Aluminium doors and windows are a great option for any home. They are easy to install, maintain and have a longer lifespan than wood or other metal options. But your aluminium fixings still need a bit of love and attention to keep them looking good and operating smoothly.
As a starting point, your windows and doors should be cleaned every few months. This is due all windows naturally accumulating dirt and debris on both the inside and the outside.
Even though cleaning your windows is a relatively straightforward process, it’s still important that the right steps are followed, otherwise, you could risk damaging your frames and surfaces.
So, if you’re keen to find out how to clean your aluminium windows and doors with the best results, then read on!
Step 1: Wash and scrub
As with any household or commercial cleaning, it’s always best to start your clean from the highest point, working your way down to the bottom. If you do this, you won’t risk dirt and debris falling onto areas you have already been cleaned.
On the outside surface of the windows, use a hose to spray off and loosen dirt stuck to the window pane and frame. On the inside, gently wipe down the surfaces with a wet rag or cloth.
Next, mix detergent with warm water and begin to wipe over the frame and glass surfaces with a fresh cloth; a micro-fibre material will give you the best results.
It’s important your detergent is non-alkaline having a PH level of 7 or less if it’s higher you could damage your window frames.
Follow this up with a final scrub down, to remove any remaining debris build-up. Make sure you scrub all metal and glass surfaces, as well as window joints and grooves.
This scrub is particularly critical for sliding windows, as grime deposits can affect their ability to easily open and close.
A thorough scrub also presents the perfect opportunity to check for any damage, allowing you to organise repairs without the situation worsening.
Step 2: Rinse and lubricate
Following your wash down, rinse all the glass and metal surfaces with cloths, using towels to soak up any excess water. For the glass, it’s worth finishing it off with a squeegee, for a great streak-free result.
You can then give the frame a final wipe down moving steadily with a cloth in one direction. This will create a sparkling and consistent finish.
Now is also a good time to apply lubricant to help your doors and windows open smoothly.
Before applying, make sure your locking system and hinges are completely dry; it might be a good idea to use a blower to be sure they are.
Step 3: Polish and enjoy
The perfect time to put some shine back into your aluminium doors and windows is just after they’ve been cleaned. Steel wool (the finer the better) and a bit more water is all you need.
It’s worth noting that polishing your window and door frames will take a considerable amount of time, so make sure you load up some good music or podcasts before tackling it!
If you find your window and door frames are still dull, even after extensive polishing, it may be because they have anodised, due to long periods of exposure to the elements.
If this is the case, then it may be easier for you to contact a professional cleaner who can use specialised tools to remove the oxide build-up. And remember, before committing to anything, it’s worth checking a contractor’s prices!
Step 4: Preparing for painting
Painting aluminium window frames are a good alternative to regularly polishing them.
It also gives you a chance to create a new look or vibe for your home or room without having to remove or look at replacement windows. It also means a wider range of aluminium window frame colours will be available to you.
Before painting, apply a primer to the aluminium surfaces. Primers ensure your paint will stick to the surface and be less prone to chipping off.
Before starting, it’s worth contacting a professional for advice on which primer is best suited to your windows – the team at Action Glass will be more than happy to help!
And that’s it! There’s all the information you need to get your aluminium windows and doors looking amazing.
