As the winter thaws off and signs of life appear, it gets to the time when you come out of hibernation and back on your feet and spring cleaning is conducted. We want you off to a great start by providing you with the best advice on how to clean your windows and doors efficiently.
Exterior Maintenance
- Inspect the caulking on the exterior perimeter of your windows and patio doors at least once per year. This helps to create a watertight seal between the window and door frames and your house siding.
- If the caulking is cracked, broken, or missing, completely remove and replace with all new caulking to prevent from further damage.
- To remove any deposits on vinyl surfaces, such as grease, oil or stains, use a cleaner such as Fantastik® and gently rinse thoroughly afterwards.
- Note: Power washers should not be used when cleaning windows or doors as it may damage the products, therefore voiding warranty.
- Inspect wood surfaces on your windows carefully. You should paint or stain them as soon as possible after installation.
- Be sure to use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products.
Moving Parts Maintenance
- The regular maintenance and lubrication of your windows’ moving parts will help prolong their lives. All moving contact parts should be lubricated in the spring and fall.
- Check that all hardware operates smoothly (locks, opening mechanisms, etc.).
- Vacuum out any debris and clean the tracks with warm, soapy water. Dry thoroughly.
- Use a silicone spray on window tracks and hardware to help them operate smoothly
- Do not paint metal parts or weatherstripping as this could affect the operation of your windows and make them less effective.
Interior Maintenance
- Dust above all window and door frames.
- Open windows and clean the frame under the sash. Also, wipe the outside edge of the sashes to make sure there is nothing obstructing their operation.
Glass Maintenance
- For best results, do not clean glass when it is exposed to direct sunlight.
- Clean glass from top to bottom. Soak glass surface with soapy water to loosen dirt and debris.
- Use water of similar temperature to weather conditions, vinegar, and paper towel for a streak free finish.
- Repeat on both the interior and exterior glass.
Screen Maintenance
- When cleaning your screen, it is always easiest to remove the screen and lay it down on a flat surface. Always use caution when removing or handling screens.
- Interior mounted screens can be vacuumed with a soft brush attachment or wiped with a soap and water solution.
Here’s to spring and getting ready for the nice weather. We hope that these cleaning tips make spring cleaning a lot less scary. If you have a question about cleaning a product that was not mentioned feel free to email customerhelp@pollardwindows.com with your questions.