The how and why of window care

Proper window care pays dividends through beautiful lighting and by extending the service life of the windows. In other words, it ensures that the windows fulfill their purpose.

While most people wash their windows maybe once or twice a year, even this infrequent care should always include thoroughly cleaning the framing and seals. For washing, use a neutral detergent and water, and dry with a soft cloth. Never use rough granular cleaning products. Even when it seems like they would make the job go faster.

Gypsum, plaster, and render residue should be removed from windows using a wooden or plastic putty knife, but only if washing fails entirely.

What not to do

Under no circumstances should windows be cleaned using sharp tools, such as knives, metal putty knives, steel wool, sandpaper, etc., because these may damage the surface of the window. Meanwhile, aggressive cleaners, like nitro solvent, nail polish remover, etc., can cause irreversible damage to the surface of window profiles.

It is also recommended to keep excessive water away from internal windowsills, as this may lead to swelling. To avoid static charge, use an anti-static agent.

Technical inspection of windows

Aside from regular cleaning, plastic windows should also be inspected once a year to ensure their extended and flawless functioning. Clean the drainage slots of the windows, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from inside the frame, and clear any clogged slots using a wooden or plastic rod. Seals should be lubricated with petroleum jelly or a special grease stick. This helps retain the elasticity of the seals and prevents them from sticking.

Take care of your fittings

Window fittings require special care. Windows may be equipped with either fibre or metal fittings – to identify the fittings, consult the purchasing documents or carry out a visual inspection of the window. For information on fitting maintenance and how to properly open and close the window, consult the user and maintenance guide for the fittings.

How to clean PVC windows

PVC profiles may be cleaned with a cloth soaked in a non-abrasive detergent, and then dried. In the case of heavy soiling, we recommend using a special PVC window cleaner. PVC profiles should never be cleaned using window cleaning agents, because these may charge window profiles with static electricity and cause the window to attract dust.

Regular window care (cleaning, lubrication) is generally easy enough to handle independently, but adjusting the windows, replacing the seals, and other work related to the performance of the windows is best left to qualified specialists.

Order your window maintenance services from Klaasmerk!