Spring Cleaning? Here’s How to Make Your Windows & Doors Shine

After our long, cold, snow-bound winter, we are rejoicing in the warmer temperature and longer days. Now, with more sunshine, we can see the effects the past season has had on our windows.
Time for spring cleaning!

Your EuroLine windows and doors are virtually maintenance free, but taking the time to do a little maintenance and cleaning will ensure that they last a lifetime.

Spring Cleaning - Dining Room photo

Safety First!

  • Don’t have tilt & turn windows? Too short to reach those outside windows? Make sure you take care when using that ladder during spring cleaning.
  • Wear protective eyewear and clothing when working with cleaning products. Always follow the safety precautions as recommended by the manufacturer.

What’s On the Outside?

  • Spring cleaning is a good time to inspect the caulking on the exterior perimeter of your windows and patio doors. This should be done regularly, but at least once per year. Look carefully for cracks and breaks as these will compromise the watertight seal between the window and door frames and your house siding.
  • Completely remove and replace the caulking that is cracked, broken or missing. New caulking will help to create a tight seal and prevent further damage.
  • A soft cloth and mixture of warm water a and a few drops of mild dish soap is all you need to clean your vinyl windows. Gently rinse, then dry with a soft, damp cloth. Consult your instruction manual for advice on cleaning heavily soiled areas.
  • Always use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products.
  • Check the weep holes — both inside and outside the windows and doors. Make sure they are clear of dirt or obstructions to ensure proper drainage.

Small scratches on your frames?
TIP:
We have matching paint pens that may help repair small abrasions on foiled finishes. Call us at 604.940.8485 and speak to our service department for details.

NOTE: Never use a power washer when cleaning windows or doors as it may damage them, voiding your warranty.

Take a Look at the Hardware

  • Check all hardware for smooth operation — make sure locks, opening mechanisms, etc. are working properly.  To keep the moving parts of your windows and doors at peak performance, we recommend you lubricate the hardware at least once a year. Every six months, check all hinges for tightness of fasteners and look for damage to hinges.
  • You can find complete details on cleaning and lubricating window and door hardware in your maintenance manual. Or visit the Resources page on our website for detailed information.

TIP: If you live in a coastal area, more frequent cleaning and lubricating of your window and door hardware is required.

Sparkle and Shine

  • Abrasive or caustic cleaners are never recommended because they might cause permanent damage to the finish or the glass. Instead, clean glass with a mixture of water and mild dish soap or an approved glass cleaner. Rinse completely with clear water, then wipe dry with a soft, damp cloth to avoid water spots. (A damp cloth is recommended, as a dry one may create static which will attract dirt/dust to the frame.)
  • For best results, do not clean glass when it is exposed to direct sunlight.

STOP! Never use a high-pressure spray nozzle to rinse your windows — this could cause the glass to crack or possibly loosen the seals.

To avoid damaging the glass surface, the insulating glass seal, or component parts, never use any petroleum-based cleaners, or caustic chemicals on the glass, and never use a razor blade, putty knife or abrasive pad to clean the glass.

The Inside Job

  • Over the winter, fine dust and dirt has probably built up inside these areas and if allowed to remain, it can result in poor operation or even damage to hardware.
  • Use your vacuum to clean the sill and track areas. A soft, small brush may be helpful to loosen any dirt or dust from around frames.
  • Clean the interior frames with a small amount of mild soap in warm water and a soft cloth. Dish detergent such as Dawn is ideal.
  • Open windows and clean the inside of the frames. Also, wipe the edges of the sashes to make sure there is nothing obstructing their operation.

Don’t Forget the Screens

  • Bring out your window screens from their winter storage and lay them on a flat surface.
  • If necessary, wash them with mild soap and water using a soft brush, then rinse and wipe dry.
  • Check for any damage before you install them. If you need help putting your screens on, check out our helpful video for step by step instructions.

REMEMBER: Your EuroLine windows never need painting and will not rot, split, fade, yellow or grow brittle with age. With just a little TLC and regular cleaning, your windows and doors will have years of trouble-free operation. For more details on taking care of your EuroLine windows and doors, download our info sheet: Cleaning & Maintenance of Your Vinyl Windows and Doors

IMPORTANT! EuroLine window and door products are shipped with a protective plastic film that reduces damage from handling and installation. This protective film MUST be removed upon completion of installation. Failure to remove the protective plastic film upon completion of installation may cause film to bond to the frame and permanently damage the finish.

Film bonded to your windows? Read How to Remove Baked on Protective Window Film for helpful information.

Want more information? 
Resources: Instruction and maintenance manuals, brochures, videos, FAQ, and more in our resource section.
Products: Information and photos of all our windows, doors, accessories and options.
Project Gallery: Photo slide shows of residential and commercial projects featuring our window and door products.

Get social with us!
Sign up for our E-Newsletter for all our latest news and event information.
Click the social media icons below to follow us on any or all of our social media channels.

Got something to say? Add your comment below — we’d love to hear from you!