No matter the season your home will be exposed to the elements, whether it’s snow, rain, wind, dirt, or sunlight. These elements can dirty and damage your glass windows and doors, especially if they are framed in wood. While aesthetically pleasing, wooden frames are the hardest to maintain and many homeowners are choosing to upgrade to vinyl instead.
If you’re looking to find replacements for your old units, Casa Bella Windows & Doors can offer you the window replacement services you need and more. With our expert advice, you can outfit your home with new doors and windows that not only add life to your home but are also easier to maintain.
With proper care and maintenance, your vinyl windows and sliding doors can last for many years. Here are five tips for taking care of your windows and doors that you will find easy to do.
Clean Your Glass Windows and Doors Twice a Year
Although vinyl windows and sliding doors are made of very resilient material it doesn’t hurt to do some biyearly maintenance in order to keep them in top shape. But if there’s a storm or some other event that causes your units to get dirty it’s best to clean them as soon as you can. Leftover debris can cause damage over time that will be more difficult to remove later.
Before Cleaning Vacuum Up Debris
Use a soft brush attachment and thoroughly vacuum dirt and dust from the tracks, sills, and frames of all vinyl windows and doors. It’s especially important to remove any debris from the tracks so that the units can effectively open and close.
Finally, make sure that drainage or “weep” holes are clear of obstructions both inside and outside of the window frame.
Use the Right Kind of Cleaner
Glass windows and doors, as well as vinyl, don’t require any heavy-duty cleaning – in fact, using abrasive materials can seriously damage the quality of both the glass and frames. Most importantly, never use a high-pressure power washer as it can cause damage as well as weaken window seals.
Dish soap mixed with warm water in a large bucket works fine and will gently clean your units – much in the way it’d clean your glass dishes.
You could also purchase vinyl window cleaner that works both as a protectant and a cleanser. Many of them also offer UV protection which will slow down long-term sun damage.
Use a Microfiber Cloth
Whichever cleaner you choose to use the best option is to use a microfiber cloth towel when wiping down your doors and windows. Simply dip the towel into the bowl, ring it out, and then wipe the surface gently from one direction to another. It’s best to work quickly in order to remove the cleaning solution as soon as possible.
Lubricate Periodically
Components of moving parts and tracks should be lubricated periodically in order to ensure the smooth movement of opening and closing your vinyl windows and sliding doors. Use general purpose non-detergent lubricating oil which is readily available at most hardware stores to get the best results.
The Casa Bella Guarantee
Remember, when all else fails, Casa Bella Windows & Doors is here to provide exceptional service and customer support. We would be happy to speak to you and offer sound and professional advice about the best way to ensure your windows and doors are in top shape.
