Vinyl windows are a smart investment for homeowners, since they provide energy efficiency, affordability and durability. In fact, these windows can last for a few decades or more when they’re properly cared for, which can result in significant energy savings over the years. Although vinyl windows are highly durable, they can develop damage, discoloration or other issues without regular maintenance. Maintaining vinyl windows involves cleaning them and keeping the hardware lubricated to reduce wear and tear.
When you clean your home’s vinyl windows, it’s important to know the right way to do so. You’ll also need to make sure you’re using the right products, so you won’t accidentally damage your windows. Knowing how to clean vinyl windows properly can help ensure that yours end up lasting for many years before needing to be replaced. From glass panes and exterior surfaces to screens and hardware, the following guide can help you keep your windows clean and in excellent condition.
Clean the Window Glass
The glass panes in your windows need to be kept clean on a regular basis to prevent dirt and grime from building up on them. This can end up causing your windows to look clouded, which can make it hard to see out of them. Clouded or dirty glass panes can also affect your home’s curb appeal. When you clean window glass, you should make sure to use materials and products that are safe and won’t cause any damage.
What is the best thing to use for cleaning windows? You can mix water with mild soap to form a safe cleaning solution for window glass. You can also use other gentle ingredients that are able to cut through grime and dirt, such as baby shampoo or vinegar. Knowing how to clean windows with vinegar involves using the right amount of vinegar and water, along with a soft cloth, such as a microfiber cloth or soft paper towels. You can mix two parts water with one part white vinegar to get your window glass clean.
When cleaning window glass, start at the top of each pane and wipe with a cloth as you work your way down. After you thoroughly clean each pane, rinse them off to remove residue from your cleaning solution.
Clean the Vinyl Exterior
Knowing how to maintain vinyl windows includes cleaning the vinyl interior and exterior frames to prevent discoloration. You can wipe down the interior with a soft cloth and mild soap on a frequent basis, such as once a week, to remove dust and debris. You should clean the vinyl exterior a few times during the year to prevent grime and dirt from accumulating. You can mix mild soap with water and use a soft cloth to clean the exterior surfaces. When you’re done, make sure you rinse your vinyl exterior frames to get rid of soap residue. Otherwise, it can dry up on the surfaces and mar their appearance.
Clean Sash Tracks
The sash tracks in your vinyl windows allow them to open and close smoothly, which helps lower the risk of damage. Keeping the sash tracks clean can also help ensure optimal energy efficiency. You can clean the sash tracks with gentle soap, water and a soft cloth to remove dirt and other debris before it has a chance to build up. Wipe down the tracks thoroughly to get rid of soapy residue.
Clean and Lubricate Window Hardware
The moving pieces in your vinyl windows, such as the hinges and rollers, need to be kept clean and lubricated on a regular basis. Doing this helps ensure that these hardware components continue to work properly, so you can open and close your windows without any trouble. You should use small amounts of silicone-based lubricants on window hardware any time these pieces start sticking or working improperly. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants and abrasive cleaning solutions on window hardware, since these can cause damage.
Clean and Lubricate Window Hardware
The moving pieces in your vinyl windows, such as the hinges and rollers, need to be kept clean and lubricated on a regular basis. Doing this helps ensure that these hardware components continue to work properly, so you can open and close your windows without any trouble. You should use small amounts of silicone-based lubricants on window hardware any time these pieces start sticking or working improperly. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants and abrasive cleaning solutions on window hardware, since these can cause damage.
Clean Window Screens
Keeping your window screens clean can help prevent dust, dirt, allergens and other outdoor particles from lowering your indoor air quality. Having clean screens can also help your home look better overall. Knowing how to clean window screens involves taking them out of the frame and wiping them down while they’re flat on the floor. After wiping your screens, you should put mild soap on them and leave it on for a few minutes. You can then rinse off the soap and put your window screens back in place.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Vinyl Windows
When you clean your vinyl windows, it’s important to avoid using cleaning solutions or tools that could scratch or damage them. This includes harmful solvents, such as chlorine bleach or harsh soap, which can damage vinyl windows. These solvents can also cause white vinyl window frames to turn yellow. You should also avoid using abrasive ingredients on vinyl windows, such as bathtub cleansing products. Other products to avoid using on your vinyl windows include metal tools, sharp objects and steel wool. Instead, use microfiber or another soft cloth or a rubber squeegee to remove dirt and debris. When rinsing your windows, use a hose rather than a power washer or other equipment that produces a powerful stream of water, since this can damage window surfaces.
When you clean your vinyl windows is also important to consider. You should avoid cleaning them when it’s too cold or hot out. Hot weather can cause soapy residue to dry quickly, which can leave a buildup on your windows. Cold weather makes windows dry more slowly than usual, which can lead to streaks. You should also avoid cleaning vinyl windows in direct sunlight.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, vinyl windows should last for years. Just keep in mind which products and methods to use and which to avoid in order to prevent damage to your windows. Although they have a long life span, vinyl windows do need to be replaced eventually. If you need new windows, Energy Kingston Exteriors can help. Please contact us for more information on our window installation services.