Whether you live in a fifth-floor walk-up or detached home, you don't have to spend another minute stuck looking out of dirty plates of glass.

Magnetic Window Cleaner

Cleaning the exterior side of windows that don't unlatch and lower into a room is no easy task, especially for apartment dwellers—unless you want to teeter dangerously on a window ledge. Or you can pick up a magnetic window cleaner that won't risk life or limb.

Grab a Mop to Clean Your Windows

A standard mop can make washing exterior windows a snap.

Try this recipe for getting glass sparkling clean:

Mix one part water to one part vinegar in a small bucket.

Dip a clean microfiber cloth or mop head into the solution, and attach to the mop handle.

Scrub your exterior windows with the mop.

Once most of the crud is gone, move on to the next step.

Spray a streak-free window cleaner onto the glass or on a clean microfiber cloth and wipe.

Wait for the window to dry.

Wipe the dried glass with newspaper for a streak-free shine. If your hands don't reach the window, you can skip this step.

And most important, don't be a daredevil. For example, never climb out onto a window ledge or dodgy fire escape to clean your windows.