The safest way to clean second-story windows yourself is to stay off the ladder. CDC counted 113 U.S. workers killed and an estimated 34,000 treated in emergency departments for ladder falls in 2011, and where the fall height was recorded, nearly 90% of those injuries came from under 16 feet. If you do use a ladder, follow OSHA's basics. If the windows are high, the ground is soft, or you aren't comfortable, hire an insured pro.
Why the ladder is the real risk
Cleaning glass isn't hard. Reaching it is. A 2014 CDC report looked at work-related ladder falls in 2011. It counted 113 deaths and an estimated 34,000 injuries treated in emergency departments, and 14% of those emergency visits led to a hospital stay. Where the fall height was recorded, nearly 90% of the injuries were from under 16 feet, and half were from 6 to 10 feet. That is about the height you stand at to reach many second-story windows.
Those were workers, not homeowners, so the numbers are not a home-cleaning injury rate. The point is how little height it takes to be seriously hurt.
If you use a ladder: OSHA's basics
- Set the right angle. Place the base a quarter of the ladder's working length away from the wall (the 4-to-1 rule).
- Use stable, level ground. OSHA says to use a ladder only on a stable and level surface unless it is secured to prevent movement. Soft, sloped, or wet ground isn't stable.
- Keep three points of contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) whenever you climb.
- Never stand on the top three rungs of a straight or extension ladder.
- Look overhead first. OSHA says to check for overhead power lines before handling a ladder, and to avoid metal ladders near power lines or exposed energized equipment.
- Respect the load rating, which includes the weight of the tools and equipment you carry.
During the rainy season, which the National Weather Service puts at May 15 to October 15 for Southwest Florida, showers and thunderstorms are frequent. Wet ground, wet frames, and wind are all reasons to put the ladder away.
Safer ways to reach upper windows
- Clean from inside where you can. Some windows tilt in or lift out for cleaning. Check your window maker's instructions before you try.
- Use a pole from the ground or a balcony for light dust. A pole-mounted washer and squeegee can reach some upper glass, but it won't handle stuck-on dirt or mineral spots as well as work done up close.
- Hire a pro with the right equipment. A water-fed pole lets a cleaner wash tall exterior glass from the ground. We compare it with hand squeegee work in squeegee vs. water-fed pole window cleaning.
Signs this is a job to hire out
- The windows sit above a roof, lanai, or pool cage
- The ground is steep, soft, or cluttered, or there is no level spot for a ladder
- Power lines run near the house
- The glass has heavy buildup or sprinkler spots (see sprinkler stains on Florida homes)
- It is wet or windy
- You hesitate for any reason. If you hesitate, don't climb
What about a pressure washer?
Don't use one on windows. High pressure can force water into window seals, and it won't leave a clean finish. We use a traditional squeegee-and-solution method instead, as explained in soft washing vs. pressure washing.
Questions to ask a window cleaner about upper floors
- How will you reach my second-story windows: ladders, a water-fed pole, or both?
- Are you insured for ladder work, and can you show me proof?
- Is the price the same for upper windows, or is height extra?
- How do you protect landscaping, screens, and pool cages near the ladder?
More questions to ask before you book are in our window cleaning cost guide. Have tall or upper-floor windows? See our window cleaning service, or call or text (425) 977-5156 to ask about your house.
Frequently asked questions
How far from the wall should a ladder be?
OSHA's ladder quick card says to place the base a quarter of the working length of the ladder away from the wall. That is the 4-to-1 rule.
Is it safe to clean second-story windows from a ladder?
It can be done safely with the right ladder, level ground, and care, but falls are the main risk. CDC data on work-related ladder falls shows that most injuries came from falls of under 16 feet. If you aren't comfortable, hire an insured pro.
What is the safest way to clean upper windows without a ladder?
Clean from inside if your windows tilt in or lift out, use a pole from the ground or a balcony for light dust, or hire a pro who uses a water-fed pole to reach tall glass from the ground.
Do window cleaners charge more for second stories?
Often. Height and access take more time and equipment, so ask whether upper windows are priced differently and what the quote covers.
Sources & further reading
- CDC MMWR: Occupational Ladder Fall Injuries, United States, 2011
- OSHA: Portable Ladder Safety (Quick Card)
- National Weather Service Tampa Bay: Rainy Season
About Shine Otter
Shine Otter is a family owned and operated exterior cleaning company serving Southwest Florida, from Englewood and Venice to Cape Coral and Fort Myers. We handle window cleaning, roof and gutter cleaning, soft washing, driveway and patio cleaning, window screen cleaning, storm debris cleanup, and solar panel cleaning. Call or text (425) 977-5156 for a free quote. Meet the owners.