Windows Care

Now that you’ve installed replacement windows, you should make sure that you’re optimizing that investment. Toward that end, we’ve developed this handy window care and maintenance guide.

Why Proper Care for Windows Matters

Like any product, a window will eventually wear down after continuous use. Your replacement windows will last much longer and perform better if you take the time to care for them on a monthly, seasonal, and annual basis.

Essential Maintenance for Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

Proper care for windows includes cleaning them regularly, doing appropriate seasonal upkeep, and making immediate fixes when appropriate. We lay it all out for you below.

Window Cleaning

You should clean your windows twice a year. Depending on where you live, you could get an excess of debris and dirt that collects on your windows. But even if you live in a region where that’s a minor issue, you should still clean your windows every six months or so.

Seasonal upkeep

As the seasons turn, you undoubtedly have to perform some tasks around the house in preparation for the changes in temperature, precipitation, etc. It’s paramount that you include windows on this “to do” list. Whether it’s something as simple as putting in screens in anticipation of warmer weather, or something a little more complicated, like placing caulk around the window’s exterior frame for a superior seal, you need to prepare your windows for the change in seasons.

The good news about seasonal upkeep is that it’s almost certainly part of your routine already. Think about it: You probably do a number of tasks every few months in anticipation of the changing seasons. Depending on where you live, you may get your lawn mower serviced each spring, or perhaps you put your patio furniture away as autumn approaches. Keeping your windows in working order should just be another part of your seasonal upkeep.

Needed fixes

Never hesitate to fix a broken window. Whatever problems arise from the disrepair will continue until the issue is addressed. For example, a broken pane will continue to allow air into

your space, which will affect your energy bills. Thus, you should get a broken pane replaced immediately.

And this applies to any repair that you may have to make. The sooner the issue is addressed and the problem fixed, the better your window will perform.

Window Cleaning and Care Tips for Lasting Beauty

Curb appeal is so important when selecting replacement windows. You want to impress your neighbors and guests with your new windows while adding a little pizzazz to your home. What’s more, should you decide to sell your house, it will have greater re-sale value with windows that look and perform well.

All of which leads us to the issue of window care and lasting beauty tips. In this section, we’ll go over a few simple window cleaning and care tips. First, let’s discuss how to clean the glass on your windows. It’s a remarkably easy task: All you need is a bucket, some warm water, a few teaspoons of dish soap, and a sponge or microfiber cloth. Just dip the sponge or cloth in the water and gently wash the window panes. Never use a garden hose or power washer, as they can damage the glass and chip the paint on your windows. Also, be very careful if you choose to use a cleaning solution; some chemicals – like bleach, ammonia, and all oil-based solutions – are too abrasive and could damage your windows.

Now, when it comes to cleaning your window frames, you need the same items you used for the glass. But you should also have a soft-bristle brush for the frames. (And here we should remind you to never use a wire brush to clean glass.)

For the best vinyl window care, take the sponge or cloth and dip it in the water/dish detergent mixture. Then you gently wash all around the frame. If you’re cleaning the interior frame, you should consider putting a drop cloth down so that you don’t get water on your floor or carpet.

Once that’s done, inspect the frame from top to bottom. Look for any stuck-on pieces of grime that didn’t come off with the sponge. If you find some, take the soft-bristle brush and gently go over the spot until the dirt is removed. After that’s accomplished, you may want to go over the area with the sponge again.

Pro Tips for Advanced Window Care

Cleaning your windows twice a year is recommended for standard windows care. However, if you want to go above and beyond for advanced window care, consider the following tips.

The first – and easiest – thing you can do is open and close your windows. If there’s something wrong with the operation of your window, you’ll find out pretty quickly when operating it. It’s

recommended that you open and close your windows at least once a month. Otherwise, the issue causing the disrepair could worsen before you even realize that there’s a problem.

It’s also important to check your windows’ components on a regular basis. If you have an operable window, take a screwdriver and tighten any loose screws. Make sure that neither the handle or lock are loose or damaged. You can also apply some solution – though not an oil-based one – to grease any moving parts that need it.

Furthermore, you should evaluate your windows on a regular basis in search of any damage to the glass or frame. Look for any chips in the paint or cracks in the glass. As you peruse the windows, be on the lookout for any caulk or weatherstripping that’s dilapidated. You can always add caulk or weatherstripping if need be.

Finally, you could wash your windows more often. Although it’s recommended that you wash your windows twice a year, you could always go the extra mile and wash them four to five times a year.

Why Choose Sunrise Windows for Easy Maintenance?

In more than 30 years of operation, the Sunrise Collection has come to define easy maintenance for windows. Our top-notch engineering team designs windows that perfectly combine aesthetics with performance. As we design and fabricate our windows and sliding glass doors, the term “ease of use” is always top of mind. We want you to enjoy having our products in your home, which means we want your windows and doors to be a benefit, not a burden. With the Sunrise Collection, you get aesthetics, energy efficiency, performance, and easy maintenance – all in one window.

Take Easy Maintenance to a New Level

Keep your windows beautiful and efficient for years to come – go to sunrisecollection.com today to find a Sunrise Certified Dealer near you for expert care and personalized guidance.