Summer Calls For A Clear View Of The Outdoors: Window Cleaning And Care

One of the biggest home maintenance tasks of the summer just got easier, with a few points of practical advice on the proper cleaning of windows and doors.

Warm weather and long days are the perfect time to clean off grime and achieve a sparkling view to the outdoors. JELD-WEN, a leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, offers this practical advice.

“The most important thing to remember when cleaning windows and patio doors is to use gentle, soft materials that won’t harm surfaces,” said Brian Hedlund, product marketing manager for JELD-WEN windows. “A dry, overcast day works best because intense sunlight can cause streaks as the cleaning solution dries too quickly.”

For window and door surfaces, follow these simple steps:

1. Use a combination of gentle ingredients to clean glass, window frames and door surfaces. Mix one teaspoon of baby shampoo to one gallon of water or 1 1/2 cups of vinegar to one gallon of water.

2. Wash with the solution using a clean, soft cloth or sponge.

3. Rinse with clean water. Don’t use pressurized sprayers that can break seals.

4. Promptly dry glass surfaces thoroughly with a cloth.

5. Dry window frames and door surfaces with a separate cloth.

Be wary of shortcuts that hurt instead of help. Avoid power washers, metal tools, razor blades or other objects that can break seals, scratch glass and remove exterior glass coatings. Always be gentle. Don’t allow aggressive cleaners to

ome in contact with vinyl, wood or metal-clad surfaces. Cleanliness counts. Be sure to clean up puddles that collect at glass edges, as this can damage window glazing.

Cleaning Exterior Finishes:

1. Mild soap and water and a soft sponge or cloth is the simplest and safest way to clean exterior finishes like wood, metal-clad surfaces, vinyl, plastic and brass.

2. Always rinse and wipe dry immediately after cleaning.

3. Metal-clad and brass surfaces benefit from a protective coating of high-quality car wax after cleaning.

As a general rule, avoid vinegar and citrus-based solutions, paint removers, harsh or abrasive cleaners on exterior surfaces.

Cleaning Insect Screens:

1. Remove screen. Most have spring-loaded pins or tabs. Patio door screens can be lifted up off their tracks.

2. Place screen into a tub or shower stall if indoors, or on a hard surface outdoors.

3. Gently spray the screen with water.

4. Brush lightly with a soft bristle tool until clean. For stubborn dirt, a mild soap and water solution can be used.

5. Rinse clean.

6. Replace the screen when dry.



By: Matthias Bloom