Vinyl replacement windows should be thoroughly cleaned twice a year. This is a great way to help ensure your windows function properly in your home for as long as possible. Maintaining your windows requires more than just simply wiping down the glass and is also an opportunity to inspect your windows for wear and damage.
A natural place to start the process is wiping down the glass. It’s an old wives tale that cleaning your vinyl replacement windows with crumpled newspaper is the best way to get the job done–let us know how that one works if you give it a try! And you’ll definitely want to skip the paper towels and spray cleaners, these items tend to just move dirt around, scratching the glass rather than cleaning it. Instead, grab a squeegee, a sponge, and a couple of clean cloths, then fill a bucket with warm water and just a couple drops of liquid dish soap. Start on the upper left side of the window, making s-shape passes with your sponge until you reach the bottom right corner of the window. Use a dry cloth to remove any excess water from the squeegee or you’ll have water lines. Use your cloth to wipe away any excess cleaning solution from the glass.
After your glass is sparkling clean, move on to the window frames and tracks. Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface and follow with a dry cloth, so there is no moisture left behind. While cleaning this part of the window, you can also inspect for signs of wear like cracks in the seam around the window and holes where caulk needs replaced. You should also inspect for any cracks in the glass. This is not only a hazard, but if you have double or triple pane windows, they will leak out the argon and krypton gas used to help them function properly.
If you notice multiple signs of damage or wear and tear, you should consider looking at options for replacement windows.
