Cleaning and Care
Windows and doors will continue to perform well if given some simple, routine cleaning and maintenance. Vinyl can offer the least worry and maintenance of any window and door product, but even vinyl windows and doors need some occasional attention to continue working as they were designed to. We've included a few maintenance highlights and guidelines here that will help the product work the best and look great.
Here's some helpful information from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Vinyl Institute (VI) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Cleaning
- Vacuum dirt and debris from sill and track areas before washing.
- Clean glass and window or door frame with a mixture of mild dish soap* and water. Rinse completely with clear water, then wipe dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.
- Avoid washing glass in direct sunlight.
- Abrasives or caustic cleaners or solvents are never recommended because they might cause permanent damage to the frame finish or the glass.
- Mild, nonabrasive soaps* are usually safest for most dirt and stain removal, but as with any cleaner, they should be tested in an inconspicuous area first.
- Always rinse completely with clear water and wipe dry if possible.
- Check to make certain drainage or "weep" holes are always clear of dirt or obstructions-both inside and outside the window in the bottom of the frame. Note: if the window is "stacked," there may be weep holes between units.
- Clean screens by first removing, then washing on a flat, clean surface with a mild soap* and water with a soft brush. Rinse, wipe dry and reinstall.
*Ivory is an example of a mild dish soap.
Lubrication
- Windows and doors with moving parts include hardware components that should be lubricated periodically. In salt-air environments this can mean at least monthly.
- After wiping clean, use silicone spray (with a non-petroleum-based propellant) on door or sliding window tracks, rollers and locking hardware.