Spring Cleaning: Our Best Tips for Your Windows & Doors

Spring is a beautiful time of year, but it's also the time when we discover everything that needs to be fixed, replaced, or cleaned outside our homes. If you're planning your spring cleaning for this year, don't forget to include your windows and doors! 

Not only will regular cleaning of your windows and doors make them look fresher, but it can extend their lifespan, too. Here's how you can get your doors and windows spring fresh and ready for a great summer:

Our Best Tips for Cleaning Your Doors

Cleaning Door Hardware

You might not realize it, but your door hardware also needs cleaning! While the inside of your door hardware probably gets wiped down regularly, the outside probably doesn't. 

The elements of the outside world all kinds of other stuff can make door hardware much dirtier than you imagined, and getting it all off is an excellent way to extend the lifespan of your door hardware. If there's not too much buildup of grime, salt, or something else on your door hardware, using a gentle detergent, a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a damp cloth should get the job done.

How you clean door hardware will depend on the type of metal or material and the finish. For more detailed information and more tips on cleaning your hardware, please reference our post about cleaning each type of door hardware. 

Cleaning Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors are an excellent choice for indoor/outdoor living, but since they tend to be high-traffic areas in the home they need to be cleaned a bit more thoroughly, and spring is a great time to get the job done. 

We've got a detailed article about cleaning sliding patio doors on our website as well, but there are a few basic steps that will benefit every kind of door:

• Using a commercial glass cleaner (this glass cleaner is our favorite) and a soft, damp cloth for best results
• Sliding the door fully closed and clean both sides of the door in that position
• Sliding the door fully open, and then vacuuming the sliding patio door track to remove any debris that might have built up
• Using a damp, soft cloth or a sponge to clean the sliding track of the door
• Wiping down the frame of the door. Pay close attention to the handles and latch - those tend to get the dirtiest because they're constantly being touched!

Cleaning French Doors

Cleaning French doors really requires a combination of methods because you have to clean glass, frames, door hardware, and sometimes even fixed side lights or other kinds of windows.

Our article on cleaning French doors is the best resource to get all the information you need, but if you're using a soft cloth, not too much water, mild detergent, and a commercial glass cleaning product, you should be able to get good results on most kinds of French doors.

Our Best Tips for Cleaning Your Windows

The Best Glass Cleaner to Use For Windows

Most commercially available glass cleaners will deliver adequate results when used to clean your windows, but we've actually done a lot more research about this! You can find all the best tips and advice in our article about the best glass cleaners for windows. 

However, a great and easily available substitute that is the perfect trick for cleaning windows is using a mixture of water and vinegar and using a newspaper to wipe the surface.

However, remember that window cleaning results are part product and part technique, and you need to have both for the best results!

For Aluminum Windows

Aluminum is such a popular material for windows because they don't rust or rot. However, it’s important to note that aluminum is actually quite a reactive metal. So, if you have aluminum windows, you need to make sure you're using the right kind of cleaning products and chemicals on them. 

Using the wrong type of cleaning products and method on aluminum windows can scratch the frames or discolor the metal, so we recommend you read our article about cleaning aluminum windows before you get started! 

Double Hung Windows

Double-hung windows are versatile, and that makes them a popular choice. But because both sections of this type of window can move, it does make cleaning them a little more complicated. 

You will need to have both sections completely closed and work from the inside to the outside to get this kind of window properly clean. Additionally, don't forget to read the rest of our tips for cleaning double-hung windows before you get started! It'll give you the tips you need to get the job done quickly and with the best possible results.

Need Help Removing Scratches from Window Glass?

Unfortunately, get scratched from time to time. Maybe you live near the beach, and blowing sand is to blame, or you might have kids or pets. Both are known to be hard on windows! 

The good news is that several methods might allow you to remove scratches from glass, but it really does depend on how many scratches, how deep they are, and what kind of glass it is. Our article on removing scratches from window glass covers everything you need to know and more.

For Andersen Windows

Anderson windows are a great investment because they are durable, good-looking, and well-made. But if you want to enjoy them for many years to come, you still need to give them some regular care and maintenance. 

Our article about Anderson windows covers everything you need to know to keep this kind of window looking great for longer.

In conclusion, spring cleaning is an important task that should not be overlooked. Cleaning your windows, hardware, and doors can help improve the overall appearance and functionality of your home. By following this spring cleaning list, you can ensure that your windows, hardware, and doors are thoroughly cleaned and maintained. Remember to take your time and use the appropriate cleaning materials for each surface. With a little effort and attention to detail, you can have a sparkling clean home that is ready for the new season.