7 top tips on how to maintain your windows

Just like everything, windows need a bit of TLC to perform at their best and retain their aesthetic beauty for longer. Amongst the many benefits behind a well-maintained window, heightened home security and weather resistance are crucial considerations. After all, your home is only as secure as its weakest point of entry – 29% of burglars’ break-in through a window, with one third using unlocked windows to gain entry. Improperly maintained windows also lose 10% of their heat through damaged frames and glazing.

Make sure you stay safe, secure, and warm all year round with these 7 top tips to maintain your windows.

1. How do you maintain windows?

First things first, depending on your location, be sure to inspect and clean your windows every 3 to 6 months. Areas that are vulnerable to salt residue build-up, such as coastal and riverside areas, will need to clean their windows more often. No matter the window frame material, always use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution, steering clear of abrasive cloths and cleaners. As well as damaging the frame’s surface, bleach or white spirit can also turn uPVC windows brown. If in doubt, feel free to contact us for expert advice and support.

Sash window lock

2. How do you maintain window hinges and locks?

Using a light oil, such as WD40 or 3 in 1, don’t forget to lubricate your window hinges, locking points and locks every 6 – 12 months. This will protect them from rust and corrosion and keep them in tip-top condition. Applying a silicone spray to the edges of the rebate of the windows every 6 months will also prevent your windows from sticking.

3. What is the best way to clean windows without streaking?

If you’re trying to save money by cleaning your windows yourself, choosing a dry, cloudy day instead of a sunny day is the best place to start to avoid streaky windows. This is because the sun will dry the glass too quickly, resulting in unsightly streaks. Taking care to remove any excess dirt first, clean the glazing using a distilled white vinegar and warm water solution (1 part vinegar/4 parts water) and a micro-fibre cloth. Wiping the panes in an S-shape motion will help stop streaks too. If you fail to completely remove the liquid from the glass, this can also cause streaks. So, be sure to remove any excess cleaning solution for sparkling, streak-free windows.

Timber bow window

4. How do you maintain wooden window frames?

When maintaining your timber windows, be sure to use a damp cloth rather than a soaking wet cloth to avoid using too much water, otherwise, it could cause them to rot. We coat our natural timber window frames in a microporous finish which stops them from rotting, splitting, or fading. So, unlike older wooden windows, ours only need a quick coating of wood varnish applied every few years to protect them from the elements.

Before applying a new coat of varnish to your wooden window frames, use a fine sandpaper designed for sanding wood (180 – 220 grit) and lightly sand the frames, taking care to sand with the direction of the grain. Once you’ve sanded them down, remove any dust or dirt by wiping the frames over with a damp cloth and allow them to dry before applying the varnish.

5. How do you maintain aluminium windows?

When it comes to maintaining aluminium window frames, vinegar is best avoided when it comes to cleaning them as it can damage and corrode the frames if left to sit on the surface for too long. As mentioned above, warm soapy water and a soft cloth are all you need to keep them looking at their very best. For older aluminium windows, you may wish to source a specialist aluminium cleaner/restorer to strip away age-old grime, stains, and oxidation without damaging them. If they’ve seen better days, it may be time for modern replacements.

Slimline aluminium windows

Powder coating is the most used method to apply protective decorative finishes to aluminium windows. Other protective coatings for aluminium window frames include anodised aluminium, which increases the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of the aluminium and provides a ‘metallic’ appearance. Whereas marine-grade finish aluminium provides extra protection against corrosion from external marine environments. Our aluminium windows are finished in a protective coating which eliminates them from rotting, fading, or warping over their lifetime, which is at least 45 years.

6. How do you whiten yellow uPVC?

Simply spray a hot water/white vinegar cleaning solution on to yellow or stained uPVC frames and leave for around 10 minutes. Wipe over with a soft cloth, removing any excess liquid, and you should see a distinct difference. For really faded or stained uPVC window frames, there are also specialist uPVC restorers you can try. Or it may be time for a contemporary replacement.

7. How do you get rid of condensation between windowpanes?

Whilst checking your windows over, you may have noticed signs of moisture in between double or triple glazed windowpanes. If this is the case, it’s likely your window seals have failed and need to be replaced – as the longer these are left, the colder and less thermally insulated your home will become. Replacing failed units with modern double or triple glazing will keep your home warm in winter and cool through summer for over 20 years.

Convenient, low maintenance windows in Wolverhampton & The Midlands

From practical uPVC windows to ultra-slim aluminium windows and timeless timber windows, with up to 35% off windows, doors and conservatories, creating your forever home is as easy as 1-2-3 with Astoria Windows. Contact us today to find out more and talk to an expert in double glazing Wolverhampton.