Have you ever looked at your double hung windows and wondered how to clean them?
Double hung windows are energy efficient windows with sashes or panels where both panels can slide up and down. Because of this, it can be challenging to clean the window completely.
A great thing about window cleaning is that it doesn’t have to be done often—just two times per year should suffice.
With a little time and effort, you’ll once again have clean windows. No window replacement is required. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need to Clean Your Windows
To get started, gather your cleaning supplies. You’ll need:
- Bucket filled with warm soapy water or dawn dishsoap (no, you don’t need a special window cleaner)
- Microfiber cloth or two for wiping and drying
- Small squeegee or rubber-edged blade
These supplies will be used to clean both the window and the frames itself.
If you can’t seem to clean an area of the glass, don’t keep scrubbing. You might have an insulating glass seal leak. When this happens, air gets in between the two panes of glass and causes a stain. You will need to have it replaced.
How To Clean Double Hung Windows From The Inside
Cleaning the interior of double hung windows is a relatively easy task. Since you have easy access to the window from inside your home, you only need to move curtains, blinds, and other items out of the way.
To begin, dunk the rag in sudsy water and twist out any extra moisture. Begin washing from top to bottom—this way drips won’t interfere with already cleaned surfaces.
Use the squeegee after each wipe-down. Be sure to dry the edge of the squeegee between each sweep using another clean cloth. This will help you achieve streak-free windows.
The frame needs attention too. Use a soft damp cloth to gently wipe down the frames.
Remember not to soak the frames as excessive moisture could damage the material, especially if your frames are made from wood.
Make sure to dry excess water around your window, including the trim and window sill.
You can use this simple cleaning process for most double hung windows, including wood, clad, or vinyl windows.
How to Clean Double Hung Windows That Tilt
Double hung windows that tilt make the cleaning process much easier. If you have windows that can tilt, you can now reach the exterior portion of the window from the inside.
Here’s how to tilt your windows:
- Most double hung windows that tilt will have a latch on each sash or panel. Unlatch the window sashes.
- Lift the desired sash or sashes about 4 inches from its base—this gives enough space to engage the tilt function without straining anything.
- Tilt in the sashes by releasing them from the frame using the spring-loaded latches. Caution: Larger sashes can be heavy. Use a second pair of hands.
- Once tilted, carefully support the sashes so they don’t fall out of the frame.
You can watch this video on how to tilt and clean your double hung window if you’re not sure:
Once your tilted windows are ready, you can clean them using the method outlined above.
When dry, resecure the sashes into the window frame, close and latch. Simple!
How to Clean Double Hung Windows That Don’t Tilt
Cleaning double hung windows that don’t tilt can be more difficult to reach the exterior portion of the window.
For this method, you’ll need to clean the window from the outside. If the window is on the second or third floor, then you may want to reach out to a window cleaning specialist to take on the task for you.
Professional window cleaners like those at Penguin Window Cleaning will ensure that your windows are clean and streak free and you won’t have to risk endangering yourself or a family member.
However, if you decide to do this on your own, here are some tips to get started:
- Gather your cleaning supplies, including a ladder or multiple ladders and scaffolding to get you to the desired height.
- Include safety equipment such as leashes or straps to help stabilize you while elevated.
- Carefully set up your workspace, ensuring that the ladder is on firm footing. You’ll also want to be careful lifting all the cleaning supplies up the ladder.
- Before you are up working on the window, make sure that they are unlocked from the inside.
Once you’re set up and ready, then you’re ready to start.
If you can reach the window, then you’ll want to remove the window screen and open any latches that are holding your window shut.
Cleaning the bottom sash, use the same technique as above and wipe it clean with a squeegee after each wipe.
If you can’t fully reach the window then you’ll have to do as much setup from inside as you can, such as removing the screen.
Prepare to clean your windows using a wet rag and squeegee, each on an extendable pole.
Cleaning Common Double Hung Windows
Cleaning name-brand double hung windows like Pella, Andersen, and Marvin is similar to the basic method.
