How To Care For Your New Replacement Windows
If you’ve recently had replacement windows installed in your home, or if your existing windows are deteriorating, you may be wondering how to take care of them. After all, they’re a major investment and they’ll impact your home’s curb appeal and value. To ensure that your new windows last, follow these 5 tips for keeping them clean and functional.
1. Clean The Glass
To care for your new replacement windows, the first step is to clean the glass. You can do this easily and quickly with the proper tools. Start by using a spray bottle filled with one-part white vinegar and two parts water. Use a clean cloth to rub the solution onto the glass in multiple directions. You can also use a commercial window cleaner that is specifically designed to be used on glass. If you do, be sure to clean the frame with a different solution. This will avoid damage to the frame materials.
2. Clean The Frames
One of the easiest and simplest ways to keep your new window frames looking their best is to keep them clean. You can do this by using a vinegar and water cleaning solution, or by using a non-detergent soap mixture. Vinegar is great for removing dirt, mold, and mildew from vinyl windows. It also helps maintain the shine of the glass. Mix a solution of vinegar and water to spray the frame, let it sit for a few minutes to dissolve surface grime, and wipe it off with a sponge or soft brush. Repeat until the frames are clean and shining.
3. Clean The Sash Tracks
One of the most important parts of a window is the sash track. If these tracks get dirty, it can cause the sashes to stick. Luckily, there are several things you can do to keep them clean. First, use a mild cleaning solution and wipe the tracks down. After cleaning, lubricate the sash tracks with a silicone-based lubricant, available at most local home improvement stores. Aside from keeping your windows operating smoothly, keeping the tracks clean can also improve your home’s energy efficiency. Dirty sash tracks can reduce your home’s heat loss by preventing sunlight from reaching the interior of your house.
4. Clean The Windowsill
When it comes to window maintenance, most people focus on the glass and the frames, but windowsills are just as important. They help maintain the beauty of your home, and they can protect your windows from water damage and rotting over time. Mold on windowsills is a common problem. It grows on wood and aluminum windowsills because they are places where dust settles and combines with moisture. Regular cleaning of the wood and aluminum windowsills is necessary to prevent mold from growing. However, mold can also come back if the conditions that caused it to grow in the first place remain.
5. Clean The Windowpanes
Whether you have single pane or double-pane windows, you need to regularly clean them to maintain their performance and protect them from the weather. Fog can develop when air seeps through cracks and breaks in the seal between the panes. The best way to clean your windowpanes is to mix a mild soap solution, a little water and a soft cloth or sponge. Using this method, you can gently scrub and swab the frame and trim until all dirt and grime are gone. You can also use a commercial-class cleaner made specifically for glass, such as CLR(r). Apply this mixture to the entire windowpane and wipe it down with a cloth or sponge. Rinse well after cleaning.
Categorised in: Replacement Windows