Cleaning outside windows - 2nd story flat

[2something]

So the missus has spotted that the outside of our windows are filthy, being about 20 odd feet off the ground I reckon I might need to get the professionals in to clean them. Despite plenty of googling I am struggling to find a company that will do one residential flat, they all seem to do blocks or offices.

Any ideas on who to call (North London) would be appreciated.

Tips like hanging out the window with a rag will also be appreciated, just not quite as much!

[TonyHetherington]

Serious suggestion - some windows, depending on their design, purposefully bend so you can clean the outside - either normally by opening not on the hinge but 1/3 of the way in, or just a clip that (when removed) allows the window to move freely so you can turn it around.

If a bit obvious, apologies, but thought I'd mention

[cazzer]

TonyHetherington said:

Serious suggestion - some windows, depending on their design, purposefully bend so you can clean the outside - either normally by opening not on the hinge but 1/3 of the way in, or just a clip that (when removed) allows the window to move freely so you can turn it around.

If a bit obvious, apologies, but thought I'd mention

You know you're not going to get away with saying that some windows bend don't you?
Someone much wittier than me will be along in a minute to take the piss.

[TonyHetherington]

You know what I meant

[Shaw Tarse]

One of the shopping channels had a magnetic window cleaning gadget.

[10 Pence Short]

What if your windows aren't magnetic?

[2something]

TonyHetherington said:

Serious suggestion - some windows, depending on their design, purposefully bend so you can clean the outside - either normally by opening not on the hinge but 1/3 of the way in, or just a clip that (when removed) allows the window to move freely so you can turn it around.

If a bit obvious, apologies, but thought I'd mention

Unfortunately they are old wooden sash windows (which I should have mentioned), they open - but that's about as fancy as it gets!

[Swillsy]

haven't you got a management company looking after the flat's utilities?
normally you pay a fee so that every so often they are cleaned
if you feel its been a while since it has been done hve a word to them

[Steamer]

There are a few guys in my area that have kit for doing this, they are the ones that do the company buildings in town... but if asked, they also do residential.

Basically its just a powerwasher on a very long pole. I'm 2nd floor too, got a quote for £15 for 4 sash windows.

[2something]

Swillsy said:

haven't you got a management company looking after the flat's utilities?
normally you pay a fee so that every so often they are cleaned
if you feel its been a while since it has been done hve a word to them

Unfortunately (or fortunately) that would be having a word with myself as it's share of freehold with no management company. You have me thinking though, that I might ask the other flats if they want their windows cleaned as well to share the costs.

[2something]

Shaw Tarse said:

One of the shopping channels had a magnetic window cleaning gadget.

Thanks - never would have thought of that, slightly mixed reviews it seems - but if I can't find anything else I will give it a go.

[M3CHA-MONK3Y]

Shaw Tarse said:

One of the shopping channels had a magnetic window cleaning gadget.

Arrr yeah, i've seen these. Its basically a window squeegy thats splits into two, reach out the window and put on on the outside and the other bit on the inside opposite, then they magnetise together. Then you just move the one on the inside and the outside on moves with it, doing both sides at once.

http://www.wintecs.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?...

HTH

[Rude Girl]

Window cleaners won't touch some of our upstairs windows because the shape of the house makes it unsafe for ladders. I cleaned them by hanging out of the window with the O/H hanging on to my legs, and then did them with Rain-X. Means you have to wash them much less often because the dirt beads off with the water.

Best I can do, sorry.

[cazzer]

You can also get magnetic doodads from Aquarium stores (I know theres a word for them but I can't remember it). They're designed for cleaning algae off tanks so should have no problem with window grime.
Probably cheaper than the K-Tel/JML Magneto-Clean too.

[Steamer]

cazzer said:

You can also get magnetic doodads from Aquarium stores (I know theres a word for them but I can't remember it). They're designed for cleaning algae off tanks so should have no problem with window grime.
Probably cheaper than the K-Tel/JML Magneto-Clean too.

Nice idea - but it will probably just move the dirt around and make more mess.

Also - if its original 2 or 3mm glass in the sash windows it could scratch like buggery.

Just find a man with a long pole and a high pressure jet on the end

[Nolar Dog]

cazzer said:

You can also get magnetic doodads from Aquarium stores (I know theres a word for them but I can't remember it).

Fish shops?

HTH

[2something]

Thanks for all the ideas, I have found a company that reckon they can do it no problem ... will find out tomorrow for sure. I am thinking of buying the magnet cleaners though just for the sake of trying them.

Oh and I will keep an eye out for bent windows should I ever move ...

Edited by 2something on Thursday 15th January 12:51

[Skipppy]

Do you pay a service charge on your flat?

I do and my windows are cleaned. I rent, and do not pay extra for this. I would have thought that that could be part of the deal covered by the service charge.

[thinfourth2]

Silly fact of the day

In scotland it has been illegal for about the past 15years to install any window above the ground floor that you can't clean both sides from inside the house



Of course this is nothing more then nasty control freakery from local goverment and despite being a good idea this rule must be abolished