squeegee\n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   A squeegee is the best asset to have when cleaning exterior windows since it helps to give each pane a streak-free finish. Once you've rinsed off the suds, use your squeegee to wipe away the water following these best practices:\n   - Start and the top and wipe down in a straight line.\n   - Wipe the squeegee off after each swipe.\n   - Use firm pressure.\n5. ### Clean Window Screens\n   Credit:\n   \n   Getty Images\n   Of course, part of getting the true sparkling finish is cleaning what's after your exterior windows, such as the window screens. Pop them out of place and place them up against the side of your home to wash with a quick rinse of the garden hose before letting them dry and putting them back in place.\n## Tips For Cleaning Exterior Windows\nTo get the most out of your exterior window clean, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:\n\n- Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the water and leaving streaks.\n- Exterior windows should be cleaned once or twice a year, if not more depending on how dirty they get.\n- If your home has multiple levels, it might be better to hire a professional window cleaner for safety.\n- Always clean from top to bottom for a streak-free finish.\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nTell us why\\!","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	You can achieve crystal clear windows within a day. By Ashlyn Needham Ashlyn Needham is an expert decor and design writer with 6 years of writing for brands and personal clients. She has been published in The Spruce, Southern Living, House Digest, Family Handyman, and more. Published on August 24, 2025 Credit: Getty Images Is your home looking dingier than normal these days? It could be time to clean your outside windows. While the process requires more time and effort than cleaning your inside windows, that doesn't mean it's hard to get a professional-grade in a day. Cleaning your exterior windows is a fairly easy process that any homeowner can do (unless you have more than one level). In this guide, we're breaking down the five steps you need to follow for streak-free outdoor windows so you can go back to having a beautiful home that welcomes in the sunlight. What You'll Need There are a few tools and materials you'll need to get a professional-grade window clean at home, such as: A garden hose A bucket Hot water Dish soap Diluted vinegar Squeegee Vacuum with brush attachment How To Clean Outside Windows Spray With Garden Hose Credit: Getty Images Start by wetting your exterior windows with water from the garden hose. This will help loosen stuck on dirt for the following steps and help bigger chunks of dirt or debris to fall off. Adjust the nozzle on your hose to the a gentle, yet powerful setting to loosen as much dirt as possible. Wash With Soapy Water Credit: Getty Images When you're cleaning exterior windows, it's best to create your own cleaning solution than use a store bought spray one. Grab an empty bucket and fill it with hot water plus a few drops of your favorite dish soap. To pack an extra punch in your cleaner, add in a few cups of diluted vinegar. Then, soak a sponge or mop (if you're cleaning high up windows) in the mixture. Once your sponge or mop is good and wet, begin scrubbing each window starting at the top and working your way down. To reach higher windows, pop out a ladder and use it with caution. Or, use a mop with an extendable pole to reach the top of higher windows. Rinse Thoroughly Credit: Getty Images Once all of your windows have been scrubbed, rinse once again with your garden hose to remove the suds. Dry With a Squeegee Credit: Getty Images A squeegee is the best asset to have when cleaning exterior windows since it helps to give each pane a streak-free finish. Once you've rinsed off the suds, use your squeegee to wipe away the water following these best practices: Start and the top and wipe down in a straight line. Wipe the squeegee off after each swipe. Use firm pressure. Clean Window Screens Credit: Getty Images Of course, part of getting the true sparkling finish is cleaning what's after your exterior windows, such as the window screens. Pop them out of place and place them up against the side of your home to wash with a quick rinse of the garden hose before letting them dry and putting them back in place. Tips For Cleaning Exterior Windows To get the most out of your exterior window clean, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind: Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the water and leaving streaks. Exterior windows should be cleaned once or twice a year, if not more depending on how dirty they get. If your home has multiple levels, it might be better to hire a professional window cleaner for safety. Always clean from top to bottom for a streak-free finish. Was this page helpful? Tell us why!
