[08/09/2022]

Who's ready for some spring cleaning? 

There is nothing more satisfying than getting your home looking its best - and cleaning your windows and doors is a big part of that. 

As you might imagine, we’re an authority when it comes to getting your windows and doors to sparkle at their cleanest and clearest - so enjoy our step-by-step guide to spring-cleaning your windows and doors. 

Step 1 - Insect & Safety Screens

1. Remove all screens that you can carefully and wash using a soft brush, some warm water and mild detergent. 

2. Once you’ve given them a good scrub, hose the screens down and leave them to dry. 

3. Put the screens back on after cleaning all other parts of your windows and doors. 

Step 2 - Cleaning the Glass 

1. Avoid using any form of blade, scraper or alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners. 

2. Fill a spray bottle with one-part vinegar and ten-parts water OR use Windex Multi-Surface Cleaner for a streak-free finish that won’t damage Low-E glass coatings. If you are sure that the glass doesn’t have a Low-E coating, you can use a mild detergent.

3. Flood the surface of the glass with the cleaning solution - the more the merrier.

4. Scrub the glass with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth, before wiping to dry with a microfibre towel or squeegee. Grit, sand, and other dirt won’t easily stick to a microfibre towel, minimising the chance of accidental scratching.  

Bonus Tip: Cleaning your glass on a cloudy day will give you better results, as the sun can dry out the cleaning solution prematurely and cause streaks.

Step 3 - Frames, Sills, Tracks & Hinges

For Aluminium Windows and Doors: 

1. External aluminium surfaces can be cleaned with clean water, mild detergent, and a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive metal cleaners and steel wool as these will damage your glass and aluminium surfaces. 

2. Drainage slots and tracks can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or a soft cloth, to remove any potentially clogging dirt or grime. 

Bonus tip: Use a cardboard paper towel tube as a makeshift attachment for your vacuum cleaner to avoid scratching any aluminium surfaces.
 

For Timber Windows and Doors 

1. For best results use clean water, mild detergent and a soft cloth and clean top to bottom. Avoid using any solvents.

2. Clean drainage slots and sliding tracks with a damp cloth. 

3. Use a dry silica-based lubricant to lightly grease top tracks and oil hinges if necessary. 

Step 4 - Hardware (Hangers, Pivots, Brackets & Locks)

1. Wipe any exposed or visible hardware surfaces with some warm soapy water and a soft rag, and then rinse away residue. 

2. Apply a thin film corrosion preventative (such as CRC Marine 66, Innox or WD40) to help maintain the original lustre of the metal finish, but make sure you avoid getting these compounds on timber, as they may stain timber finish. 

3. Locking mechanisms may also be sprayed if required. 

Looking for more information on maintaining your windows and doors? Check out our maintenance guide.

Or for more window care tips get in touch with our team of experts.