Double-glazed windows are designed to not only give your home kerbside appeal, but also bring practical benefits including reduced noise pollution, better insulation, and reduced draughts, which will help improve comfort and reduce energy consumption.
Once you have invested in new double glazing, you will want to keep it in tip-condition, and that’s why cleaning and good maintenance should be a regular part of your routine. However, due to their dual-pane design, double-glazed windows can sometimes be challenging to clean.
Read on to learn how to clean double-glazed windows properly, which materials or methods to avoid, and maintenance tips to keep your windows looking brand new.
Cleaning Double-Glazed Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide
Keeping your double-glazed windows clean isn’t just about visual appeal; it’s also about keeping them functional.
Here are the basic materials you’ll need, along with the steps to follow, to clean your double glazing properly:
Materials
- A bucket of warm, soapy water (you can also use non-abrasive glass cleaners)
- Clean water
- Non-abrasive cleaning cloth or sponge
- Soft microfibre cloth
- Squeegee
- Newspaper
- Soft-bristled brush
Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Materials
First, gather and prepare all the materials you’ll need.
You can use a dishwashing liquid and warm water for your cleaning solution. To prepare the solution, mix up to two tablespoons of dishwashing soap or liquid detergent into one bucket of water.
Step 2: Open the Window and Clean off Dust and Debris
Opening your window exposes some dust and dirt that collects on the window’s sill and nooks.
Use a soft-bristled brush to clean off dust and dirt accumulating on the glass surface, window hinges, and corners of the window.
Brush off the dust from the locking mechanism, hoovers, and handle. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust particles from hard-to-clean corners.
Don’t forget to brush the dust off the rubber seals because dust usually sticks to these parts.
It’s essential not to skip this step because directly wiping the glass surface without brushing off the dust first can result in scratches on the glass.
Step 3: Clean the Window Frame Using a Cloth and Warm Soapy Water
Soak your non-abrasive cleaning cloth or sponge with soapy water, and squeeze off excess before wiping your frames clean.
After wiping the frames, dip and rinse the sponge or cleaning cloth on clean water to remove dirt particles before soaking it in soapy water again. Repeat the process if needed.
You can also use a soft-bristled brush to brush off stubborn grime and dirt on hard-to-reach corners and surfaces.
Avoid aggressively brushing the surfaces. Instead, gently brush in a circular motion. From there, clean or dry your window frame with a clean microfiber cloth.
Step 4: Clean the Glass Surface and Use a Squeegee to Remove Soapy Water
Dip your cleaning cloth or sponge in soapy water, squeeze the excess liquid, and gently wipe the glass in an S motion.
After wiping the glass, dip and rinse your sponge or cleaning cloth in clean water to remove bits of dirt before soaking it in soapy water again.
Use a squeegee to remove the liquid from the glass’ surface. You can also use a clean microfibre cloth.
Step 5: Dry Wet Spots
Wipe all of the wet spots, like the frames and windowsill, with a soft cloth or a microfibre cloth until they’re dry.
Voila! You’re all done.
How Often Should I Clean My Double-Glazed Windows?
We recommend cleaning your double-glazed windows once or twice a month.
If your window accumulates dust frequently, be sure to use a soft bristle brush to brush the dust off on a regular basis.
When Should I Clean My Double-Glazed Windows?
The best time to clean your windows is when it’s not exposed to direct sunlight. Direct sunlight exposure dries your windows rapidly, leaving unsightly streaks on the glass. Cleaning your windows on a cloudy day is the best option.
How to Avoid Streaks and Marks on Your Glazed Windows
Streaks and marks are common after a window cleaning session. Using a squeegee to clean your glass or drain excess fluid is one way to prevent streaks.
Work your squeegee in an S-shape manner for a neat, streak-free finish. You can also gently buff the window glass with a crumpled newspaper.
Is a Professional Window Cleaning Service Worth It?
Yes, a professional cleaning service is a good investment if you want to save time and prevent expensive repair costs that come with damage due to poor maintenance.
Professional window cleaners have the right skill and tools for window cleaning, especially for double-glazed windows. Paying for window cleaning services is ideal if you have hard-to-reach windows around your property that can be risky to clean.
Materials to Avoid When Cleaning Double-Glazed Windows
Avoid the following materials to prevent unwanted scratches or damages in your double-glazed window glass or frame:
- Scouring pads
- Hard-bristle cleaning brushes (e.g., laundry brushes)
- Cleaning products free from corrosive substances like phosphoric acid
- Bleach
- Cream cleaners that can scratch the surface, especially of uPVC window frames
- Paper towels or cloth that lint easily
Maintenance Tips for Double-Glazed Windows
Check out these quick maintenance tips to keep your windows functional even after many years:
- Clean and lubricate window hinges.
- Examine your window for condensation due to compromised or ineffective glazing.
- Keep window tracks clean or free from dirt particles to prevent damage to the runners and the windows from sticking.
- Keep handles and locking mechanism clean and free from dirt.
- Check wooden framing for any damages.
- Regularly inspect for cracks since they can compromise insulation around the house.
Is it possible to clean the inside of a double-glazed window?
Sometimes, you may see condensation or dirt inside your double-glazed window. You can clean the inside of a double-glazed window by drilling holes, but the best move is to call professional services so they can assess whether the unit needs repair or replacement. Drilling holes can damage the glass or ruin the functionality of the window.
Double Glazing Cleaning Conclusions
Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial in keeping your double-glazed window looking their best and staying fully functional. Thankfully, cleaning a double-glazed window is relatively easy and can be done with a few simple household items, as listed above.
Only use lint-free and non-abrasive cleaning materials when cleaning your double-glazed windows to avoid causing damage. Using a squeegee is also essential to prevent unsightly streaks and glass marks and leave your windows looking their best.
