Dirty windows can make a home feel dark and dreary, even on a sunny day. They can also detract from the appearance of your property and will surely attract some unwanted attention from your guests.
If your home is like many others these days, it probably contains double-pane windows, which consist of two sheets of glass with a small space between that provides additional insulation. While these windows are more energy efficient and offer extra safety and security, their unique design poses some cleaning challenges.
With 25 years of home improvement experience, you can trust Homespire Windows and Doors for expert window care advice. In this post, we’ll provide a few helpful tips for cleaning the exterior and interior of your windows, as well as glass patio doors. We’ll also offer advice for remedying “cloudy” glass.
What Is the Best Way to Clean Outside Windows?
Due to their exposure to the exterior environment, the outside of windows can be more challenging to clean. Start by wetting the windows with a hose. Then fill a bucket with cool water and a few squirts of liquid soap, and use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the surface. Rinse the windows thoroughly with your hose, then spray them with a window/glass cleaning product or a solution consisting of water and vinegar. Use a rubber-bladed squeegee to wipe the window dry.
If you need to remove bird droppings or other stubborn stains, try saturating the affected area with a combination of vinegar and water. Allow the mixture to dry for several minutes before completing the rest of the washing process. If mineral deposits are staining your windows, apply a commercial cleanser that can remove rust stains, lime, or calcium.
Why Are My Double-Pane Windows Cloudy?
Double-pane windows that appear cloudy may indicate that they’re defective. Over time, the constant exposure to temperature swings and humidity can cause the seals in double-pane windows to wear out. Failed seals enable humid air to enter between the panes. As the moisture from the air condenses and evaporates, it creates a cloudy appearance, particularly when specific atmospheric conditions are present.
Can You Clean Inside Double-Pane Windows?
Because of the way they’re designed and constructed, double-pane windows are difficult to clean. These windows consist of two pieces of glass with a layer of air or Argon gas between that acts as insulation. Cleaning the inside typically requires disassembling the windows, which breaks the airtight seal and could ruin the window. If you choose this route, consider hiring a professional window company to handle the job.
How Do You Clean In Between Glass Windows?
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you could try several methods to attempt to clean between your double-pane windows. Begin by drilling a small hole or two in the window. The holes let you insert desiccate material between the panes to absorb moisture. You can then rinse the area out with isopropyl alcohol to remove accumulated dirt. Another option is to direct a fan at the holes to dry out the area. The fan method will only remove moisture from the interior space — it won’t provide any cleaning benefits.
How Do I Clean a Cloudy Door?
The process of cleaning a glass door is essentially the same as for windows. Assuming your door contains double-pane glass, a cloudy appearance probably means the seal is broken, which allowed the insulating gas to escape. You can attempt to clean it by drilling holes into the top and bottom of the door and inserting a desiccant material to absorb the moisture. If this doesn’t work, you’ll likely need to replace the glass panels, or the entire door.
Why Choose Homespire for Life?
Homespire offers high-quality windows and doors to homeowners in central PA, Philadelphia, Allentown. Unlike national window companies, we can provide localized service to every customer. We know the area and the people who live here, and we understand the unique requirements that a window system should meet. Our products are made in the USA and come a true Signature Warranty that covers labor and materials for your protection.
Please contact us to learn more about our window and door systems or request a no-obligation, in-home analysis today.
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