Window Cleaning Guide

It is easy to maintain the beauty of your vinyl windows.

The best vinyl replacement windows and doors are virtually maintenance free even in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC. However, as with any product exposed to atmospheric conditions, they will become dirty and require cleaning. With very little effort your vinyl replacement windows and doors will retain their “just new” look for years to come. In most cases, exterior dirt and grime will wash away during the next heavy rain storm. However, if Mother Nature is unable to clean your windows, follow these guidelines.

BE CAREFUL! Use all common safety methods to minimize the risk of hazard.

DO NOT lean out the windows to clean exterior glass surface.

DO NOT depend on the screen for support or retention. Screens will not prevent someone from falling out a window.

CAUTION. Most severe window accidents occur on the first floor.

IF IN DOUBT of precautions and dangers, hire a licensed, and insured professional window cleaning service.

1. Avoid washing windows with high pressure sprays, guns and hoses.
2. Your window may have special coatings applied to the glass. Do not use metal razor blades to clean the glass as it can damage the coating.
3. Do not use aggressive or highly abrasive cleaners or solvents on the glass surface.
4. Do not allow any sealants to make contact with the glass surface. Sealants may cause damage to any coatings on the glass.

Cleaning The Exterior Glass Surface

Be careful! Use all common safety methods to minimize the risk of hazard. Clean both sides of your glass with any popular glass cleaner and a soft cloth or paper towel.

1. Always wash the frames and sashes with a soft cloth, sponge or ordinary long-handled soft bristle brush.
2. For removal of most common dirt and grime, use a solution of mild dish washing detergent and warm water.
3. Rinse the window with a gentle spray of clean water.
4. Use a clean lint free cloth or squeegee to dry the glass.
5. For best results, avoid cleaning glass in direct sunlight.

Horizontal Sliding Windows

Sliding Windows:

1. Unlock the locking mechanism on the sash.
2. Slide the sash to its fully opened position.
3. Grasp the sash on either side and lift it into the head of the window until the bottom of the sash clears the sill.
4. Tilt the bottom of the sash out and remove the sash from the frame.
5. Place the sash on a soft padded surface and clean the exterior glass surface.
6. Replace the sash into the frame by repeating steps 1-4 in the reverse order.

Casement Windows:

1. Turn the locking mechanism to its unlocked position.
2. Crank the sash to its fully opened position.
3. Wash the exterior glass surface by using a common glass cleaner and a soft cloth or paper towel.
4. Crank the window to its closed position.

Vertical Sliding Windows (Double Hung)

To tilt-in the lower sash:

1. Be sure the window locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.
2. Raise the window sash approximately 3 inches.
3. Grasp each side of the sash and use your index finger to disengage tilt latches.
4. Slowly lower the sash to a convenient cleaning level.
5. Clean the exterior surface (using a popular glass cleaner and a soft cloth or paper towel) by supporting the sash with one hand and cleaning with the other.
6. Return the sash to its original position and be sure both tilt latches click into place.

To tilt-in the upper sash:

1. Tilt-in the lower sash by following the previous instructions.
2. Support the lower sash by using a chair, step ladder, or some other stable support. Be sure to pad the support to prevent damage and be sure the sash is supported by the sash frame. Do not support the sash by resting the glass on the support.
3. Pull the upper sash down approximately three inches.
4. Grasp each side of the sash and disengage the tilt latches with your index fingers.
5. Slowly allow the sash to tilt-in.
6. Clean the exterior surface (using a popular glass cleaner and a soft cloth or paper towel) by supporting the sash with one hand and cleaning with the other.
7. Return the upper sash to its original position and be sure that both the tilt latches click into place.
8. Return the lower sash to its original position and be sure that both tilt latches click into place.

For the best vinyl replacement windows prices in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC, be sure to contact us today.

Contact Us

If you have any questions that haven’t been addressed here, we would be happy to hear from you.

10236 Southard Drive
Beltsville, Maryland 20705
1-800-417-LONG (5664)

Cleaning information obtained from manufacturer’s website.

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Cleaning The Screen

Screens can be cleaned using a sponge or soft cloth, with mild soap and water. Rinse the screen with a gentle spray of clean water.

Inspecting The Weep System

Periodically inspect the weep holes on the exterior bottom rails to make certain they are clear of any dirt or debris. A soft brush may be used to clear openings if necessary.

Stain Fighting Solutions

For stains that prove to be difficult to remove, use the readily available household cleaners listed in the following table. Be sure to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each cleaner. The manufacturer does not guarantee nor warrant effectiveness of each individual product.

This list is based upon a study conducted by the Vinyl Window and Door Institute on the efficiency of popular cleansing agents and their effects on the appearance of vinyl replacement windows and doors. Substitute products made by other manufacturers may or may not be as effective. Cleaning materials are listed in alphabetical order.

Always be sure to test the effects of any cleaner on a small, unseen portion of the vinyl window before proceeding. Do not use cleaners containing aggressive organic solvents because they could affect the surface appearance of the vinyl. Examples of such cleaners are: chlorine bleach, liquid grease remover, strong soaps and detergents containing organic solvents, nail polish remover and furniture polish and cleaners.