Spring is just a few weeks away, which means you should start preparing for spring cleaning. In today’s post, local replacement window and patio doors company Renewal by Andersen® of Long Island shares tips on how to clean your windows this spring.
Dirt can accumulate on the exterior glass surface during winter, and it’s not uncommon for homeowners to have dirty windows as the spring season begins. Most of the dirt can be washed off with water, while stubborn dirt can be scrubbed off with a sponge or soft brush, dipped in a cleaning solution made of tap water and dish detergent. There are a few things you should keep in mind when cleaning your windows:
• Never use a pressure washer when cleaning your home exterior, including windows. You could end up causing damage to these parts instead of cleaning them.
• Never leave water droplets to dry on the window glass. This can result in hard-to-remove hard water stains. You have to make sure you wipe each window dry before moving on to the next one. As an additional precaution, invest in window glass that have metallic oxide coatings, like our High Performance™ Low-E4® glass. These coatings, when activated by sunlight, help remove up to 99% of hard water stains.
• Always use a microfiber cloth when wiping the glass on your windows and French doors. Newspapers and old rags are too rough and may cause scratches on the glass surface.
Weatherstripping and caulking help prevent air and water leaks. They usually break down relatively faster than the window itself, and it’s common for a window to need new window seals at least once in their life span. Replacement rubber weatherstripping can be purchased from most hardware stores, however, metal weatherstripping has to be replaced by a professional. Old caulk can be scraped off and reapplied by yourself or a professional.
Make sure that you can open and close all the windows in your home easily and without resistance. Don’t force the windows open if the hinge or crank won’t move easily. Instead, apply lubrication on the window hardware as prescribed by your contractor or the window care and maintenance guide. Damage to the window hardware caused by forcing them, as well as DIY repairs, may not be covered by your window warranty.
Renewal by Andersen® of Long Island is your leading provider of replacement windows and patio doors. Give us a call at (866) 609-5033. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Long Island and the surrounding communities.
