Awning windows hinge at the top and open outward, typically between 45 and 90 degrees depending on the standard size you have installed, which makes them one of the easier window styles to clean from inside your home. Because the sash tilts away from you, you can reach both the interior and much of the exterior glass without stepping outside. A full cleaning breaks down into five simple steps: clean the screen, wipe the frame and hardware, clean the glass, lubricate the moving parts, and reinstall the screen.
Step 1: Remove and Clean the Screen
Most awning window screens lift out easily once the window is open. Rinse the screen with warm water and a mild soap solution, using a soft brush to loosen dust and debris. Let it air dry completely before putting it back in, since a damp screen can trap moisture against the frame.
Step 2: Wipe Down the Frame and Hardware
Use a soft cloth and a mild soap-and-water solution to wipe down the frame, tracks, and visible hardware. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, which can scratch vinyl or painted finishes. Dry the frame with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.
Step 3: Clean the Glass, Interior and Exterior
With the window open, most of the exterior glass is reachable from inside. A solution of equal parts white vinegar and distilled water works well for most glass, or you can use an ammonia-free glass cleaner. Ammonia-based cleaners are not recommended on Low-E coated glass since they can degrade the coating over time. Wipe with a microfiber cloth or squeegee and avoid razor blades or sharp scrapers, which can scratch the glass surface.
Step 4: Lubricate the Hinges and Cranks
Awning windows operate on a hinge-and-crank mechanism that benefits from periodic lubrication. This is similar to the crank hardware on casement windows, so the same basic care applies to either style. Use a silicone-based spray on the hinges and the crank gear, and avoid oil-based lubricants like general household oil, which can attract dust and gum up the mechanism over time. If you have ever wondered how the two styles differ beyond the cleaning routine, our guide to awning vs. casement windows breaks down the hinge placement and best-fit rooms for each.
Step 5: Replace the Screen
Once the screen is fully dry and the glass and frame are clean, snap or slide the screen back into place and confirm the window opens and closes smoothly.
What Products Are Best for Cleaning Awning Windows?
For Light Cleaning: Dust and Fingerprints
A dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth is usually enough for everyday dust and fingerprints on the glass and frame.
For Heavy Cleaning: Dirt, Mildew, and Grime
For heavier buildup, a mild dish soap solution or a vinegar-and-water mix handles most dirt and grime. For mildew around the frame or sill, a diluted solution of water and a small amount of household cleaner formulated for mildew works well; always test on a small area first and rinse thoroughly.
Best Practices for Mid-Atlantic Climate
Homes across Maryland, Virginia, and the DC region deal with high summer humidity, seasonal pollen, and occasional heavy storms, all of which affect how often windows need attention. Pollen season in spring can leave a fine film on glass and screens that benefits from an early-season cleaning, while summer humidity makes it worth checking hardware for stiffness or minor corrosion. A quick wipe-down after major storms helps keep grit from building up in the tracks.
How Often Should You Clean Awning Windows?
A reasonable baseline is a deeper cleaning of glass, frames, and hardware twice a year, in spring and fall, with light spot cleaning of the glass as needed in between. Screens generally hold up well with one thorough cleaning per year, typically in spring, and hinges benefit from lubrication during each seasonal cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions: Awning Window Cleaning
Can I clean an awning window without going outside?
Yes. Because the sash hinges at the top and opens outward, most of the exterior glass can be reached from inside once the window is open.
Is it safe to use ammonia-based cleaner on my windows?
It depends on your glass coating. Ammonia-based cleaners are not recommended on Low-E coated glass since they can affect the coating over time. An ammonia-free glass cleaner or a vinegar-and-water solution is a safer default choice.
Why is my awning window hard to crank open?
This is often a sign the hinge or crank mechanism needs lubrication or that dirt has built up in the track. A silicone-based lubricant applied to the hardware usually resolves minor stiffness. If cleaning and lubrication don’t resolve it, it may be worth confirming the window is still sized and sealed correctly; our guide on how to measure windows for an accurate replacement quote is a useful starting point if replacement ever becomes the better option.
Should I clean my window screens separately from the glass?
Yes. Removing the screen for a rinse with soap and water, then letting it fully dry before reinstalling, helps prevent trapped moisture and keeps the mesh clear.
Why Thompson Creek
Thompson Creek has manufactured custom windows for Mid-Atlantic homes since 1980, and our awning windows are built at our 120,000 sq ft facility in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to fit each home’s exact opening. If you’re comparing energy-efficient window options as part of a broader replacement plan, our design consultants can walk through glass packages during your free estimate. Every window is backed by the 50-Year No-Hassle Warranty, covering both the product and the installation. If your current windows are difficult to clean, operate stiffly, or show signs of wear beyond normal upkeep, it may be a sign they’re due for replacement rather than another repair. Get a free, no-obligation estimate to find out.
