Generally speaking, it is less work if you do it dry than wet. For the upper level windows, I clean from the inside by opening the window and using the vacuum cleaner with the round brush attachment.

At ground level, I use whatever is handy. I grab an old rag and wipe. If I have a broom in my hand, I use that. If I am using the garden hose, I'll spray water on the sill. If I am using the leaf blower, I will blow off the dust with that.

@graywings - thanks for the advice.

Because it looks like a combination cement/pollen/dust caked on some of the window ledges, I would think wiping it down with a mop would be expedient.

But like you, I rather use the item with least level of effort first.

My pros/cons for each:

Blower:
+ Power to remove dust easily & fast
- Not as much control where dust flies
- May damage window screens
- May not removed caked on dust

Mop:
+ Wipes everything clean
- More effort to rinse & squeeze water out
- Mop sponge or microfiber may rip on ledges

Towels:
+ Wipes everything clean
- Lots more effort to clean, rinse & squeeze water out
- Lots of towels may be used

Towels:
+ Wipes everything clean
- Lots more effort to clean, rinse & squeeze water out
- Lots of towels may have to be used

This post was edited by pbx2 on Tue, May 27, 14 at 16:17

The best tool for cleaning window is a scrubby sponge and grout brush, to really keep the dirt water out of from the water used for mopping, after mop use clean cotton towel to wipe the mop window.