Maintaining the outside of your home also encompasses the proper care and cleaning of your vinyl windows. Windows provide views of the outdoors and nature, so keeping them shiny and clean makes enjoying both your outside and inside living spaces a breeze. You may not think there’s anything more involved than a quick spray with the hose and wipe down, but there is more to window care and extending the life of your windows.
One of the main benefits of vinyl windows is that they don’t rot or fade over time. This makes cleaning much simpler than other types of window material. Preparation leads to the most thorough cleaning job. Remove any rings or other jewelry to avoid accidentally scratching the window. And don’t be fooled into believing you need strong or harsh cleaning solutions. A mild cleaning solution and microfiber cloth are best suited for delicate glass and vinyl cleaning. As a matter of fact, it’s best to avoid using alcohol or ammonia based products as they could damage the vinyl, in addition to voiding the window warranty.
Vacuuming around the window frame and ledge with the brush attachment, inside and out, prior to washing ensures bits of dirt or sand are cleared. That way, you won’t be inadvertently scratching the glass during wiping.
Washing the window glass on a regular basis will make it easy to clean each time, rather than leaving it for a long stretch and letting dust build up. For a streak-free window, clean on a cloudy day and work from left to right or vice versa consistently. Don’t leave the cleaning solution on the surface longer than necessary. Steer clear of using paper towel or household sponges to wipe glass or vinyl as it can scratch. If you do use a squeegee, ensure any metal edges will not come in contact with window surfaces.
After thoroughly washing, rinse the windows with clean water and simply wipe dry with a soft cloth. Subsequently, you may want to lubricate tracks and rollers every year to ensure smooth running hardware in your window. Screens can be washed with a mild soap solution and very soft brush, rinsed and wiped dry. Rubbing with crumpled newspaper also bestows an extra shine to glass at the end.
While vinyl generally resists deterioration from the sun’s ultra-violet rays, it still benefits from added protection. You can apply a commercial UV protectant to the glass and a vinyl polish to the vinyl areas after cleaning to extend the life of your windows. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, simply phone a professional window cleaner and watch your views become crystal clear!
Maintaining dust-free and streak-free windows throughout your home takes very little effort on your part, yet awards a clear view of your surroundings. Vinyl windows are the easiest windows to keep looking brand new and beautiful for decades to come. It is recommended to clean them at least twice a year. Remember to contact the sales team at Phoenix Siding for further advice or information on preserving the life of your vinyl windows.