Every system inside your home benefits from routine maintenance; your windows are no different. When you inspect, clean, and maintain your windows, they'll continue to protect you from the elements for years to come.
Vinyl windows can be inspected, cleaned, and sometimes repaired without the need for professional assistance. This article covers how to inspect vinyl windows and determine if any parts need to be repaired or replaced.
General Recommendations When Caring for Vinyl Windows
There are a few things to remember about vinyl window maintenance in general. Ask for help when you're working with a large window sash to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the window. Additionally, insect screens are not security devices and will not prevent a child, or anyone, from falling through.
On top of routine maintenance, regularly cleaning your windows can help keep your window glass and frames in tip-top shape. To prevent dirt from building up, you should clean your windows at least twice a year (monthly in coastal areas).
Cleaning Vinyl Windows Begins With the Gutters
Part of routine maintenance and proper window care starts at your gutters. If your gutters are clogged, sagging, or cracking, water could be flowing towards the exterior of your home and windows. Prevent water from damaging your windows, weatherstripping, exterior siding joints, and weep systems by cleaning your gutters of debris and particles at least once a year. Once your gutters are clean, you can start to inspect your windows. A clean gutter will continue to direct excess water away from your windows, doors, and, most importantly, your home's foundation.
Tools You'll Need
Here are the tools you'll need to clean your vinyl windows:
- Scrapers
- Squeegees
- Microfiber pads
- Cleaning solution or mild detergent
- Soft bristle brush
- Spray bottle
- Silicone lubricant
- Plastic putty knife
- Vacuum cleaner
Here are things you want to avoid using:
- High-pressure washers
- Harsh abrasives or cleaners
- Furniture polish
- Metal blades or razors
- Liquid grease removers
- Paint thinners
- Cleansers with bleach
Steps for Cleaning Vinyl Windows
1. Inspect the Windows
Before you start cleaning, you need to inspect your window and frame. Look for any cracks, mold, or warping. Also, check for fogging or cracking in the glass. This preliminary check will allow you to spot problems early and indicate any window failure.
Milgard offers a wide range of vinyl window options to meet all your design needs. Your vinyl windows should be inspected annually. However, if you live in coastal areas, you may want to inspect them every month to ensure that your windows are functioning properly.
Inspecting the Insect Screen
Next, perform an inspection on your insect screen. If you detect any cuts, scratches, holes, or looseness, contact your local supplier for repair or replacement information. Although it's an easy fix, your screen may not be covered under the manufacturer's warranty. To determine if your screen is covered under warranty, reach out to your supplier or distributor. In particular, Milgard vinyl windows are covered by a lifetime limited warranty, meaning a lifetime warranty on the mainframe and 20 years for IGU and components.
If you don't find any damage or issues during your insect screen inspection, you can perform preventive maintenance on your screen to keep the product in good shape. Some insect screen maintenance tips include:
- Lightly lubricating tracks with silicone spray to ensure smooth transitions.
- Cleaning the insect screen tracks with a vacuum to remove any dirt or debris.
If your insect screen is damaged, it's recommended to perform a repair or replace your entire screen. Contact a local supplier for more information on how to repair or replace your screen.
Inspect the Vinyl Window Frame and Sash
Some vinyl windows are outfitted with a removable sash. If your sash can be removed, it may be helpful to remove it prior to inspection. To perform a thorough inspection of your window panel and frame, follow these guidelines:
- Inspect the stiles and rails of your sash for any damages.
- Look at the glass to determine if there are any cracks. If you notice any cracks in your window glass, contact your local glass supplier for a replacement.
- For insulating glass units, look for moisture or fogging between glass panes (most likely to occur on cold mornings). This could be an indication of seal failure that needs to be addressed.
Once you've assessed the state of your panel and frame, you can take a closer look at the weatherstrip.
Maintaining and Cleaning Vinyl Window Weep Systems
Milgard vinyl windows are crafted with high-quality materials; however, standing water can slowly damage even the sturdiest structures. A blocked weep system prevents water from draining out of the structure, which can damage your vinyl window. Interior weep holes are commonly rectangular or round holes cut into the vinyl in the bottom of the sill or track or the face of a vertical member of the sill near the bottom.
Accessing these weep holes may require the removal of the sash or panel and then removal of the snapped in sill insert, roller track, or face of a vertical member of the sill near the bottom. Removing a sash or panel can be awkward. If you're unsure about how to remove the window panel, contact our team at US Window and Door for recommendations and proper procedures for your specific vinyl window model.
Exterior weep holes are usually rectangular or round holes cut in the exterior face of a vinyl sill. They may have a small flap or baffle covering the hole. Follow these instructions when clearing your vinyl window weep system:
- Regularly clean the sill track by wiping thoroughly with a damp cloth. Get rid of any blockage in the corners and from the exterior weep holes caused by masonry or caulking.
- Pour a small amount of water (1 cup) into the interior sill track. If water doesn't drain quickly from the sill through the weep system, insert a thin wire into the weep hole to clear the blockage. When clearing exterior weep holes, the passages through the inside of the frame may be slightly offset to the left or right.
