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How to Maintain Aluminum Windows and Doors: Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

May. 26, 2022

Aluminum is a sturdy building material that can last for decades without major repairs. Even so, there are still simple ways to maintain aluminum windows and doors to ensure they stand the test of time. Here are some great tips to keep your windows looking great!

If you are considering upgrading your home by replacing your windows or doors, you may be wondering which material is best for your needs and within your budget.

We offer a variety of wood windows and doors, as well as uPVC frames for various glazing options, but for a modern look that requires minimal maintenance and ensures a long life, aluminum is the smart choice.

 

For doors, aluminum bifold doors are an especially stylish option that will allow you to bring the outdoors inside during the summer months, providing a sleek and modern look.

Our bifold doors are essentially floor-to-ceiling windows that can change the look and feel of any property.

 

While homeowners find increased longevity when upgrading to aluminum, we want to show you how to maintain aluminum windows and doors so you can be sure they look as new as the day they were installed over the years.


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Aluminum Glass Full Lite Gliding Patio Door

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Aluminum Windows and Doors?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the maintenance of aluminum windows and doors - much depends on personal preference when considering cleaning and maintenance procedures.

 

However, as a guide, we recommend that you clean the glass approximately once a month and the aluminum frames once every two months.

The great thing about aluminum is that it is naturally easy to clean, and even if you forget about it for a few months, it is unlikely to cause any lasting damage to the integrity of the material and its appearance.

 

Cleaning the glass

The focus when cleaning window glass should be on

 

Reducing streaks

Cleaning the inside and the outside - many people neglect one or the other!

Make sure the glass is dry and even.

 

If you can, pay close attention to how streaks form and how your windows are drying. Once you recognize how your particular glass reacts in its location, you will find it much easier to implement simple maintenance procedures over time.

 

The equipment you need

The process of maintaining your windows is actually quite simple. It does rely on you having some key equipment, but once you have the right tools, learning the right techniques will pay off in the long run.

Much depends on the size of your windows, but we'll look at the largest type of window you're likely to have and how to maintain aluminum windows in bifold doors.

If your windows are smaller than this, simply use smaller versions of these common tools to use the same tools and techniques.

 

Buckets

Sponges

Squeegee

Window cleaning solution or vinegar solution

Absorbent microfiber cloth

Dry Cloth

 

If your windows have not been cleaned for a long time and need some serious TLC, you may also need a dry bristle brush. You can use it to remove any cobwebs and dust before you start cleaning with soap and water.


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Swinging Door

 

Glass Cleaning Techniques - Step by Step

1. Move or remove curtains or blinds before starting

2. If necessary, use a dry brush to remove dust or cobwebs

3. Fill your bucket with a solution of soap and warm water or a special window cleaner and water

4. Use a non-abrasive sponge to wipe the windows. Try not to produce too much soapy water, as this may leave marks when drying

5. Wipe off the cleaning solution from top to bottom with a clean squeegee

6. Wipe the squeegee occasionally with a dry cloth while wiping away the cleaning solution

7. After the window is dry, gently pat or wipe the sill with an absorbent and dry cloth (DIY tip: If you find lint or other marks on the cloth, use newspaper to dry it!)

8. Repeat the same technique from the other side of the glass.

 

 

Stripes! The maddening streaks!

The most common problem when cleaning windows is the appearance of streaks.

When windows dry unevenly, streaks sometimes occur because some parts are in the shade while others are in direct sunlight.

However, the most common cause of streaking is the squeegee technique of the cleaner.

 

It's not a natural talent, but you can easily teach yourself better techniques. Don't be afraid to take a quick look at other how-to guides for specific aspects of the process.

 

Letting light into your home through a clean window is something you should value - no one likes the look of a soiled window, including passersby - so it's not too much to do this type of research.

 

How to clean and maintain aluminum frames

Powder-polished aluminum does not corrode easily, making it a very easy material to clean with minimal effort to achieve good results. The powder coating protects the aluminum frame from scratches and wear.

 

Just as with non-stick pans, when considering how best to maintain aluminum windows or door frames, be careful not to use abrasive sponges or cloths when scrubbing.

 

You should also avoid using harsh cleaning products. Anything containing bleach or other strong chemicals should be used very carefully, or ideally not at all.

 

Regular light cleaning will ensure that your aluminum window frames are always maintained to a high standard, so you do not need to use deep cleaning products. Wiping down the frame with household cleaners and warm water should not be a problem. What's more, aluminum frames are usually narrow to ensure maximum access to natural light, so cleaning the frame won't take long in most cases.

 

Cleaning aluminum window frames from the inside - one step at a time

1. Fill a bucket with warm water and a mild detergent suitable for cleaning metal surfaces

2. Using a non-abrasive cloth or sponge, gently scrub and wipe the aluminum surface, taking care not to mar the glass in the process

3. Use an inked rubber rather than an abrasive cloth to remove any more serious stains

4. Finally, wipe the frame dry with a soft, absorbent cloth.

You should always avoid scrubbing hard on stubborn stains, as you may get some powder coating on the stain. Sometimes it is best not to leave small stains, however, precautions should be taken in the future to ensure that fresh stains do not appear.

 

Unlike glass, you should find that streaking is not an issue when cleaning aluminum frames. You don't need to use a squeegee on the aluminum part of the window, but it is an option - be careful not to place ridges or creases on the squeegee, and always be gentle!

 

Cleaning aluminum window frames from the outside

1. From the outside, you can afford to use a hose without worrying about getting wet and dirty. Spraying windows and frames before tackling the finer aspects of cleaning is a good idea, as it helps remove surface dirt and dust

2. Gently scrub the frame using the same cleaner solution you use indoors

3. Wipe the frame of the window or door with a damp non-abrasive cloth to ensure no dirty water drips and dries. This will cause streaks and they will be obvious!

4. Re-hose the frame again after cleaning, as any drips are clean and should not leave any marks.

 

Keep a loose maintenance schedule

If there is one important takeaway in maintaining aluminum windows, it is to make sure you clean them semi-regularly. Your windows will need to be cleaned more frequently than frames, but it makes sense to combine the two tasks - especially since you already have the tools you need.

 

As mentioned earlier, with aluminum frames, windows and doors are less likely to fall into disrepair, but a little maintenance can go a long way. You don't need a window cleaner to do the basics - cleaning can be therapeutic and keep you connected to your home like no other.

 

Check out our variety of stylish and sleek aluminum bifold doors to see how you can make your home better!

 


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Add.: No.30, Shui Tou Industry Avenue, Dali Town, Nanhai District, Foshan, China

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