So, you're the proud owner of uPVC windows. Unlike other materials, uPVC windows are low maintenance and one of the more affordable options on the market. Materials such as wood require a lot of maintenance, treating, painting, and weatherproofing.
In today's increasingly busy world, who has the time for that? uPVC windows are incredibly easy to maintain, but only if you know how to take care and clean them in the right way. Many homeowners have needed to call a window glass repair company because they've done something wrong that could have been avoided.
This article is going to guide you through taking care of your uPVC windows to ensure they continue looking the part and last as long as possible. Ready? Let's go!
Cleaning The uPVC
You might be wondering how often you need to clean your uPVC windows in order to keep them looking in pristine condition. The good news is that it can be as little as a few times a year, but there's no harm in cleaning them more frequently as it only going to enhance the appearance of your windows and overall home.
The good news is that you don't need to splash out on some expensive cleaning products. Warm soapy water works perfectly fine for cleaning the uPVC. Using a soft cloth, you can simply wipe down the material to remove any dirt.
Don't forget to open the windows too and give them a clean inside as this is usually where the most dirt builds up. An old toothbrush works well to give in to those places where a cloth generally can't, but this depends on the shape and model of your windows.
Cleaning The Window Glass
Now that the uPVC is all clean and free of dirt, you can then turn your attention to the glass panes. Don't worry about whether your windows are double or triple glazed as they are tightly sealed to provide your home with noise reductions and thermal insulation.
You may prefer to clean your windows with some soapy water first to get rid of any dirt and then go over them with a glass cleaner to give them a good shine, but this depends on how long you've left in between cleans. Here's 3 tips on cleaning your glass panes:
- It's a good idea to not clean your windows on a bright sunny day as this is going to leave unwanted streaks.
- Use paper towels and a glass cleaner to ensure that you're left with minimal dust particles.
- Cleaning your window panes on a regular basis will make them a lot easier to maintain in the long term.
Maintaining The Hardware
So, now that your uPVC and window panes are cleansed, the other area that you need to worry about (and the most important!) is the working mechanisms of your windows, i.e. the handles, hinges and locking systems. But what do you need to do in order for all 3 to stay in great working order? Again, a simple cloth and some oil is all that's needed.
Simply open your windows so that it exposes the metal parts inside and give them all a good wipe over with your cloth and then apply a small amount of oil. This will ensure that they can work with any resistance or noise and reduce the risk of damage.
Avoid Using Any Of The Following When Doing The Above
As you can see, taking care of your uPVC windows is straightforward, but as we mentioned at the start of this article, some people cause some serious damage when trying to clean and maintain theirs. Believe it or not, most of the time, it's down to the materials and cleaning solutions that you choose. So, with that being said, avoid using any of the following when cleaning your uPVC windows:
- Cream cleaners such as Cif or Jif. Believe it or not, they're abrasive cleaners.
- Nail varnish remover (yes, some people choose to use such a solution).
- A wire brush or wire wool (like the type you may use to clean your dirty pots and pans).
- WD40 (this may work on lots of things, but uPVC windows is not the one).
