Periodically cleaning new vinyl replacement windows is recommended to ensure proper operation. Dirt can limit the natural lubricating ability of vinyl, and long-term accumulation of dirt, dust and debris can limit the useful life of your windows.
The vinyl surfaces of replacement windows can be cleaned with a mild soap/detergent and water solution. Don’t use strong detergents; they’re detrimental to the vinyl's finish. Use a vacuum hose or hand vacuum to pick up insects and pieces of debris and dirt from corners and crevices prior to wiping or cleaning windows.
Wash using a mild detergent (if necessary) and a soft cloth or ordinary long-handled soft bristle brush. Don’t wash windows or doors with a high-pressure spray—the extreme pressure could crack or destroy the caulking.
• Wash one side of a window with horizontal strokes and the other side with vertical strokes so you can pinpoint which side has a streak.
• Use a squeegee on a long handle or a sponge/squeegee combination to prevent streaks on large windows.
• Eliminate tiny scratches on glass by polishing the affected areas with toothpaste.
• Washing windows should be done on a cloudy day, because direct sunlight dries cleaning solutions before you can polish the glass properly.
• Use a soft toothbrush or cotton swab to clean corners. To remove build-up, dip the swab in vinegar. Make sure to thoroughly rinse with water afterward.
• To give an extra shine to window glass, polish it with well-washed cotton T-shirts or old cloth diapers. You can also rub a clean blackboard eraser over a freshly washed and dried window to make it shine.
• Polish windows with crumpled newspaper—it leaves a film that's resistant to dirt.
• Wash windows from the top down to prevent drips.
It’s important to hire a glass company with longevity, says Tim Allen of East County Glass & Window, Inc. “You don’t want to contact them for service several years down the road only to find they’ve gone out of business.” Getting the license number can help—the lower it is, the longer the company’s been in business.
Mr. Allen also recommends getting at least three bids and asking for certificates of insurance and lists of referrals. “No matter what the products, it's a good idea to get three estimates. Maybe the first estimator doesn't cover some of the aspects of the job that the second estimator does.”
