DOs and DON’Ts for Cleaning Your Vinyl Windows
3 minute read
If you’ve recently had vinyl windows installed or are in the process of getting them, you’re probably looking forward to years of relatively maintenance-free upkeep. Vinyl windows are an increasingly popular option among homeowners, and one of their major benefits is that they’re easier to clean and maintain than their traditional counterparts. Other advantages include superior energy efficiency than aluminum or wood windows, maximum durability, and a low environmental impact quotient. You can get even more from them if you learn the best way to clean vinyl windows.
Following are several tips and tricks designed to help you learn how clean vinyl windows.
Have the Right Tools
Having the right tools is essential for anyone who wants to take the best possible care of their vinyl windows. You’ll need soft cloths, a soft-bristled brush, a spray bottle, mild detergent, white vinegar, clean sponges, newspapers, a small, hand-held vacuum, and a couple of clean, dry towels.
Follow the Right Procedure
The first step in successfully cleaning your vinyl windows is timing — try not the schedule this task for times when the sun’s rays are directly hitting the area. If you’ve got a morning exposure, for instance, wait until afternoon to wash your windows.
Remove Pane and Screens
The next step is to remove the stains and screens and place them on a flat, stable surface. Frames with multiple chambers provide the convenience of being able to remove the pane for the purpose of providing an easy way to clean vinyl windows. As you’re doing this, closely inspect your vinyl window for any signs of wear-and-tear, such as cracks and rips.
Gently Remove Dirt and Grime
The step in cleaning your vinyl windows is to carefully vacuum any dust or debris on the windowsills and around the window frame up with the hand-held vacuum cleaner. After spraying the area to be cleaned with clean water, use the sponges and soft-bristled brush to remove surface dirt and grime. Repeat the steps if necessary, and take care not to use so much water that it runs down the surface of the window — this can cause water to pool at the bottom and possible result in damage.
Clean the Window Frames and Trim
Use a solution of mild detergent and warm water to gently clean the window frames and trim. Use a sponge or soft cloth and wipe the area dry immediately after cleaning.
Clean the Glass
Using either a mixture of white vinegar and water or a commercially prepared window cleaning solution, clean the window glass thoroughly. Using newspapers to dry it after cleaning helps prevent unsightly streaks.
Clean the Screens
If the weather is nice, take the screens outdoors and rinse them off with the hose. Use the soft-bristled brush and mild detergent on them if necessary to get them clean. If the weather is bad, clean the screens off in your bathtub or shower.
Clean Out the Tracks
The last thing to do before reassembling the window is to thoroughly clean out the tracks.Clear away dirt and dust with the vacuum and use the putty knife to remove stubborn particles. Wash with mild detergent and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
Please feel free to contact us at your convenience for more information on caring for your vinyl windows.