- Don't insert the wire farther than necessary to clear the blockage because the insulating glass unit may become damaged.
2. Remove the Screens and Sash
Next, remove window screens and sashes and place them on a flat surface. When doing so, try to avoid more dirt exposure. It helps to have an extra set of hands for this job because you don't want to drop the screens or sashes. Also, be careful around the windows. You do not want a child or anyone else to fall through.
3. Trim and Clean the Frame
Mix a mild water and soap solution to clean the vinyl window frame and trim. Start by rinsing the area with water, then cleaning with soap. Use a soft brush and sponge to dislodge dirt. Promptly rinse with water and wipe dry with a lint-free cloth. Try to wash, rinse, and dry quickly. Do not let the water run down and collect, or it can pool into the bottom of the window and cause future damage. For more stubborn stains, you might need stronger cleaning products. If necessary, you can repeat the steps. Never use alcohol or ammonia-based products, dishwashing detergents, or any other cleaning products that contain abrasive chemicals. If used, these harmful substances will damage the vinyl and most likely void your warranty, as well.
4. Clean the Glass
Vinyl windows can be easily discolored and scratched, so clean them gently. Use a glass cleaner or solution of vinegar and water. First, rinse the glass surface with clear water, then spray on the cleaning solution. Again, do not allow liquids to run down the window and pool. Rise and wipe dry quickly. For streak-free cleaning, you might consider using newspaper instead of cloth. Do not wipe debris-covered windows without rinsing them first. Also, avoid cleaning the glass in direct sunlight. Additionally, stay away from using household sponges, paper towels, or other abrasive cloths to wipe down the window panel. These materials can scratch the surface.
5. Wash the Screen
Remove the window screens and put them out on the lawn, driveway, or even in the bathtub. Gently spray the screen with water. Don't use a pressurized washer! Instead, use a soft stream of water and a soft-bristle brush. Use a mixture of mild detergent for more stubborn dirt and grime. Once clean, rinse with water and allow time to dry. You can also dry the window surface completely with a soft, absorbent cloth. To prevent water spots on the window, use another lint-free cloth to dry the surface completely.
6. Reassemble
Lastly, clean out the window tracks prior to reinstalling. Use the vacuum to clear away any remaining dirt and the plastic putty knife to get rid of larger obstructions. Next, clean with mild detergent, rinse and let it dry. Lube the window track with a silicone spray and wipe it down with a clean cloth. Carefully replace the screens and sashes inside the window. Test the sash to make sure it rolls smoothly. Finally, wipe down and lube the window hardware.
7. Apply UV Protectant to Glass After Every Cleaning
UV protectant and vinyl polish products will keep the panel glass clear and prevent the sun rays from damaging the surface. You will extend the vinyl windows' lifespan by using these products after each cleaning. Apply a UV protectant to the glass after every cleaning. Follow the window manufacturer's instructions for the specific product you're using since application techniques may vary from product to product.
FAQs for Cleaning Vinyl Windows
If you're worried about the type of window cleaners to use or how to clean white vinyl window frames, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you.
What is the best type of cleaner for vinyl windows?
Cleaning your vinyl windows is simple and can be done with Lysol or Windex. Make sure to spray a small amount of the cleaner onto the window, then remove it using a soft cloth.
Clean your windows with vinegar! If you spot mold or mildew, mix 30% vinegar with 70% water. This will get rid of it and should help prevent the problem from coming back again in the future.
Bleach can be an excellent way to clean tough stains. For vinyl windows, mix it at 4:1 with water and apply as you would the detergent solution; then rinse off any excess bleach from your window with clear water!
How should you clean white vinyl window frames?
Before you clean the glass, hose down your entire window and frame. Wash it with mild soap and vinegar or water to remove any dirt or grime that might have collected there from outside sources like pollen in the air. Once finished, be sure to rinse off everything before moving on to drying!
Avoid using harsh chemicals on your vinyl window since it can severely damage the frames and the windowpane. Instead, fill a spray bottle with one-thirds vinegar and two-thirds water and cover the surface of the frame with this mixture. Let the solution sit for five minutes before gently scrubbing away the dirt using a toothbrush or scrub brush. Lastly, wipe clean with a soft cloth.
What is the best cleaner for white vinyl windows?
Cleaning vinyl windows is safe and easy for the environment. There are two ways you choose to clean them: use one-half cup vinegar mixed into three cups of warm water or mix a small amount of dish soap with water. Apply any sort of cleaning agent in circular motions until the dirt and debris have been removed from your window panes – be sure not to scrub too hard, as it could damage glass surfaces!
Learn More About Vinyl Windows With US Window & Door
Have more questions about proper maintenance for your San Diego vinyl windows? Contact us for expert advice.
Think it may be time for replacement vinyl windows? Contact us to request a *free custom in-home estimate. Let US Window and Door help you with your next vinyl window replacement project.
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