Now we’re into March have you got Spring cleaning on your mind? At Carrs we pride ourselves on creating high-quality windows and doors and while many of our aluminium, UPVC and timber windows and doors are made to be low maintenance, every window and door will still need some care and attention from time to time.
Our windows and doors often have to endure a lot here in the Dales, such as the torrential rain or beating sunshine, plus a lot more that we often don’t see such as pollution, dirt and other elements. Keeping them clean and tidy is relatively simple but regular upkeep helps them look their best.
Our windows and doors often have to endure a lot here in the Dales, such as the torrential rain or beating sunshine, plus a lot more that we often don’t see such as pollution, dirt and other elements. Keeping them clean and tidy is relatively simple but regular upkeep helps them look their best.
Maintaining your aluminium and UPVC windows and doors
As aluminium and UPVC windows are built to be low maintenance, general cleaning with soap and water will usually be enough to keep the dirt at bay.
Start by cleaning the insides of the window or door with a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth along with warm water and a mild soap solution or washing up liquid. It’s important not to use a scouring pad or a sponge with a scouring pad as this will scratch and mark the surface of the windows or doors.
As aluminium and UPVC windows are built to be low maintenance, general cleaning with soap and water will usually be enough to keep the dirt at bay.
Start by cleaning the insides of the window or door with a soft sponge or non-abrasive cloth along with warm water and a mild soap solution or washing up liquid. It’s important not to use a scouring pad or a sponge with a scouring pad as this will scratch and mark the surface of the windows or doors.
To clean the outsides, use a small soft brush or soft cloth to wipe away any loose dirt then use clean water either from a hose or jug to rinse down any remaining dirt. To remove any tougher dirt and to avoid leaving any stubborn stains, regularly wash the frames with warm water and washing up liquid making sure you apply the washing up liquid first, especially when removing any grease marks.
Do not use solvent cleaners on coloured or wood grain effect UPVC.
Maintaining your timber windows and doors
Much like aluminium and UPVC windows and doors, timber frames can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water and a micro-fibre cloth along with vacuuming dust and dirt from corners and hinges. If your windows or doors are made from treated timber, such as the wood we use, this only needs to be done approximately twice a year, depending on location, to keep the material looking and performing at its best. For any more stubborn stains, apply a small dab of washing up liquid followed by a rinse of water.
Do not use solvent cleaners on coloured or wood grain effect UPVC.
Maintaining your timber windows and doors
Much like aluminium and UPVC windows and doors, timber frames can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water and a micro-fibre cloth along with vacuuming dust and dirt from corners and hinges. If your windows or doors are made from treated timber, such as the wood we use, this only needs to be done approximately twice a year, depending on location, to keep the material looking and performing at its best. For any more stubborn stains, apply a small dab of washing up liquid followed by a rinse of water.
If you have old timber windows or doors it’s important to look for any cracks in the paint as this exposes the timber to moisture and can ultimately cause the timber to decay. The majority of our products are made from a treated timber called Accoya, which is rot-resistant so if you think it’s time for a replacement – get in touch. You can read the other signs that your windows need replacing rather than simply a good clean here.
On the glass of your windows and doors, whatever they are made of, use a general glass cleaner but avoid where possible, getting any on the frames.
To clean the hinges, open the door or window as far as it will go to the point of resistance and vacuum any dust build up then dust around the edges of the frame. You should not notice any squeaking coming from your hinges so if you do, it’s best to use a 3 in 1 oil. Do not use WD40, this is a common misconception and this will actually strip any existing lubricants out, that were already in place. It is best to use a graphite spray in the lock, but ensure that it’s a lubricant that is specific for door locks.
On the glass of your windows and doors, whatever they are made of, use a general glass cleaner but avoid where possible, getting any on the frames.
To clean the hinges, open the door or window as far as it will go to the point of resistance and vacuum any dust build up then dust around the edges of the frame. You should not notice any squeaking coming from your hinges so if you do, it’s best to use a 3 in 1 oil. Do not use WD40, this is a common misconception and this will actually strip any existing lubricants out, that were already in place. It is best to use a graphite spray in the lock, but ensure that it’s a lubricant that is specific for door locks.
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