How to clean your vinyl windows
No matter how well-maintained the working parts of your window may be, the first thing that people will notice is if the area is dirty. The more you do to regularly keep your windows clean, the easier it will be to scrub away the dirt and grime that tends to build up. Pay attention to these specific areas:
- Screens – Your screen is the first line of defense from all of the dirt and grit that tries to enter your home. It’s no wonder they can get pretty gunky and in need of a thorough cleaning often. It is best to take the screen out of the window and lay it on a hard, flat surface such as a driveway, deck, or patio. Use a cloth with some dish soap to gently scrub the screen. Then spray it down with a hose on medium or low setting.
- Glass – Get your glass back to its original shine and clarity! Depending on how heavily soiled the glass is, you may simply wipe the surface with a damp piece of cloth. Then polish dry with a cotton or paper towel. For more stubborn grime, a commercial glass cleaner would do the trick. If any streaking occurs, wipe down the glass with a towel slightly dampened with warm water, and then dry it with a cotton cloth.
- Exterior components – The exterior components of your window should all be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleanser and warm water. Give attention to the vinyl frames, trim, coil, caulking, window casing, and adjacent walls. This will help reduce the buildup of debris and dirt which can often contribute to window jams.
Keeping parts well-lubricated
The moving parts on vinyl windows work best when kept well-lubricated. This is something that only takes a few minutes and will ensure that your windows will operate smoothly throughout the year.
Use oil spray or furniture polish on areas such as the hinges, the sliding tracks, and the top and bottom of your windows. You may leave it on for a few minutes and wipe away using a damp paper towel. We recommend that you repeat these steps at least once a year and twice a year in areas with salty air.
Fixing broken parts
Attend to any holes, cracks, splinters, broken glass, or other damages promptly. Broken parts could result in wasted energy, increasing your bills every month. Not only that, a broken part could be potentially dangerous because it leaves your window vulnerable to a break in.
For example, one of the most common broken parts on a vinyl window is the catch, which is the lock that prevents intruders from entering. When this breaks, it is imperative that you fix it either yourself or with the help of a professional.
Certain broken parts may also require the help of a professional because you do not have the necessary tools or you need to protect yourself from getting hurt when handling glass. For these cases, contact us for the repair or replacement of your vinyl windows!
Home Window Installation