Basics of Window Cleaning and Maintenance

The team at Home Supply Window & Door always tells our customers that you don’t have to invest a lot in proper window cleaning maintenance. It’s important to check your windows’ functionality and construction every few months to stay on top of any required repairs, especially if the windows are under warranty. Otherwise, seasonal cleaning is just about all your new windows should need.

Gather the Proper Cleaning Supplies

Window maintenance doesn’t require a lot of fancy tools or equipment. In fact, you probably already have most of them on hand. One tool that will make the job easier and handle streaks better is a squeegee. If you don’t have a squeegee or don’t want to purchase one, you can use a lint-free cloth in its place. Just don’t use any type of scouring or scrubbing tool which could harm the glass. Your cleaning solution should also be non-abrasive, such as two gallons of warm water and a tablespoon of dish detergent.

Prepare the Windows

Modern windows have construction and assembly that make cleaning quite easy. Some have removable sashes and screens, while others offer tilt-in access enabling you to clean the exterior portion of the window from inside the home. This is very convenient for homes on raised foundations or those with multiple levels. Never put yourself in danger or unsafe situations when cleaning your home’s windows.

Clean the Frames

Use a lint-free cloth to wipe away any cobwebs, loose dirt, and dust from the exterior and interior of the window frames. Use a mix of dish soap and water to clean the window frames. If there is tougher dirt or debris, you can use a soft bristle brush to remove it. Once the frames have been cleaned, use fresh water to rinse and dry them thoroughly, ensuring no water has pooled around the glass at the bottom of the window. If you use a hose to rinse the exterior of the windows, use a very low setting and spray indirectly at the windows to avoid damaging the glass seals.

Clean the Glass

You don’t need store-bought window cleaners to give the glass a streak-free shine. The soap detergent you use to clean your dishes works perfectly for your new or replacement windows. If you’re using a squeegee, place just the corner of the squeegee at the top corner of the glass and clean a narrow strip from the top of the glass to the bottom. This is called a starting strip and makes cleaning horizontally much easier. After you complete the starting strip, you will start cleaning the glass using horizontal strokes, starting at the top and working your way down. After each horizontal pass, wipe the squeegee clean and start a new squeegee line, just overlapping the previous one above it. Continue this process until the entire glass is cleaned.

Wipe Away Excess Water

Once all the glass has been cleaned with the squeegee, take a lint-free cloth and wipe away any excess water that may be sitting in the frames. Pay close attention to the bottom area of the window. Use your finger inside a dry, lint-free cloth and run it around the perimeter. You can also use a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining streaks.

Clean the Tracks

Whether you’ve removed sashes or tilted windows in to clean the exterior panes, before you reassemble the window, it’s important to clean and lubricate the tracks the windows run up and down in. Use a vacuum to remove any dirt buildup. If anything is lodged or stuck in the channel, try a soft brush or plastic putty knife to remove it. When the track is clean and clear, apply a silicone lubricant to the tracks. Refrain from spraying the silicone directly on the track, as you might get it on the newly cleaned windows. Instead, spray it on a soft cloth and use that to apply on the tracks. This is the final step to ensure your windows are all clean and maintenance is complete.

Prolong the Life of Your Windows

Home Supply & Window offers window maintenance tips for homeowners to ensure their products last as long as possible. Visit our site to learn the answers to other frequently asked questions, and let us know how we can help with your window installation needs. Contact us or stop by our showroom in Hawthorne, NJ.