Many people are quick to clean smudges and streaks from the glass, but protecting window and door frames is also an essential task. Discover how to care for windows and doors properly, from choosing the right cleaners to controlling condensation.
How to Care for Windows Made from Traditional Materials
Windows are easy to maintain, but they’re also easy to damage if you don’t care for them correctly. Clean your windows regularly on the schedule recommended by your manufacturer or installer.
We’ve broken down common window cleaning and maintenance tasks by section:
Glass
Wipe down interior and exterior glass as often as needed. Glass cleaner is safe for some interior windows, but that’s not always the case. When in doubt, use mild dish soap and water to clean your window’s interior and exterior glass.
Clean glass with a soft cloth or towel, not an abrasive brush or sponge.
Frames
Carefully vacuum around the frames and tracks of your windows before wiping them down. As with glass, frames are best cleaned with water and mild dish soap. Harsh cleansers can cause your frames to crack or eat away at the paint.
Screens
Take out your window screens slowly, taking care not to bend or rip them during removal. Lay each screen flat then use a soft brush to scrub away pollen and other residue. You can also use a mixture of mild dish soap and water as you clean.
Rinse your screen with water when you’re done, then gently pat it dry with a lint-free cloth. Don’t use paper towels, as these can leave residue.
Condensation Control
Condensation is a common complaint, but minor amounts won’t damage your glass. Here are some ways you can help reduce condensation:
- Run the exhaust fan
- Use a dehumidifier
- Open doors and windows when possible
- Position dryer vents outside
These tips help ensure excess moisture ends up outside rather than in your home.
How to Care for Windows with Insulated or Low-E Glass
Windows made from insulated glass or covered with Low-E or heat-deterrent additives require special care. You can often clean the screens and frames the same way you clean traditional windows, but be careful. The wrong cleaner — or even residue from the right one — may damage your insulated window’s glass.
Here are some tips to help you remember how to care for windows with insulated glass or heat-deterrent additives:
- Do clean glass with water mixed with mild dish soap.
- Don’t use petroleum-based solvents or other harsh chemicals on the glass.
- Do wipe down frames and glass gently.
- Don’t use a pressure cleaner or high-pressure spray.
- Do clean windows on cloudy days, early in the morning or in the evening.
- Don’t clean windows under direct sunlight.
- Do clean windows with a soft cloth, such as one made from microfiber.
- Don’t clean windows with abrasive scouring pads or sharp tools.
Be careful from start to finish when cleaning Low-E or insulated windows, as one wrong move can damage the delicate glass coating.
How to Care for Doors
Customers often ask how to care for doors. You can clean and maintain many door parts on your own, but you may benefit from professional assistance for some labor-intensive tasks.
Like windows, many door parts are best cleaned with a mixture of water and mild dish soap. You can use this mixture to wipe down exterior glass, screens, and tracks. Make sure to use a soft cloth or brush rather than abrasive pads or paper towels.
Lubricate moving parts, including tracks and rollers, with furniture polish as needed. You may need to adjust door rollers if your door sticks or doesn’t seem to close correctly. The lock strike plate may also require an adjustment if you move the rollers, so watch for that.
A routine window or door cleaning may reveal unexpected issues. You may discover you need replacement windows, or you might find your patio door no longer slides open easily. Reach out to Thompson Creek for your home renovation needs, whether you’re revamping your windows or upgrading your front door.