Keeping your replacement windows and sliding patio doors clean can help maintain the beauty of your home inside and out. Sparkling clean replacement windows provide a brighter and more vibrant view of the outdoors while allowing more sunlight into your home at the same time. If you’ve noticed your replacement windows or patio doors are looking a little dirty, here are some simple steps from the experts at California Showcase Construction to help you get your replacement windows and patio doors looking like new again.
Steps for Cleaning Your Replacement Windows & Patio Doors
You don’t have to hire a professional window cleaner to clean your windows. With the right tools, it’s a job that can easily be done yourself. Follow these tips to have your replacement windows and sliding patio doors sparkling in no time at all!
- To avoid streaking, wash windows on a cloudy day. Full sun will quickly dry any cleaning solution you use, leaving streaks behind.
- Begin by gathering a household glass cleaner, a squeegee, a soft brush, and lint-free cloths or paper towels for cleaning. You can also make your own homemade window cleaner by mixing the following ingredients in a spray bottle: 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon white vinegar.
- Prior to cleaning the glass, wash window and door frames with a soft brush and a solution of mild dish soap and water. Avoid using harsh, abrasive, or petroleum-based cleaners that could cause permanent damage to the frame’s finish. Make sure drainage holes at the bottom of the frames are clean and clear. Rinse with water and wipe dry.
- Apply window cleaner to the glass. Always start at the top and pull the squeegee over the pane in an S-pattern. At the end of each stroke, wipe the blade clean with a lint-free cloth. When cleaning your replacement windows inside, place a towel on the sill of the window or floor underneath the sliding door to absorb any water runoff.
- Wipe up the remaining drips with a cloth. Avoid allowing tap water to dry and remain on your glass. The reason is that tap water contains hard minerals and, over time, they can interfere with the transparency of your glass.
- To clean screens, remove them and wash on a clean, flat surface using a solution of mild dish soap and water and a soft brush. Rinse, dry, and reinstall.
- Once you’re finished cleaning your windows, make sure to dry the areas around them. If any liquids dripped onto the floor, you’ll want to dry those areas to prevent a slipping hazard.
More About Caring for Your Replacement Windows & Patio Doors
The steps above can be used to ensure the glass of your replacement windows and patio doors are sparkling clean. We also would like to suggest a few additional steps for ensuring your patio doors are clean. For sliding patio doors specifically, you’ll want to clean the track that the doors slide on. The track might have dirt or debris that can prevent the doors from gliding smoothly and may interfere with its operation over time. Cleaning the track system of your patio door regularly will help it stay in optimal condition.
Cleaning and caring for your replacement windows and doors will ensure you maximize the benefits of your windows. Additionally, proper maintenance can help extend the lifetime of your windows and sliding patio doors so that you get years of enjoyment from your replacement window and door products. Get more tips on caring for replacement windows and doors, and stay tuned to our blog for more spring cleaning ideas! If your windows and doors have seen better days, replacing them might be a way to go. Contact California Showcase Construction for a FREE window and patio door replacement estimate.
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