Every double-storey home in Melbourne has the same problem: the upstairs windows are the ones everyone sees first, and they're the hardest to clean properly. Whether they're fixed windows that don't open, casements you can't reach the outside of, or simply too high for any household ladder, second-storey window cleaning is a job that most homeowners eventually hand to a professional. Here's exactly what that professional actually does.
The two methods for second-storey window cleaning
Water-fed pole
Preferred methodTelescopic carbon fibre or fibreglass pole extends up to 6 metres - past the roofline of a standard double-storey Melbourne home.
Purified water is pumped from the van through the pole to a soft bristle brush head pressed against the glass.
The cleaner works safely from the ground in overlapping strokes to lift grime.
When the pure water dries, it leaves the glass completely spotless - no streaks, no residue.
Safer, faster, and often produces a better result than ladder work because the brush reaches into corners a squeegee misses.
Ladder access
When requiredUsed for detailed cleaning around leadlight or colonial panes where close-up work is needed.
Professional ladders with standoff brackets protect the fascia and gutters.
Trained cleaners reposition the ladder frequently rather than overreaching - the discipline that prevents falls.
Always check the surface underfoot is stable before ascending.
How to clean second-storey windows that don't open
Fixed glass panels - common in modern Melbourne homes as feature windows, bathroom highlights or stairwell glazing - can only be cleaned from the outside. This is exactly what the water-fed pole system is designed for.
The brush head reaches and thoroughly scrubs the glass without the cleaner needing interior access or working at height. If the window is directly above a garden bed, pergola or roof structure, the cleaner will assess access options and adapt. Most situations are solvable with the right pole length and positioning.
Why DIY is risky - and worth knowing
âš Falls from ladders are the leading cause of serious injury at home
Household ladders are typically not tall enough to reach second-storey windows comfortably, and they're not stabilised with the standoff and footing equipment professional ladders use. The temptation to reach further or lean out to cover more glass per position is exactly when accidents happen.
What about windows above a conservatory or flat roof?
Properties with conservatories, single-storey extensions or flat roof sections present an interesting challenge. The cleaner may be able to access upper-storey windows directly from the conservatory or flat roof if it's structurally rated for foot traffic.
When booking, mention any unusual access situations - conservatories, internal courtyards, windows above a pool area, or properties with restricted side access. A good window cleaner will plan their access method ahead of arrival rather than arriving unprepared.
Can all second-storey windows be cleaned professionally?
In the vast majority of cases, yes. The only situations where a window cleaner may flag difficulty are:
Windows inside a fully enclosed light well with no ground-level access from any angle.
Windows above a pool with no surround access and no pole reach.
Very high windows on three or four-storey buildings (which require scaffolding or EWP access).
For standard Melbourne double-storey homes - including Edwardian, Victorian and contemporary builds across Bayside and Glen Eira - second-storey cleaning is entirely routine. A water-fed pole handles the majority of it from the ground, safely and efficiently.
How long does it take?
Double-storey, interior & exterior
2.5 – 4 hoursDouble-storey, exterior only
1.5 – 2.5 hoursYou'll get an estimated timeframe when you book.
For double-storey pricing and everything that affects the final cost, see the window cleaning cost guide for Melbourne.