How to Care for Windows
Window Maintenance
A classic movie cliché is the one where someone is interviewing a potential domestic helper and she says, “I don’t do windows.” I always wondered what the big deal about windows was. When I was young and I cleaned, I used a bottle of window cleaner and a paper towel. It usually left streaks, but the dirt was gone. It was good enough for me at the time.
Now I realize there is a little more to cleaning and maintaining windows than just squirting them down with cleaner and wiping them dry. It requires a bit of inside knowledge and some effort to keep such an expensive part of your house clean and in good condition. For example you’ll have to know how to operate double-hung, casement and gliding windows.
Double-Hung Windows
Cleaning the inside of any window is very simple. It involves using the cleaning solution of your choice. One thing I learned over the years is to use vinegar to clean the window. It leaves less streaks and is a green option for those concerned about how the chemicals in commercial cleaners affect the environment.
To clean the outside of most replacement double-hung windows, the process is basically the same from window to window. First, the window must be unlocked. Next the bottom window should be raised about two inches. Then the wash assist tabs should be raised to where they are above the lower window. After that, the top of the window should be lowered. The top should slide towards you, while the bottom is still in the window sill. The top of the window should rest on a chair while it is cleaned.
To clean the top window, the wash assist tabs should be slid to the top of the window. Then the window should be lowered until the wash tabs can be slid inwards. The top window should be pulled inwards and rested on a chair. It should be cleaned as necessary. When done, both windows should be slid back into place and locked.
Casement Windows
Cleaning a casement window is not very challenging. The first thing that needs to be done is to remove the insect screen. This is done by snapping it off gently from the tabs that hold it in place. Next, the inside of the window should be cleaned. Then the window should be opened completely and the exterior should be cleaned. If the window is too wide, it may need to be cleaned from the exterior of the home.
Gliding Windows
Cleaning a gliding window involves some lifting. First, the interior window should be cleaned. Next, both windows should be slid to the center. Both should be lifted two inches and slid away from the frame, one at a time. Once removed from the frame, they should be cleaned and replaced.
As you can see, it just takes a bit of knowledge to properly operate and maintain your windows. As with everything though, you should check your owner’s manual when you run into trouble. However, these tips should get you through the maintenance process.
Now I realize there is a little more to cleaning and maintaining windows than just squirting them down with cleaner and wiping them dry. It requires a bit of inside knowledge and some effort to keep such an expensive part of your house clean and in good condition. For example you’ll have to know how to operate double-hung, casement and gliding windows.
Double-Hung Windows
Cleaning the inside of any window is very simple. It involves using the cleaning solution of your choice. One thing I learned over the years is to use vinegar to clean the window. It leaves less streaks and is a green option for those concerned about how the chemicals in commercial cleaners affect the environment.
To clean the outside of most replacement double-hung windows, the process is basically the same from window to window. First, the window must be unlocked. Next the bottom window should be raised about two inches. Then the wash assist tabs should be raised to where they are above the lower window. After that, the top of the window should be lowered. The top should slide towards you, while the bottom is still in the window sill. The top of the window should rest on a chair while it is cleaned.
To clean the top window, the wash assist tabs should be slid to the top of the window. Then the window should be lowered until the wash tabs can be slid inwards. The top window should be pulled inwards and rested on a chair. It should be cleaned as necessary. When done, both windows should be slid back into place and locked.
Casement Windows
Cleaning a casement window is not very challenging. The first thing that needs to be done is to remove the insect screen. This is done by snapping it off gently from the tabs that hold it in place. Next, the inside of the window should be cleaned. Then the window should be opened completely and the exterior should be cleaned. If the window is too wide, it may need to be cleaned from the exterior of the home.
Gliding Windows
Cleaning a gliding window involves some lifting. First, the interior window should be cleaned. Next, both windows should be slid to the center. Both should be lifted two inches and slid away from the frame, one at a time. Once removed from the frame, they should be cleaned and replaced.
As you can see, it just takes a bit of knowledge to properly operate and maintain your windows. As with everything though, you should check your owner’s manual when you run into trouble. However, these tips should get you through the maintenance process.