As we say goodbye to the chill of winter and welcome the glorious warmth of spring, we must prepare our homes by cleaning the areas that don’t get much attention in the bitter cold. Spring cleaning patio doors and de-winterizing your windows help clear that stale air out of your home and allow clean, fresh breezes in.
However, that may be a challenge if your doors and windows are sticking from being closed tight for months on end. In this short guide, you’ll find simple, convenient tips that will have your patio doors and windows sliding open easily.
Spring Cleaning Patio Doors Step-By-Step
Many homes have a patio with a sliding glass or screen door. If dirt has unfortunately built up in the tracks, the door may stick or seize. Cleaning the tracks, or rails, is the first step towards getting your patio door back into action.
Keeping Your Patio Doors Moving Smoothly
Cleaning patio doors ensures they continue to look good and are easy to open. The two biggest sticking points are dirty and/or misaligned tracks. To help reduce dirt build-up, the door should be cleaned regularly by using these four simple steps.
- Step one: Use a vacuum cleaner to remove as much dirt or debris as you can. Then use a toothbrush or other small item to clean the areas the vacuum cleaner couldn’t reach and pick out any debris that was stuck in place.
- Step two: Once all loose debris is removed, clean the tracks using a solution of dish soap and warm water. Avoid harsh detergents. Rinse the tracks and dry them with a cloth.
- Step three: Apply a silicone spray or soap or paraffin wax to the tracks to lubricate them. Don’t use oils since these may attract dirt.
- Step four: Slide the door a few times to ensure it moves smoothly.
Troubleshooting Stuck Patio Doors
If your patio door is still difficult to open after you’ve cleaned and lubricated it, check the door’s alignment within the frame. Sliding doors generally have an adjusting screw at the bottom. Turn the screw clockwise; test the door, and adjust accordingly. Make small adjustments each time, noting whether the door becomes easier or more difficult to move.
Cleaning Screens and Window Panes
If you have a sliding screen door, it’s likely to have accrued dirt and debris. Remove the screen door, rinse it clean with a garden hose, and then dry it in the sun. Before replacing the door, consider applying some silicone spray for protection and lubrication.
Clean any glass using a solution of two cups of hot water and 1/4 cup of white vinegar. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the solution to make your windows really sparkle. Pour the solution into a spray bottle, spray it onto your windows and wipe the glass clean using a lint-free cloth.
Single- or Double-Paned Windows
If your windows are cracked or damaged, or you have older single-paned windows, consider upgrading them to double-paned windows for better insulation and energy efficiency.
Fitting double-glazed windows can save you money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable in the winter and summer months, thanks to their thermal insulating properties.
Contact Us Today
When it’s time to replace your aging doors or windows, contact Thompson Creek to request a free, no-obligation quote.