9 Steps: How to Clean Awning Windows from Inside
Awning windows open outward from the bottom, allowing steady ventilation even during rain and making them a popular choice across Australian homes, apartments, offices, and Airbnb properties. Their angled design, however, makes the exterior glass, tracks, hinges, and seals harder to reach when cleaning from inside. A structured approach is essential to avoid streaks, protect interior surfaces, and maintain smooth window operation.
The following checklist outlines everything that needs attention when cleaning awning windows from inside, from preparing the area and opening the sash safely to cleaning both sides of the glass, removing debris from tracks, caring for weather seals, maintaining crank or push-out mechanisms, and finishing with streak-free drying. This clear framework forms the foundation for the detailed step-by-step guide that follows.
9 Step-by-Step Guide to Clean Awning Windows From Inside
This section provides the main checklist. The nine steps work for most modern awning windows with a crank handle or friction stay.
- Prepare the area and gather tools
Place an old towel or drop sheet on the floor and sill to catch drips. Gather a bucket of warm water, a small amount of mild dish soap or pH-neutral glass cleaner, a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, a squeegee with a rubber blade, a small brush or old toothbrush, and a dry microfibre cloth. For higher panes, have a short step stool or telescopic handle rated for indoor use. - Open the awning window fully and remove the screen
Unlock the latch and wind the crank or push the sash so the window is fully open within its safety limit. Most awning windows have an interior flyscreen. Release the clips or tabs and gently remove the screen. Vacuum both sides of the screen and set it aside to dry after a light wash with soapy water. - Dust and vacuum the frame, hinges, and tracks
Use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum to remove loose dust, cobwebs and grit from the frame, top hinge areas, and side stays. Pay attention to the sill where debris collects. Removing dry soil first prevents mud from forming once water is added and reduces scratching on powder-coated frames. - Clean the inside glass from top to bottom
Dip a cloth or sponge into the soapy water, wring it out well, and wipe the interior glass in overlapping strokes. Focus on fingerprints, nose marks from pets, and areas where condensation leaves mineral spots. Follow with the squeegee, working from top to bottom and wiping the blade with a cloth after each pass. Finish edges with a dry microfibre cloth. - Reach and clean the exterior glass from inside where safe
Standing firmly on the floor or a stable step, lean only as far as feels secure. Slide the cloth or sponge under the open sash to reach the outside surface. Some awning windows allow access to most of the exterior by working from below and from each side. Use the same low suds solution and follow with the squeegee. If large sections remain out of reach, it is safer to use an exterior telescopic tool from outside or book a professional window cleaner, such as Everyday Clean’s window cleaning service in Sydney, for safe, streak-free results. - Detail corners, edges, and hardware
Dip a small brush or old toothbrush into the cleaning solution and scrub along the edges of the glass, around the hinge point, and along the weather seals. Wipe away loosened grime with a damp cloth. This step removes the dirt that causes streaks and helps the sash close smoothly. - Wash and dry window tracks and seals
With the sash still open, spray a little cleaning solution into the track or wipe it with a damp cloth. Use the brush to loosen built-up grit, paying attention to corners and drainage holes. Wipe clean with a cloth and then dry thoroughly. Clean the compression seals with a damp cloth only so they do not crack or lose flexibility. - Lubricate awning window hardware carefully
Once everything is dry, apply a small amount of dry silicone spray to the hinges, stays, and crank mechanism. Spray onto a cloth first, then wipe the moving parts. This keeps the opening action smooth and reduces strain on the handle. Avoid oily lubricants that attract dust or drip onto the glass. - Reinstall the screen and check the operation
Refit the dry flyscreen, ensuring clips engage properly. Open and close the awning window a few times to confirm that the hinges, stays, and crank move freely. Wipe any final marks from the glass or frame with a clean microfibre cloth. The window should now operate smoothly with clear, streak-free glass.
Best tools to clean awning windows from the inside
Choosing the right tools makes cleaning faster and safer. Awning windows perform best when tools manage water flow and reach without overextending the body.
A short-handled squeegee provides precise control for interior glass and reachable exterior sections. High-quality microfibre cloths trap dust and remove cleaning solution without lint. A small stiff-bristle brush or toothbrush cleans tracks and corners, while a vacuum crevice tool reaches deep into sills. For slightly higher windows, an indoor-rated telescopic pole with a microfibre pad allows extra reach without standing on unsafe furniture. In multi-storey homes, residents often combine interior cleaning with scheduled visits from professional window cleaners to handle exterior surfaces that cannot be reached safely from inside.
