Cleaning Single and Double-Hung Window Units

Author: Edward Win

Tips for Cleaning Single and Double-Hung Window Units

Clean and clear windows are one of the most important things to avoid obstructed view but for most of the homeowners, cleaning tends to be a difficult task. When windows are installed since a couple of years, snow, rain, dirt and debris start to deposit on their surface that lead to inefficient windows. It’s the time when they need replacement and homeowners should have to go for something that simplifies cleaning and other tasks.

While planning to clean windows- be it casements, awnings, single or double hung window units- homeowners should have to start with choosing a suitable weather because once the panels are removed, weather would affect internal atmosphere. Don’t take lightly if it’s raining as they may become heavy and be sure not to open windows when winds are high. Always check weather forecast before starting the work.

Window Maintenance

While living in a home, owners have to understand that mesh screens collect dirt with every passing day and there comes a time when they need to be replaced from the window frames. WindowTech suggests to use warm soapy water and a soft brush to remove dirt, keeping in mind that there shouldn’t be much soap residues remaining on the surface.

Ideally, homeowners should have to find a flat surface for cleaning the mesh along with checking if there are any local laws for the disposal of cleaning run-off. Yes, there are rules for car washing that could be applied on windows as well. Be sure to handle the aluminum frame carefully because it bents easily and may not fit well as before.

Cleaning the Sashes

Most of the single and double hung window units are provided with tilt-in sashes. Their cleaning is quite interesting and for some, easy because their sashes can be unlocked and latches are released for appropriate cleaning. When the panels are at the vertical plane, homeowners can easily tilt them inward and have easy access to exterior glass surface. It is advisable to have someone for assistance or holding the sash so that the other person can have focus on cleaning dirt and debris.

Single and double hung window units without having a tilt-in feature are required to be taken out of the frame. Again, don’t try to do everything with two hands, there should always be four hands to avoid any mishap or injury.

For casement windows, cleaning is quite easy as homeowners just have to unlock the components and crank them open up to the point where one person can easily get his/her hands between the sash and the frame. This way, it would be quite effortless to clean external glass surface.

Once windows are cleaned, it’s time to take them back to their original position and check if they are working properly or not. This is an important stage because inefficient windows are usually the invitation for burglars to take advantage and steal valuables. So, always take all measures to bring back everything to normal.