That feeling when you have just had new windows or doors installed is hard to beat. That fresh new look, the improvement in energy efficiency and the reduced noise from outside. But we are frequently asked how best to clean and look after our new windows and doors to ensure that they are always looking their best.
In this blog we share some hints and tips on how best to clean the glass, how to clean the frames inside and out and what things to avoid ensuring you don’t damage your doors and windows.
Cleaning the glass on your windows and doors
You can if you prefer remove some of the initial dirt by using a hose to rinse the windows with clean water. But this is not essential.
Use a bucket of warm soapy water (washing up liquid is ideal for this task) and a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the dirty window inside and out. Remove any excess water and dry using a clean and non-abrasive cloth such as a tea towel, kitchen roll or old T-shirt or rag.
A great way to get crystal clear windows is to use a quality squeegee with a soft blade (like window cleaners do – these can cost from as little as £2-£3 up to £10). Start at one side and either sweep from side-to-side to the bottom or start at one side and swipe from top to bottom and then use a cloth to wipe excess water off the squeegee before the next swipe.
As an alternative to a squeegee, another way to achieve crystal-clear window glass, is to mix 2 cups of water with 1/4 cup white vinegar (which also has some anti-bacterial qualities) and 1/2 cup of liquid soap and lightly dip some old newspaper into the liquid. It might seem odd to use newspaper, but this is likely to result in a more streak free result. Use the newspaper to wipe the windows in a circular pattern to remove any smears, wax and dirty marks that have built-up on the glass surface.
Cleaning the frames of your windows and doors – inside and out
Open the window as far as you can and remove any built-up dirt that may have accumulated by vacuuming in every alcove – including around the hinge or opening mechanism. Most hoovers have a soft brush nozzle, use it to minimise the risk of scratching your UPVC windows. Use the soft brush to run around the frame and to get in all the corners.
Keep the hinges lubricated with a few drops of a multi-purpose oil, taking care to wipe off any excess oil.
Use a soft cloth and the same warm soapy water mix you used for the glass to clean the UPVC window frames. Alternatively, where the frames have not been cleaned for some time or the dirt is heavy, take your vinegar and soap liquid and pour the mixture into a sprayer. Spray it on the UPVC and leave it to stand for around 10 minutes. Then use a clean, dry and smooth cloth to wipe down and remove any excess liquid.
If you want to use a specialist UPVC cleaner, check out a website like Best Reviews.
Things to avoid ensuring you don’t damage your doors and windows
Whilst UPVC is renowned for its hardy nature and its ability to withstand everything that the British weather can throw at it, it is still possible to cause irreparable damage such as the removal of their glossy appearance or discolouration. It is vitally important to only use items that are suitable for the task. This is particularly the case with liquids, sprays and chemicals.
Here is our list of things to avoid when cleaning UPVC doors and windows:
- Applying too much pressure when cleaning the doors and windows.
Scouring pads, wire wool or iron wool. - Bleach – either diluted or undiluted (as it can turn white UPVC brown)
- Cif and Jif-type cream cleaners (other brands are available) – because of their slightly abrasive nature.
- Methylated spirits / White spirits (has a similar effect to Bleach).
- Glass cleaner – on the frames.
- Cellulose thinners as they melt plastic.
- Caustic or ammonia-based cleaning products.
- Nail varnish remover.
- WD40 (except on the hinges)
We hope you find these hints and tips useful and that your doors and windows will continue to look their best for many years’ to come. If the time has come to replace your old doors and windows, visit www.glevum.co.uk
