Aluminum Window Care Guide: Dos and Don’ts

Aluminum Window Care Guide: Dos and Don’ts

Aluminum framing on windows is made to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. When you provide window care, it’s important to follow the proper procedures to ensure that you will get the maximum lifecycle and the best service from your aluminum windows. With the right care, you can keep them looking as good as new.

Before the installation begins, your aluminum windows should undergo initial cleaning. After that, you will need to provide regular window care, cleaning, and maintenance to keep your windows in tip-top shape. If you don’t provide proper window care, you might notice you have dirty window frames, windows that jam or stick, and stiff springs that make opening and closing your windows difficult.

The Initial Cleaning of Your Aluminum Windows

A professional cleaning company should take care of the initial cleaning. The installation company will usually handle this and ensure that your windows are looking their best upon installation. During the installation process, it is important that no solvents, corrosives, or concrete-based materials set on the frame or get stuck on the frame because that could cause permanent damage. To remove any stickers on the windows, soak them before you try to remove them. You shouldn’t scrub them because that will scratch the glass and cause permanent damage.

General Maintenance Dos

When you have aluminum windows, you need to make sure you clean them regularly. Here are a few tips for what to do to ensure your windows look their best and tips for providing quality window care.

• Use non-abrasive cleaners or water mixed with mild soap to clean aluminum frames.
• To clean the glass surfaces, use a window cleaner or mild soap with water and a soft cloth or sponge.
• Use a soft cloth for drying to make sure all water is removed from the hinges, sealant, glass, and frame to prevent damage.
• Use a silicone spray – along with a straw applicator – to lubricate the hardware on the aluminum windows.

General Maintenance Don’ts

When you are performing general maintenance and window care on your aluminum windows, there are several things that you should not do because they can do more damage than good. Here are some of the general maintenance don’ts:

• Don’t use any solvents, abrasive cleaners, or harsh chemicals on the aluminum frames.
• Don’t use any abrasive pads, scrubbing brushes, or steel brushes to clean aluminum window frames.
• Don’t use a high-pressure spray nozzle or a high-pressure cleaner.
• Don’t install outdoor sprinklers near aluminum windows or doors and make sure any sprinklers are pointed away from your aluminum windows.

You should provide regular window care. Be sure to set a regular schedule for cleaning your windows. Here are some tips for the different cleaning schedules for your aluminum windows.

Monthly Window Care

For the monthly cleaning of your aluminum windows, you should clean the glass. Clean all aluminum surfaces if needed, especially if you live in a coastal area. Take the time to carefully visually inspect all the window surfaces for any damage and to make sure there are no water leaks. Make sure all components, such as locking mechanisms and hinges are working as they should. If there are problems, have a professional window installer to repair your aluminum windows.

Semi-Annual Window Care and Cleaning

At least twice each year you should clean all aluminum services. You should clean out the tracks and the roller assembly as well as all the hardware. You don’t want any dust to accumulate. Clean the glass and visually inspect all the surfaces of the aluminum windows.

Annual Window Care and Cleaning

Once each year, you should inspect the weather-stripping around the aluminum window frames. You need to make sure that the weather-stripping seals aren’t cracking and that they haven’t become brittle or show signs of damage. Inspect any double-glazed or insulated glass to make sure there aren’t any signs of moisture forming between the panes. If you see problems, you should call a window expert.

Other Window Care and Cleaning Tips

Use a stiff cleaning brush – but make sure it isn’t a wire brush – so you can thoroughly clean the areas around your aluminum windows. You want to be extra attentive to the window sashes as this is where most grime and dirt accumulate. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a small nozzle that will fit in the window sashes to ensure every bit of dirt and dust is removed.

A penetrating lubricant will need to be used make sure the springs don’t stiffen. You should regularly use a penetrating lubricant on the aluminum window spring locks. To keep rust and corrosion away from your aluminum windows, use a silicone lubricant on them after you have thoroughly cleaned them. Car wax is an excellent choice for your aluminum window frames because it will leave them clean and shiny while also providing protection from the dirt and grime.
To make your mild soapy water mix, you should pour a cup of detergent into a liter of water. You will use this soapy mixture to scrub your aluminum window frames and prevent pitting and oxidation. A regular glass cleaner sprayed in ample amounts is great for the glass. You should wipe them down with used newspapers in a circular motion, which will leave you with aluminum windows that are perfectly clean.

Getting Rid of Any Grime

Removing the grime is an important part of routine window care. To remove grime from aluminum windows, use special brushes that are stiff, but that have soft bristles. You don’t want to scratch the aluminum surface or the glass of your window. After the grime has been scrubbed off, thoroughly clean the surface using a wet sponge. You will need to dry the aluminum windows, so make sure you remove any residue left from the mild soapy water or window cleaner. You don’t want to leave any traces of the cleaners as it could cause oxidation and leave stains on the aluminum windows that can be very challenging to clean off.

Alumaco makes exceptional quality aluminum windows for modern homes. To learn more about Alumaco windows, call (855) 826-6799.