How to Clean High-Rise Apartment Windows in NYC (Safely)

NYC grime coats high-rise windows faster than you'd expect — city dust, pollution, and rain residue build up within weeks. You can't exactly hang out the window with a squeegee on the 30th floor, but you can make the inside spotless and deal with what you can reach.

Interior Window Cleaning

For the inside of your windows, this is the professional method:

• ✓Spray glass cleaner (or 50/50 vinegar and water) on the glass
• ✓Wipe with a microfiber cloth in an S-pattern from top to bottom
• ✓Buff dry with a second clean microfiber cloth
• ✓For stubborn spots, a razor blade held at a 45-degree angle works on glass (careful on tinted windows)
• ✓Don't forget the window frame and sill — wipe those down too

Window Tracks

Window tracks in NYC high-rises are disgusting. They collect dirt, dead insects, and black grime from city air. Vacuum the tracks first with a crevice attachment, then spray with all-purpose cleaner and let it sit for 5 minutes. Scrub with an old toothbrush, then wipe clean. For really caked-on grime, baking soda paste works well.

Exterior Windows

For buildings with tilt-in windows, you can clean the outside from inside your apartment — tilt the sash and clean the exterior surface while it's accessible. For fixed windows, the exterior is your building's responsibility. Most NYC high-rises have the windows cleaned professionally 1–2 times per year. If yours doesn't, bring it up with your building management.

Never attempt to clean exterior windows by leaning out or standing on the sill. It's not worth your life for clean glass. Our regular apartment cleaning includes interior window wiping as part of every visit.