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By [Ashlyn Needham](https://www.southernliving.com/ashlyn-needham-7643648) ![Ashlyn Needham]() ![Ashlyn Needham](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/G8tvb1R3n3F-LmRl8yKoYkGh5sw=/200x200/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/BJ8_0664-0c20c1dca44941dd85e127749d4f9615.jpg) [Ashlyn Needham](https://www.southernliving.com/ashlyn-needham-7643648) Ashlyn Needham is an expert decor and design writer with 6 years of writing for brands and personal clients. She has been published in The Spruce, Southern Living, House Digest, Family Handyman, and more. [Southern Living's editorial guidelines](https://www.southernliving.com/about-us-6502349#toc-editorial-guidelines) Published on August 24, 2025 Close ![stone and siding house with exterior windows](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/XH5XCBBem6mLnxCPqo8FW1D04AY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-168325352-0440a61c17164967a46f207499a2b7c7.jpg) ![stone and siding house with exterior windows](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/XH5XCBBem6mLnxCPqo8FW1D04AY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-168325352-0440a61c17164967a46f207499a2b7c7.jpg) Credit: Getty Images Is your home looking dingier than normal these days? It could be time to clean your outside windows. While the process requires more time and effort than cleaning your inside windows, that doesn't mean it's hard to get a professional-grade in a day. Cleaning your [exterior](https://www.southernliving.com/exterior-home-design-ideas-6533055) windows is a fairly easy process that any homeowner can do (unless you have more than one level). In this guide, we're breaking down the five steps you need to follow for streak-free outdoor windows so you can go back to having a beautiful home that welcomes in the sunlight. ## What You'll Need There are a few tools and materials you'll need to get a professional-grade window clean at home, such as: - A garden hose - A bucket - Hot water - Dish soap - Diluted vinegar - Squeegee - Vacuum with brush attachment ## How To Clean Outside Windows 1. ### Spray With Garden Hose ![exterior window sprayed with water]() ![exterior window sprayed with water](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/BRRS51zuBkVdjnL2OmcyM33-sgI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1259619495-3c0b241aa49e4ddd9252e332b0238210.jpg) Credit: Getty Images Start by wetting your exterior windows with water from the garden hose. This will help loosen stuck on dirt for the following steps and help bigger chunks of dirt or debris to fall off. Adjust the nozzle on your hose to the a gentle, yet powerful setting to loosen as much dirt as possible. 2. ### Wash With Soapy Water ![woman washing windows]() ![woman washing windows](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/fnrtHebWEqgPCJ3tmChoRMdQ_LA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-628517790-bcdb7a7510f941ce8ac54f741e023618.jpg) Credit: Getty Images When you're cleaning exterior windows, it's best to create your own cleaning solution than use a store bought spray one. Grab an empty bucket and fill it with hot water plus a few drops of your favorite dish soap. To pack an extra punch in your cleaner, add in a few cups of diluted vinegar. Then, soak a sponge or mop (if you're cleaning high up windows) in the mixture. Once your sponge or mop is good and wet, begin scrubbing each window starting at the top and working your way down. To reach higher windows, pop out a ladder and use it with caution. Or, use a mop with an extendable pole to reach the top of higher windows. 3. ### Rinse Thoroughly ![exterior windows being rinsed]() ![exterior windows being rinsed](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/VazIHFny-IYSRR1e6pIcXvelm8c=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1257735550-3b074066bace44778cff226eec00cd3c.jpg) Credit: Getty Images Once all of your windows have been scrubbed, rinse once again with your garden hose to remove the suds. 4. ### Dry With a Squeegee ![squeegee wiping off window]() ![squeegee wiping off window](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/uEtYrCfXh4D4QFZAtoY8HAkHKtU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1411041649-df6e5ed2e59343408e58d6fad8b4ae83.jpg) Credit: Getty Images A squeegee is the best asset to have when cleaning exterior windows since it helps to give each pane a streak-free finish. Once you've rinsed off the suds, use your squeegee to wipe away the water following these best practices: - Start and the top and wipe down in a straight line. - Wipe the squeegee off after each swipe. - Use firm pressure. 5. ### Clean Window Screens ![person washing window screens]() ![person washing window screens](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Br-09UwGhCqWVk18fXzZ6DGy0xo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1653919918-575f6d663e1341aba1542c3f7b4f123d.jpg) Credit: Getty Images Of course, part of getting the true sparkling finish is cleaning what's after your exterior windows, such as the window screens. Pop them out of place and place them up against the side of your home to wash with a quick rinse of the garden hose before letting them dry and putting them back in place. ## Related Stories [How To Deep Clean Your House In 1 Day, According To An Expert ![Person wiping down a doorknob]() ![Person wiping down a