How do you clean HDB windows safely?

How to clean HDB windows safely

To clean the outside of HDB windows without risk, stay inside the flat with both feet on the floor and let a long-handled or magnetic tool do the reaching. Window cleaning safety comes down to that one habit, and it matters most when you clean windows on a high floor.

1. Clear the area. Move furniture, plants and anything you could climb on away from the window, and keep children and pets out of the room.
2. Close the other panels. Keep every panel you are not cleaning shut, so there is only one opening at a time.
3. Wipe the inner glass. Use a damp microfibre cloth or a squeegee, working downwards, then dry the edges.
4. Clean the outer glass from inside. Reach it with a long-handled or magnetic tool through the open panel, keeping a firm grip and your body inside.
5. Clean the frames and tracks. Wipe the frames with a damp cloth and remove dust and grit from the tracks.
6. Lock every window. Close and lock each panel when you finish, and check that it is fully shut.

Falls inside the flat are a risk too. HealthHub notes that most falls among older people happen at home, and most are due to clutter or hazards such as slippery floors or loose cords. Keep the bucket out of walkways, wipe up drips as you go and keep any cords off the floor while you work.

Check the windows while you clean

Cleaning is a good time to look closely at each window. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) says windows deteriorate with wear and tear from wind and rain, and it gives homeowners three steps: check, clean, change. For the change step, HDB says window works may only be done by BCA-approved window contractors listed with HDB.

BCA's window maintenance checks depend on the type of window:

• Sliding windows. Check that the safety stopper and angle strip are in place and that the panel slides smoothly.
• Casement windows. Check that the rivets and screws are not loose or corroded. A mirror helps you see the hinge side.

HDB asks you to check your windows once every 6 months to make sure they work smoothly and have no loose or worn-out parts. Cleaning day is a natural time to do it. If you find a loose, worn or missing part, keep that window shut until it is fixed. For a step-by-step routine, see the guide to window safety checks.

Grilles and tracks

Grilles collect dust quickly. Clean them from inside with a damp cloth, one bar at a time, and only as far as you can reach while standing on the floor. Rinse the cloth often and dry the bars afterwards so water does not sit on them. If your grilles need more than a wipe, the guide to cleaning window grilles covers it in more detail.

Window tracks hold grit that can make sliding panels stiff. Vacuum the tracks first with a narrow nozzle to lift loose dust and sand, then wipe them with a damp cloth and dry them. A soft brush helps in the corners. Slide each panel back and forth afterwards to check that it moves smoothly.

Children and older family members

Windows need extra care when there are young children or older people at home. Keep beds, sofas, chairs and shelves away from windows so a child cannot climb up to them, and keep windows locked when children are around. Do not leave a window open and unattended while you fetch a fresh cloth or refill the bucket.

For older family members, a fall indoors is often the bigger risk. HealthHub advises keeping floors dry and free of clutter. On cleaning day, that means wiping up spills at once and putting tools away as soon as you finish. If an older family member wants to help, give them tasks that keep both feet on the floor, such as wiping the inner glass or the frames.

If you have young children, the childproofing checklist covers windows along with other risks around the flat.

HDB window cleaning services in Singapore

If you would rather not do the job yourself, you can hire a cleaner. Before you book, ask:

• Do your cleaners work only from inside the flat?
• What tools do they use for the outer glass?
• Are they insured?

Also ask how long the job takes and whether you should move furniture or clear the windowsills before they arrive.

A deep clean often includes windows, so check what a package covers before you book window cleaning separately. Price depends on the job, so compare what each company says is included. You can see companies that offer deep cleaning services and what their packages cover.

Questions