During the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, the vinyl window market took a big hit like many other industries. However, the vinyl window industry is expected to grow at a steady rate of about 4.5% each year at least until 2031. By then, experts, expect this market to be worth more than $41 billion!
One of the reasons that vinyl windows are in such demand is that they are durable and last a long time. However, many homeowners do not get the longevity out of their windows that they expect. Even with the impressive durability of vinyl, your windows are going to need regular maintenance in order to last as long as they can.
Some homeowners are dedicated to the well-being of their windows. But if they don’t know about the right principles and steps for vinyl window maintenance, they may also fail to get the results they are looking for. So what do you need to know so that you can maintain the vinyl windows in your home?
Read on to learn all about the most vital things to understand about keeping your vinyl windows in excellent condition!
Invest in Regular Vinyl Window Maintenance
The more you invest in maintenance, the longer it will be before you need to schedule vinyl window replacement services. That can save you money. However, it can also keep your windows looking beautiful for the years that you have them.
We will discuss several of the most important principles to keep in mind to avoid damaging your vinyl windows. After that, we will walk through how you can clean your vinyl windows in a step-by-step fashion.
Every so often, your vital windows will need proper cleaning. However, you can save yourself a lot of time by preventing your windows from getting too dirty in the first place.
Make a point of giving your windows a quick dusting or wipe every week or so. The longer even small amounts of dust and other contaminants stay on your windows, the harder it will be to clean them when it comes time to do a deep cleaning.
Avoid Abrasives During Vinyl Window Cleaning
When you do clean your vinyl windows, you will need to avoid certain common mistakes people make that can damage them.
Some people find it difficult to remove certain contaminants from their vinyl windows. They then resort to using razor blades to try to scratch off the dirt. However, there is a significant chance that you will scratch up your glass and vinyl if you use anything abrasive on them.
Some people feel like the minor scratches they inflict on their windows are barely noticeable when they use a razor blade on them. However, adding a few little scratches here and there every time you clean your windows will soon lead to a significant deterioration in their appearance. In the end, that can take years off of the lifespan of your vinyl windows.
Instead, make sure to use soft cloths while cleaning your windows.
Clean Vinyl Windows With Gentle Products
It is also vital that you know which kinds of cleaning products to use on your vinyl windows. If you use a product that contains a harsh chemical like chlorine bleach, then you might end up corroding your window. It is often safest to stick with cleaning products that are designed specifically for glass and vinyl surfaces.
Avoid Subjecting Your Windows to Extreme Temperatures
Many people do not have any idea that the temperature when they clean their windows can affect the cleaning process.
If it is too hot when you clean your windows, the soap or cleaning products you use on them will tend to dry before you can properly rinse or otherwise remove it. That can lead to cleaning product residues left behind on your windows.
However, if it is too cold when you wash your windows, you may find it extremely difficult to avoid leaving streaks behind as you wipe them off.
Even if it is not too hot outside, cleaning your windows under direct sunlight can lead to some of the same problems that occur when you try to clean them when it is hot. In some cases, that might mean that you should clean your windows during the earlier or later hours of the day when the sun is not too bright.
Allow Your Windows to Dry Naturally
When you are done cleaning your windows, you will want to rinse off any cleaning products you use on them. However, it is often best not to use rags to dry off the water that remains on your windows. Allowing them to dry naturally can minimize the appearance of streaks.
Invest in Small Vinyl Window Repairs
If you notice that your vinyl windows are developing repair needs, make a point of scheduling your repairs while these problems are still small. The longer you wait to repair your windows, the more the damage will tend to develop. If you wait too long, a simple repair job might turn into something much more extensive.
Repairing your windows when they have minor repair needs is an investment that can save you from the greater expense of serious window repairs.
Take the Cleaning Process Step by Step
Some people never learn how to properly clean their vinyl windows. The first few times you follow this cleaning process, you might need to consult these steps to help you remember how to do it. However, after a few cleanings, giving your windows an effective cleaning will become second nature.
Take Stock of Your Windows
Before you begin the actual cleaning process, take a minute to inspect your windows. Look for any signs that they may need minor repairs. You should also get a general sense of which parts of the windows have the most dirt or other contaminants that will need cleaning.
Remove the Window Screens
Once you have taken stock of your windows, you will need to remove the screens. In many cases, removing your window sashes will also help you do a more thorough cleaning job.
Clean the Window Frame
With that done, you will be ready to clean your window frames and trim.
Vinyl window frames respond well to a simple solution of soap and water. However, it often helps to start by rinsing the area with plain water.
That will remove the loosest dirt. With that done, you can use your soapy water and a cloth, brush, or sponge to work on the more stubborn dirt.
Some people try to save time by cleaning all of their window frames and then coming back to rinse them. However, you do not want to leave the soapy water sitting on your window frames and trim for too long.
It is often best to clean a single window at a time. Once you have cleaned the frames, immediately move on to rinsing them.
Clean the Window Glass
At this point, you can clean your glass panes themselves. You can either use a glass cleaner or a vinegar and water solution. Again, start by cleaning the glass with plain water.
As you go through the cleaning process, do not allow too much of the vinegar and water solution to build up on the window. Instead, wash a section of the glass and then wipe it clean. Continue this until you have cleaned the entire pane of glass.
Wash Your Window Screens
You do not want to put dirty screens back on your clean windows. Many homeowners are not sure where they can wash an item as large as a window screen. However, your shower or tub can help you quickly wash your window screens.
You can often wash your screens just by running each part of them under the faucet. You might also need to use a brush on any stubborn dirt or buildup.
If necessary, you can also fill your tub and let your screens soak in hot water before brushing them clean.
Vacuum Your Window Tracks
Before you reassemble your windows, make sure to clean the window tracks. If they are not too dirty, then a vacuum might be enough to get them clean.
In other cases, plain water will suffice for your tracks. If not, adding a little soap or detergent can help you finish the job.
With that done, your windows will be ready for reassembly!
Know How to Maintain Your Home’s Vinyl Windows
With the proper care, your vinyl windows can last for many years and look good throughout their lifetime. Many homeowners never take the time to learn how to take care of their vinyl windows. Understanding a little bit more about vital window maintenance will help you extend the lifespan of your windows and get the most out of them.
To learn more about how you can find the right window repair and replacement services for your home’s needs, reach out and get in touch with us here at any time!