doorknob](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/EXRSX1ZyImVRostc1eCY80SywvI=/300x200/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1213509244-2000-9ceb588116804b9e9f52ed6f8bb7269d.jpg)](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-deep-clean-house-in-day-11866608) [How To Clean Stovetop Grates The Right Way ![Dirty Stovetop Grates]() ![Dirty Stovetop Grates](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/56aS8DGGivpzQFdYCbfwCF0sFww=/300x200/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/GettyImages-1131860892-bb8603469bb44e7e9dcd4dc470b33310.jpg)](https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-clean-stovetop-grates-11904306) ## Tips For Cleaning Exterior Windows To get the most out of your exterior window clean, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind: - Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the water and leaving streaks. - Exterior windows should be cleaned once or twice a year, if not more depending on how dirty they get. - If your home has multiple levels, it might be better to hire a professional window cleaner for safety. - Always clean from top to bottom for a streak-free finish. Explore more: - [Home](https://www.southernliving.com/home) - [Cleaning and Housekeeping](https://www.southernliving.com/home/cleaning-and-housekeeping) Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! Tell us why\! Other ## Related Articles [![Female hands in yellow gloves cleaning window with green rag and spray detergent. Spring cleanup, housework concept]() ![Female hands in yellow gloves cleaning window with green rag and spray detergent. 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Readable Markdown	You can achieve crystal clear windows within a day. By [Ashlyn Needham](https://www.southernliving.com/ashlyn-needham-7643648) ![Ashlyn Needham](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/G8tvb1R3n3F-LmRl8yKoYkGh5sw=/200x200/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/BJ8_0664-0c20c1dca44941dd85e127749d4f9615.jpg) Ashlyn Needham is an expert decor and design writer with 6 years of writing for brands and personal clients. She has been published in The Spruce, Southern Living, House Digest, Family Handyman, and more. Published on August 24, 2025 Credit: Getty Images Is your home looking dingier than normal these days? It could be time to clean your outside windows. While the process requires more time and effort than cleaning your inside windows, that doesn't mean it's hard to get a professional-grade in a day. Cleaning your [exterior](https://www.southernliving.com/exterior-home-design-ideas-6533055) windows is a fairly easy process that any homeowner can do (unless you have more than one level). In this guide, we're breaking down the five steps you need to follow for streak-free outdoor windows so you can go back to having a beautiful home that welcomes in the sunlight. ## What You'll Need There are a few tools and materials you'll need to get a professional-grade window clean at home, such as: - A garden hose - A bucket - Hot water - Dish soap - Diluted vinegar - Squeegee - Vacuum with brush attachment ## How To Clean Outside Windows 1. ### Spray With Garden Hose Credit: Getty Images Start by wetting your exterior windows with water from the garden hose. This will help loosen stuck on dirt for the following steps and help bigger chunks of dirt or debris to fall off. Adjust the nozzle on your hose to the a gentle, yet powerful setting to loosen as much dirt as possible. 2. ### Wash With Soapy Water Credit: Getty Images When you're cleaning exterior windows, it's best to create your own cleaning solution than use a store bought spray one. Grab an empty bucket and fill it with hot water plus a few drops of your favorite dish soap. To pack an extra punch in your cleaner, add in a few cups of diluted vinegar. Then, soak a sponge or mop (if you're cleaning high up windows) in the mixture. Once your sponge or mop is good and wet, begin scrubbing each window starting at the top and working your way down. To reach higher windows, pop out a ladder and use it with caution. Or, use a mop with an extendable pole to reach the top of higher windows. 3. ### Rinse Thoroughly Credit: Getty Images Once all of your windows have been scrubbed, rinse once again with your garden hose to remove the suds. 4. ### Dry With a Squeegee Credit: Getty Images A squeegee is the best asset to have when cleaning exterior windows since it helps to give each pane a streak-free finish. Once you've rinsed off the suds, use your squeegee to wipe away the water following these best practices: - Start and the top and wipe down in a straight line. - Wipe the squeegee off after each swipe. - Use firm pressure. 5. ### Clean Window Screens Credit: Getty Images Of course, part of getting the true sparkling finish is cleaning what's after your exterior windows, such as the window screens. Pop them out of place and place them up against the side of your home to wash with a quick rinse of the garden hose before letting them dry and putting them back in place. ## Tips For Cleaning Exterior Windows To get the most out of your exterior window clean, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind: - Clean windows on a cloudy day to prevent the sun from drying the water and leaving streaks. - Exterior windows should be cleaned once or twice a year, if not more depending on how dirty they get. - If your home has multiple levels, it might be better to hire a professional window cleaner for safety. - Always clean from top to bottom for a streak-free finish. Was this page helpful? Tell us why\!
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