Window & Door Cleaning, Care, and Maintenance

Regular maintenance will help keep your windows and doors operating smoothly.  Download and use this checklist as an annual maintenance reminder.

  • Make sure the weatherstrip is still effective.  Look for gaps or light shining through. Keep weatherstrip clean of dirt and grit for proper seal. Wash with mild soap and water, rinse with clear water and wipe dry. 
  • For scuff marks on painted finishes, use mild liquid cleanser, rinse with clear water and wipe dry.
  • Examine the window's interior and exterior finishes. Occasional repair to a damaged finish may be necessary.
  • Don’t let paints, stains and varnishes come in contact with the weatherstrip. Solvents can damage the weatherstrip’s performance.
  • Trim any old, loose caulking and seal any gaps with an appropriate, high quality caulk.
  • Occasionally, an excess of silicone sealant, called “squeeze-out,” appears around the edge of the glass. You can safely scrape off “squeeze-out” with a plastic putty knife without damaging the weather-tightness of your window or door.
  • Make sure all exposed hardware screws are tightened securely. Apply a dry lubricant to the windows’ gears to keep them operating smoothly.
  • Clean sand, dirt or dust from door and window hinges, sills and tracks.
  • Check energy panels and storm and screen combinations to make sure screws and turn buttons are securely fastened.
  • Check doors for smooth operation.
  • Lightly oil hinges with 3 in 1 oil as needed. Wipe off excess.
  • Much like sterling silver, even the finest brass will react naturally to the elements surrounding it. To maintain, polish with a nonabrasive automotive or furniture wax. By keeping your hardware cleaned and maintained you will be rewarded with a long-lasting finish.

 

Note: Wood doors require a stabilization period after installation, sometimes taking up to a year to adjust to humidity levels and other environmental factors.

DO NOT USE paint thinners, lacquer thinner, gasoline, kerosene or any other harsh chemical to clean surfaces of door or hardware.
 

  • Avoid cleaning glass while it is in direct sunlight, especially tinted and coated surfaces, to prevent streaking.

  • Start cleaning windows at the top of the building and continue to lower levels.

  • Soak the glass surface with clean water to loosen dirt and debris. Make sure no abrasive particles remain on the glass, then apply an approved cleaning solution with a non-abrasive cloth or other applicator.

  • Quickly remove the cleaning solution with a squeegee, taking care not to allow metal parts of cleaning equipment to touch the glass surface.

  • Avoid any cleaning product that has a strong chemical base or a high alcohol content, as chemical reactions could damage components.

  • Wipe any remaining traces of cleaning solution from glass and other parts of the window and frame. Windows, including their parts and frames, are susceptible to deterioration if left damp.

  • Some windows have an energy panel, often confused with a storm window. An energy panel is a removable, exterior glass panel and can be cleaned in the same way as other parts of the window.

  • Don’t use abrasive cleaning solutions or materials, don’t allow metal parts of cleaning equipment to touch the glass, and don’t use scrapers of any kind.

 

  • Labels and adhesive residue should be removed from glass as soon as possible after installation.

  • If a label does not release from the glass easily, use a mild cleaning solution to help remove it.

  • Do not remove labels while exposed to direct sunlight.

  • Do not let cleaning agents come in contact with weatherstrip or finishes, as they could cause damage.

  • Carefully remove the screen and lay it on a flat, clean area.

  • Remove any dust by lightly spraying the screen with water from a hose or vacuuming with a soft brush extension.

  • Instead of drying with a cloth, let the screen air-dry completely before reinstalling. For doors, remove and replace screens from the exterior.

  • Remove surface dirt and check the exterior of your wood windows and doors at least once a year to ensure that wood is not exposed to the elements by failing caulk or paint that has cracked, peeled or bubbled.

  • Remove superficial surface dirt by washing painted wood exteriors with water and a soft-bristled, long-handled brush (such as those used for washing cars). A toothbrush works well to remove build-up from cracks and crevasses.

  • Heavier accumulations can be removed with an approved cleaning solution. Other cleaning solutions consisting of alcohol/water mixtures are also effective.

  • Wash from top to bottom to minimize streaking.

  • Use clean water to rinse off detergent solutions or cleaners, which can damage the finish if not removed.

  • Grease or oily substances may require stronger cleaning compounds. Avoid solvents or abrasive cleaners. Don’t let strong detergents, ammonia, chemicals or other harsh cleaning substances get onto finished exterior surfaces, which can be damaged.

  • Nicks and scratches in a painted finish can be touched up with a matching, high-quality latex primer and paint. Contact your local paint supply store for product recommendations and instructions.

  • If finish is accidentally scratched or chipped, clean as recommended and use touch-up paint supplied or standard wood finish repair crayon.

  • If you have a brand new, bare wood or primed window or door, you must finish it immediately to prevent possible damage to the wood. 

     

    DO NOT USE paint thinners, lacquer thinner, gasoline, kerosene or any other harsh chemical to clean surfaces of door or hardware.
     

More Questions?

If you have more questions about our windows and doors, installation process, or working with Windura, we’re happy to help. Fill out the form on this page and we’ll answer any questions you might have within 1 business day.