Caring For Your New Windows

After your replacement windows have been installed in your home, you are going to want to make sure that they are well cared for. The better you care for them the longer they will last and the better looking your home will remain.At the very least you should be giving your replacement windows a good cleaning twice a year. To keep it simple, clean them once at the beginning of spring and once at the beginning of fall. If you clean them at the same time every year you are less likely to forget.How to Clean Replacement WindowsThis cleaning advice is on how to clean on the window everything, but the glass:

• Always follow the Care and Maintenance Guide that comes with your windows.
• Start with just water and a soft cloth. If necessary, you can use a mild cleaner.
• If lubrication is needed, use a silicone spray.

How Not to Clean Replacement WindowsHere are some tips on what not to do to keep your replacement windows in good shape:

• Don’t use Power washers or high-pressure sprays. These types of cleaning devices were not made to clean windows and could damage or remove the caulking that is keeping the window water tight.
• Don’t use furniture polish, strong soaps, and detergents containing organic solvents, nail polish/ paint remover, liquid grease remover, or cleaners containing chlorine bleach.
• Don’t use sharp objects during the cleaning process. You will end up scraping off material that cannot be easily replaced.
• Do not use any abrasive cleaners, no matter how gentle they claim to be.
• Do not use any oil-based spray lubricants.

Keeping Your New Window Screen CleanWindow screens can be kept clean by vacuuming them with the soft brush accessory when you are vacuuming your floors. When the weather gets warmer, remove the screens from the windows and scrub them with a soft brush and warm, soapy water outside in your driveway.Cleaning Window TracksAt the same time you are vacuuming your window screens also vacuum the window tracks. Once vacuumed out, you can wipe them down with a wet rag to get all the stuck on dirt and other materials up.Keep your replacement windows in good shape with a little work at a time and it will save you from having to do major repairs or another window replacement in the near future.