Gather the necessary supplies to ensure successful cleaning of your windows. A soft cloth or sponge is essential as it won’t scratch your beautiful windows.
For a good clean, mix some mild soap and water.
How to Clean Andersen Double Hung Windows By Removing the Sashes
Andersen double hung windows can be cleaned very much like any window. Anderson windows are built using a combination of wood, vinyl, aluminum, and durable Fibrex® composite material.
Since Anderson windows tilt, you’ll be able to use the same cleaning technique from above or remove the sashes for easier access.
To clean, unlock and raise the lower sash about 4 inches from the sill. If the sash has a tilt latch pull it inwards while pulling the top of the sash towards.
Other sashes may have a shoe retainer clip inside the track. If so, use a screwdriver to push this in and release the sash.
Pull the window gently until it clears the bottom frame and remove it. If it gets stuck, you can use the screwdriver again to help pry it out.
Once the sash is removed, carefully lay this lower window sash down onto a flat surface like a towel on a table for safekeeping. With the sash removed, you can clean it more thoroughly, removing some of the grime out of the sill.
You can also remove the upper sash. To do so, lower it from the top of the sill. Grab it on the top edge and while holding the sill carefully pull the upper sash away from the sill.
It should be able to pop out of the sill easily.
Remember: Always handle these moving parts gently. Don’t force any moving parts.
How to Clean Marvin Double Hung Windows
Your Marvin double hung windows are handy to have, but sometimes they need a good cleaning.
Similar to other double hung brands, Marvin window sashes can tilt and even be removed. Therefore, if you want to clean your Marvin windows, then all you need to do is utilize one of these two features.
To clean without removing the window, all you need to do is remove the latch and tilt the window inward allowing easier access for cleaning outside surfaces from inside your home – pretty handy huh?
Remember when tilting back into place, do so slowly to prevent any accidental damage. Once you’re done, make sure you secure the tilt latch back into the window frame.
How to Clean Pella Double Hung Windows
Pella windows can be tilted back for easier cleaning indoors. The sashes can also be removed and completed. If you want to remove the sashes, then you’ll need to trigger the hinge pin so that the window can come out.
Luckily, you don’t need to remove these windows fully to get a good, streak-free clean.
Once you’re ready to clean, start at the top sash by unlocking the window and sliding it down halfway. Lift up the lower sash slightly above sill level then tilt inward towards room until horizontal.
The frame should rest on its hinges, but be careful.
Dip your cloth into the soapy solution then wring out any excess water before wiping down from top to bottom.
Remember to always finish off by drying glass surfaces with a clean dry towel which helps prevent streaks. If you still have water spots, you can use some of our proven techniques to remove water spots from your windows.
Repeat the same steps for the upper sash too.
Recap: Cleaning Double Hung Windows Numerous Ways
From interiors to exteriors, from tilt or non-tilt designs, you now have the information you need to properly clean your double hung windows.
These cleaning methods are suitable for Andersen, Marvin, or Pella brand double-hung windows, including clad, unclad, wood, vinyl, and more.
For windows that tilt or remove, figuring out how exactly your windows work will make this process easier. If they don’t tilt or can be removed, then you may want to reach out to a window cleaning specialist.
Whether you’re after that pristine sparkle or simply looking to maintain your home’s aesthetic appeal—you’ve got this!
But if you would rather spend your time doing something fun, give us a call. Penguin will take care of those dirty windows for you: 763-498-9085
FAQs in Relation to How to Clean Double Hung Windows
How do you clean between double hung windows?
To clean between double hung windows, remove the sashes if possible. If not, use a slim brush or vacuum attachment to reach those tricky spots.
Are double hung windows easy to clean?
Yes, most brands of double hung windows are designed for easy cleaning. Many models tilt inwards allowing both sides to be cleaned from inside your home.
Do all double hung windows tilt in for cleaning?
No, not all double-hung windows have a tilting feature. But many modern ones do. Check with the manufacturer if you’re not sure.
