Window Care Guide: How to Care for Your Windows
Buying windows that looks fantastic can improve the look and feel of your home. Follow our window care Guide to maintain your Safe and Sound windows for years to come.
Every window needs to be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis because weather, pollution, and many other things can discolor and harm windows over time. Although replacing windows can be costly, you can extend the lifespan, performance, and look of your new windows by taking extra care and according to the right cleaning and maintenance guidelines.
Naturally, there are a lot of variables that affect window care, from material and glass to locks and hinges, so we’ve put together a straightforward checklist to make it as easy as possible.
1. Caring for Window Glazing
A regular cleaning routine is essential to maintaining the greatest possible appearance and functionality of your windows’ glazing. Under normal circumstances, we advise you to properly clean your windows at least twice a year.
However, more frequent cleaning can be required if your property is close to the shore, where windows are more likely to get covered in salt water, or if it is close to construction or production facilities, where dust and grime are more likely to be in the air.
Regular Cleaning Routine
- For urban or coastal areas: Clean windows every 2-3 months.
- For rural areas: Cleaning twice a year may suffice.
- For homes near construction sites or heavy traffic: More frequent cleaning may be necessary.
Effective Cleaning Techniques
- Start with a soft-bristled brush or vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Prepare a cleaning solution using warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth or sponge to apply the solution to the glass.
- Wipe in a circular motion, paying extra attention to corners and edges.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
- Use a squeegee or clean microfiber cloth to dry the glass, working from top to bottom.
Dealing with Condensation
Many people believe their windows are to blame for window condensation as the weather changes in the fall, with temperatures falling and the weather becoming wetter. Most of the time, condensation is a temporary affect that goes away in a few hours, but it can still be uncomfortable, unsightly, and a sign of problems that could lead to illness.
An imbalance in temperature, when one surface is at a different temperature than another, is what causes condensation. For instance, the glass surface of a bottle of milk falls below the “Dew Point” when it is removed from the refrigerator. At this stage, atmospheric water vapor condenses onto the surface to form water droplets.
The warm, humid air produced by running baths or showers frequently causes condensation on bathroom mirrors, and cooking may induce brief condensation on your kitchen windows.
Condensation may develop on the outside, interior, or in between glass panes of windows. If it’s external, this is a good example of high-quality glazing. If it occurs indoors, poorer glazing and inadequate ventilation are to blame. We would advise replacing your glazing for health reasons (because to moisture and possible mold growth), but there are some things you may do to lessen the problem first.
Unfortunately, the latter shows that your glazing unit has failed and is allowing water to enter. It is best to have it changed before you experience water marks and decreased visibility.
Read more: How to stop condensation on windows…
Safe and Sound Noise Reduction Windows
2. Window Frame Cleaning and Maintenance
Maintaining your window frames is equally as crucial as maintaining the glazing. Although weather-related and pollution-related dirt shouldn’t harm your windows, we advise routinely cleaning the frames to maintain their finest appearance, especially in urban areas and along the seaside. We advise that window frames in urban or coastal residences be cleaned every three months. You can typically get away with cleaning them twice a year in rural areas.
uPVC Window Frames
uPVC windows frames are popular due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. To keep them in good condition:
- Clean regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
- For stubborn stains, use a specialized uPVC cleaner.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the surface.
- Check and clean drainage channels to prevent water buildup.
Wooden Window Frames
Wooden frames require more attention to prevent rot and maintain their appearance:
- Clean with a mild soap solution and soft cloth.
- Inspect annually for signs of rot, cracks, or peeling paint.
- Sand lightly and repaint or restain every 2-3 years, or as needed.
- Apply a water-repellent preservative to protect against moisture damage.
- Ensure proper sealing around the frame to prevent water infiltration.
Aluminum Window Frames
Aluminum windows frames are known for their strength and resistance to corrosion. To maintain them:
- Clean with a mild detergent solution and soft cloth.
- For oxidation (white powdery residue), use a specialized aluminum cleaner.
- Check for any signs of corrosion and address promptly.
- Lubricate moving parts annually to ensure smooth operation.
Thinking About New Triple-Glazed Windows?
3. Caring for Window Hardware
Window hardware, including locks, handles, and hinges, requires regular maintenance to function properly:
Cleaning Hardware
- Wipe down hardware with a damp cloth to remove dust and grime.
- For stubborn dirt, use a mild soap solution and soft brush.
- Dry thoroughly to prevent rust or corrosion.
Lubricating Moving Parts
- Apply a silicone-based lubricant to hinges, locks, and other moving parts annually.
- Wipe away excess lubricant to avoid attracting dust.
- Avoid using oil-based lubricants, which can attract dirt and grime.
Tightening and Adjusting
- Check all screws and fittings regularly, tightening as needed.
- Adjust hinges if windows become misaligned or difficult to open and close.
- Replace any worn or damaged hardware promptly to maintain security and functionality.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
Proper window care can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency. Consider these tips:
- Ensure proper sealing around windows to prevent air leaks.
- Use window treatments like blinds or curtains to regulate indoor temperature.
- Consider applying low-emissivity (low-E) film to existing windows to improve insulation.
- Evaluate the benefits of upgrading to more energy-efficient windows if your current ones are old or poorly insulating.