Safety precautions when cleaning awning windows from inside

Awning windows often sit above sinks, stairwells, or second-storey floors, so safety is critical. Always place feet on a secure surface and avoid standing on swivel chairs or unstable furniture. If a step stool is required, choose one with non-slip feet and handholds. Do not climb onto the sill or lean your body weight against the open sash. Avoid overreaching; instead, reposition the stool or switch to a telescopic tool. Keep electrical items away from the bucket and wipe up spills immediately to prevent slipping. For very high awning windows, such as those in voids or over staircases, the safest option is to engage a professional high-rise and hard-to-reach window cleaning service that uses the correct ladders, harnesses, and water-fed pole systems.
FAQs about how to clean awning windows from the inside
Many property owners share similar questions about hard to hard-to-reach awning windows. The answers below combine manufacturer guidance, cleaning forum experiences, and professional techniques.
How to clean the outside of an awning window from inside
Cleaning the outside of an awning window from inside is only practical where the opening allows safe access to most of the exterior pane. After opening the sash fully, reach under the hinged section from below and wipe the outer glass with a damp microfibre cloth, working from the bottom edge upward. A small squeegee on a short handle can then pull water downwards for a streak-free finish. If large areas of the glass remain out of reach without leaning or climbing, a different approach is needed. Options include using an exterior telescopic pole from ground level or a balcony, or booking a professional window cleaner who can access the glass safely from outside. If any hesitation arises about balance or reach, the job should be left to a trained technician.
What is the easiest way to clean crank-out awning windows from the inside
The easiest way to clean crank-out awning windows from inside is to combine full opening with methodical detailing. Start by cranking the window to its maximum safe angle, then removing the flyscreen. Vacuum the sill, tracks, and hinges to remove loose dust so it does not smear. Clean the interior glass in vertical passes, then reach below the sash to tackle as much exterior glass as the opening permits, using a compact squeegee. A small stool can improve the working angle as long as it is stable and rated for indoor use. For residents who find the crank stiff or the window difficult to fully open, lubricating the hardware first or arranging a maintenance call makes every subsequent cleaning quicker and less physically demanding.
How to prevent streaks when cleaning awning windows from the inside
Streaks form when too much product is used, when the cloth sheds lint, or when the dirty solution dries on the glass. To avoid this, always mix a low suds solution, using only a small amount of dish liquid or a dedicated glass cleaner diluted according to the label. Wring out cloths so they are damp, not dripping, and clean in overlapping passes from top to bottom. Use a squeegee immediately after washing, wiping the blade with a dry cloth between strokes. Finish by buffing edges and any missed spots with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Cleaning windows on a cool, overcast day, or out of direct sun, further reduces streaks because the solution does not evaporate too quickly.
Can you remove an awning window sash for easier cleaning
On some awning window systems, the sash can be removed by a qualified installer or maintenance technician, but this is rarely part of routine household cleaning. Removing the sash incorrectly can damage hinges, seals, or internal pressure balances and may void warranties. For standard cleaning, it is safer to work with the sash in place using the widest opening the mechanism allows. If the window design or building layout makes both sides of the glass impossible to reach safely, regular professional cleaning from outside or from a platform lift is the preferred solution. Residents who suspect their awning window needs sash removal for repairs should contact the manufacturer or a licensed glazier rather than attempting it themselves.
Are pressure washers safe for exterior awning window cleaning
Pressure washers are not recommended for direct use on awning windows. The concentrated force of the water jet can drive moisture past seals, damage weatherstripping, and even crack glass if the nozzle is held too close. High-pressure water can also dislodge sealant around the frame, leading to leaks and long-term structural issues. For heavily soiled exterior glass, a safer method is a soft brush attached to a water-fed pole or a low-pressure hose combined with a squeegee. Professional window cleaners sometimes use purified water systems that rinse away dirt without chemicals, but these operate at controlled pressures and angles. For homeowners, sticking to manual tools and gentle flow protects both the glass and the window system.
Final thoughts on how to clean awning windows from inside
How to clean awning windows from inside comes down to combining safe access, low-moisture cleaning, and regular maintenance. When dust, tracks, seals, and hardware are all addressed in one methodical session, awning windows stay clear, move smoothly, and last longer. For reachable windows, the nine-step routine above delivers professional-looking results with simple tools. For high or awkward locations, partnering with an experienced team like Everyday Clean ensures safety and crystal-clear results throughout the property.
About the Author

At Everyday Clean, we believe a clean space should feel good, not complicated. With over 20 years of experience, our team has learned what truly matters to customers: reliability, honesty, and results you can see. We share practical cleaning tips and real-world advice to help you care for your home or workplace with confidence. Every guide we write comes from everyday experience, what works, what doesn't, and how to make cleaning simpler for everyone.
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