One of the main reasons that so many people opt for vinyl window replacement these days is that this type of window is extremely durable and requires minimal maintenance. However, doing a little maintenance from time to time can help you to save money in the long run, as it will extend the lifespan of your new windows. On average, it is best to perform an inspection and maintenance at least once a year after investing in a window replacement in order to make sure that your new windows remain in good condition. During the inspection, check to make sure that the windows and frames are not cracked or damaged in any way and that smooth operation is maintained.
What Should You Do After a Vinyl Window Replacement?
When carrying out maintenance on vinyl windows, there are several things you should take into consideration. For example, you should not use high-pressure sprays or power washers, should avoid using strong soaps or liquid grease remover and should not use sharp objects at any point in the cleaning process, as all of these items can cause serious damage. For the best results, follow these steps:
- Keep the Glass Clean – Clean your vinyl window replacement gently with plain water and a soft cloth that is free from lint, taking particular care to clean the outside of the window. Fingerprints can be removed from the inside of the window with a solution made from a quarter of a cup of white vinegar added to a bucket full of warm water. Simply dip a clean sponge in the solution and wipe your window, then dry it with a soft cloth.
- Keep the Frames Clean – Plain water and a soft cloth that is free from lint can also be used to clean the frames. Any stubborn stains on the frame can be removed with a solution consisting of 70% warm water and 30% white vinegar.
- Keep the Screens Clean – Regularly using the soft accessory brush on your vacuum cleaner to gently clean the screens can save you a lot of time and trouble. However, if a lot of dirt builds up on the screens, remove them and place them on your lawn and then clean them with warm water and a brush with soft bristles.
- Keep the Tracks Clean – Frequently cleaning the tracks of your vinyl window replacement will help to ensure that the sashes remain fully operational. Again, the soft accessory brush on your vacuum cleaner can be used to clean the tracks regularly, while heavy dirt build up can be removed with a stiff nylon brush or an old toothbrush dipped in a solution consisting of 70% warm water and 30% white vinegar. After debris such as sand, leaves, dirt and grease has been removed, you can then wipe the tracks clean and dry them with a soft cloth.
To find out more about maintaining your windows, contact our vinyl window replacement experts, who have been proudly serving the areas of Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham and Durham since 1973. Our website comes complete with dedicated information to help you with maintenance procedures that you can follow to help ensure any windows that are installed as part of a window replacement last and look their best for many years to come.