Fall is now upon us. As such, you’ll want to get a head start in preparing your home for the upcoming winter months. When you go about your home maintenance routine this time of the year, it’s important to not overlook your windows. Even if they are made of premium quality materials and installed properly by a reputable contractor, they still need some basic care. Dust, rain, heat and temperature changes can all take a toll on these important features of your home.
Today, we discuss the importance of keeping your windows clean and well-maintained. We also offer tips to keep in mind when tackling this home maintenance task.
Reasons to Clean and Maintain Your Windows This Fall
The leftovers of the past few months may still linger in some of the major components of your home, including your windows. Dirt and grime accumulating on the glass, frames and sashes are due to early spring rains, intense summer heat, and fall leaves. You don’t want your windows to look dull well into the winter months with junk around them, so cleaning them this fall is a must.
Here are some of the other important reasons to clean and maintain your windows before the winter months arrive:
- Preventing Glass Degradation
Heavy rains and hard water can lead to debris buildup around the surfaces of your windows. Apart from giving them an unsightly appearance, they can also degrade the components, especially the glass. The windows show signs of corrosion and contamination as soon as dirt particles enter the glass pores. Later on, you’ll begin to notice light scratches or cracks and deep-seated water stains or spots. Without prompt maintenance, the windows get altered on a structural level, requiring immediate replacement. - Enhancing Curb Appeal
Your windows are one of the first things people see when they see your home from the street. Keeping them clean and well-kempt can boost your property’s curb appeal in an instant. Combined with regular exterior cleaning like washing your siding and removing leaves from your gutters, you can be sure your home will always look its best. - Improve Indoor Air Quality
The longer you leave your windows dirty and exposed to the elements, the more likely they’ll develop mold. As we all know, these microorganisms can pose a serious health risk for everyone in your household. If the air you breathe in your living spaces becomes more stagnant and musty than usual, it might be time to check your windows for any signs of mold growth and have them removed right away. - Better Energy Efficiency
Leaving your windows dirty and grimy can also prevent your windows from letting enough heat into your home to keep your indoors warm. Cleaning them this fall helps improve your home’s heating efficiency, allowing you to take advantage of the sun’s free heat without relying too much on your furnace or heat pump. - Unobstructed Outdoor Views
It doesn’t matter if the view from your windows is decent or not; clear, flawless windows are always more enjoyable to look through than those with dirt, grime and hard water stains on the surfaces.
Tips for Spotlessly Clean Windows This Fall
Now that you know how important it is to keep your windows clean and well-maintained, you’ll want to make sure it is a part of your home maintenance routine, especially this fall. Read on the following tips to keep in mind, which you can also apply to your French and sliding doors:
- Get Rid of Dust and Dirt
Start your window maintenance by getting rid of loose dust or dirt from the frames and glass. You can use either a brush or a vacuum cleaner for this task. Don’t forget the tracks and sills as these areas tend to accumulate so much dirt. This way, you keep your windows opening and closing easily. - Use the Right Cleaning Solution
A mild solution of soap and water is enough to clean the frames, sashes and grilles of your windows. Use a soft, non-abrasive rag or brush for this. As for the window glass, clean it first with a soft, dry cloth to wipe off dust and grime. Then, apply the soap and water mixture, diluted vinegar or a liquid window cleaner, and wipe the glass surfaces in a circular motion with a clean, lint-free cloth. - Avoid Using Abrasive Cleaning Products
Steer clear of cleaning products that could damage the windows’ components, especially the glass coatings and the frame material. These include solvents, rust removers and other similar products with harsh chemical contents. Even unnecessary items like newspapers aren’t recommended – the printed ink can transfer to the surfaces and cause discoloration. - Clean on a Cloudy Day
- For the best results, schedule your window cleaning and maintenance on a bright but cloudy day. Direct sunlight may leave cleaner residue on the window surfaces and even water spots on the glass. If you have to clean them while the sun is out, consider starting on the shaded areas of your home.
- Inspect the Window Hardware Parts
Window components like the locks, hinges, operators and rollers need to be inspected thoroughly for any signs of wear and tear. If they are in good condition, make sure to apply a dry lubricant on them to ensure ease of operation. Use one that has corrosion inhibitors to protect the hardware components from the elements.
Considering Window Replacement
Sometimes, simple cleaning and maintenance are no longer sufficient in keeping your windows functional and aesthetically appealing. If they no longer provide ample insulation for your home, are becoming too tight to swing or slide open, or already showing signs of disrepair, such as broken glass or damaged framing, it is time to consider replacement units. They can provide smoother operation and an overall better protective barrier for your home.
At Renewal by Andersen® of Nashville, we offer the full line of beautiful, energy-efficient replacement doors and windows backed by superior warranties. Regardless of the season, you can count on our design and installation team to guide you through our proven window replacement process from start to finish.
Give us a call at (866) 609-5033, or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve homeowners in Nashville and the surrounding communities in Middle Tennessee.
