Milgard Vinyl windows are energy efficient and easy to maintain. Just because they looked brand new when had them installed doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way.
Vinyl windows can get dirty too, but the occasional cleaning definitely beats the risk of rot that comes along with wood windows. Fortunately, vinyl windows in San Diego are simple to clean. Use these eight tips and your windows will look sparkling clean:
1. Inspect Your Windows
You’ll want to make sure that your window and frame has no damage before you start cleaning.
Be on the lookout for any mold, cracks, or distortions in the frame. You should also check if your screen has any kind of rips in it and if your glass is foggy or has cracks. Doing this will help you determine if your window needs to be replaced or repaired with new Milgard energy efficient windows.
2. Take off the Screen and Sash
It might be helpful to take off the window screens and sashes before you begin. Removing these pieces allow you to reach every area on your window, and let you do a more thorough cleaning job. Place the sash and the screen on a flat area that’s free of dirt and dust.
3. Clean the Screens
Now that you’ve taken off the screens, it’s time to wash them. You can either lay them in your bathtub, shower, or in your yard. Gently spray them with water using your hose or shower head.
Scrub them with a soft brush and mild soap to remove dirt. Be sure to not use a pressure washer on your screens.
4. Use the Right Tools
You don’t want to risk harming your Milgard vinyl windows. That’s why it’s important to use the right vinyl window cleaner and tools. Here are some of the things you might need:
- Soft cloths
- Gentle bristle brushes
- Mild soap
- Sponge
- Window cleaner
- Water and vinegar mixture
- Vacuum
When you’re cleaning the frame and trim of vinyl windows, you’ll want to use a combination of mild soap and water. Simply rinse the area with water, and use a sponge with mild soap to clean off any dirt. Avoid using harsh cleaners like power washers, bleach, or grease removers.
Just use a tiny amount of the mixture to ensure that you don’t leave any excess behind. Otherwise, it will gather towards the bottom of the window and could end up damaging it. You might find persistent stains that don’t respond to the combination of soap in water–in this case, you might have to use a stronger cleaner.
5. Clean the Tracks with Baking Soda
One of the filthiest parts of vinyl windows that often gets overlooked is the window track. You don’t need a special window track cleaning tool to get this part looking brand new, all you need is some baking soda, white vinegar, paper towels, and a toothbrush.
While this may sound like some sort of recipe, cleaning the tracks with baking soda is just as powerful as chemical cleaners. All you have to do is pour baking soda on the window track and then add some white vinegar. After letting it soak for about ten minutes, you can start scrubbing the track with a toothbrush.
As you scrub and start wiping the gunk up with a paper towel, you’ll find that your track is no longer tarnished by dirt. This will make your window open with ease.
6. Lubricate Your Windows
There’s only so much that cleaning the dirt out of your tracks can do. If you’re still having trouble opening and closing your windows smoothly, then you’ll need to lubricate them.
After cleaning the tracks, add some silicone lubricant to a cloth and wipe down the tracks with it. You should also lubricate the ends of the sashes that go into the tracks. Put the sash back into the window, opening it and closing it a few times to spread out the lubricant.
Always spray the lubricant onto your cloth, not onto the tracks and sashes directly.
7. Don’t Leave Streaks
When cleaning the window glass, you can use either a window cleaner or a combination of water and vinegar. Clean the glass with water to wipe off any dirt or debris that can scratch the glass before you start. You should then follow up with a window cleaner.
Wipe the window clean before the chemicals can pool at the bottom of the window, as this can result in damage. Thoroughly rinse the windows off after you use a cleaner on them. Don’t forget to dry the windows using a soft, lint-free cloth.
Following these steps will help you get a streak-free shine for your vinyl windows.
8. Look to the Sky
You probably never thought to consider the weather as an important factor in window cleaning. However, it actually does matter if it’s sunny outside or not. You might look outside on a beautiful day, and think it’s perfect weather for window-cleaning.
Contrary to what you might think, you shouldn’t clean your windows on a sunny and hot day. Doing so makes the cleaner that you’re using dry up before you can even wipe it off. This makes it hard to avoid spots and streaks.
It’s better to clean your windows on a cloudy day. You’ll be able to easily clean and shine your windows without having to worry about leaving streaks.
Maintaining Your Vinyl Windows in San Diego
Knowing how to clean vinyl windows can save your windows from becoming an eyesore. Having cloudy glass can lower your home’s curb appeal, and definitely doesn’t give you a good view outside.
You’ll no longer have to struggle to open and close your windows either. The proper lubrication and cleaning tools will make your windows look much more attractive and will make them easier to open as well.
If you find any damage on your windows, you’ll want to get them repaired as soon as possible. Not repairing the issues when they’re small can result in more expensive problems in the future. Contact us today for more information about maintaining your vinyl windows in San Diego.
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