One of the biggest home
maintenance tasks of the summer just
got easier, with a few points of practical
advice on the proper cleaning of windows
and doors.
Warm weather and long days are the
perfect time to clean off grime and
achieve a sparkling view to the outdoors.
JELD-WEN, a leading manufacturer of
reliable windows and doors, offers this
practical advice.
"The most important thing to
remember when cleaning windows and
patio doors is to use gentle, soft materials
that won't harm surfaces," said Brian
Hedlund, product marketing manager for
JELD-WEN windows. "A dry, overcast day
works best because intense sunlight can
cause streaks as the cleaning solution
dries too quickly."
For window and door surfaces, follow
these simple steps:
1. Use a combination of gentle
ingredients to clean glass, window
frames and door surfaces. Mix one
teaspoon of baby shampoo to one
gallon of water or 1 1/2 cups of
vinegar to one gallon of water.
2. Wash with the solution using a clean,
soft cloth or sponge.
3. Rinse with clean water. Don't use
pressurized sprayers that can break
seals.
4. Promptly dry glass surfaces
thoroughly with a cloth.
5. Dry window frames and door surfaces
with a separate cloth.
Be wary of shortcuts that hurt instead
of help.Avoid power washers, metal tools,
razor blades or other objects that can
break seals, scratch glass and remove
exterior glass coatings.Always be gentle.
Don't allow aggressive cleaners to come
in contact with vinyl,wood or metal-clad
surfaces. Cleanliness counts. Be sure to
clean up puddles that collect at glass
edges, as this can damage window
glazing.
Cleaning Exterior Finishes
1. Mild soap and water and a soft sponge
or cloth is the simplest and safest way
to clean exterior finishes like wood,
metal-clad surfaces, vinyl, plastic and
brass.
2. Always rinse and wipe dry
immediately after cleaning.
3. Metal-clad and brass surfaces benefit
from a protective coating of highquality
car wax after cleaning.
As a general rule, avoid vinegar and
citrus-based solutions, paint removers,
harsh or abrasive cleaners on exterior
surfaces.
Cleaning Insect Screens
1. Remove screen. Most have springloaded
pins or tabs. Patio door screens
can be lifted up off their tracks.
2. Place screen into a tub or shower stall
if indoors, or on a hard surface
outdoors.
3. Gently spray the screen with water.
4. Brush lightly with a soft bristle tool
until clean. For stubborn dirt, a mild
soap and water solution can be used.
5. Rinse clean.
6. Replace the screen when dry.