Aluminum impact windows are beautiful and strong. They protect your family and Southwest Florida home from the threat of severe weather. And with a little cleaning you can keep your aluminum windows looking beautiful and functioning properly for many years. But many folks are unsure how to clean aluminum window frames. It is also important to note that cleaning aluminum window frames is more than just washing them with soap and water. But don’t worry. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to properly clean your window frames without damaging them.
Process for how to clean aluminum window frames
Below you will find a step by step process for cleaning the frames of your impact aluminum frame windows. This process is what we would consider a thorough cleaning, but it will ensure that your aluminum windows last and function properly for years.
How to wash the exterior of the frames
- Make sure all your windows are securely closed before starting.
- This will prevent water intrusion in your home.
- Make a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Before starting grab a clean mop bucket, clean 5 gallon paint bucket or similar. Add warm water. Add an appropriate number of drops of mild dish soap.
- Mild dish soap and water is recommended. Cleaners may cause damage to the frame or the frame’s finish, especially solvents, abrasive cleaners, etc. Using cleaners other than mild dish soap has the potential to ruin your frame’s finish. If you must use them, test them in a small, unnoticeable location of the frame and wait to see the result.
- Rinse each window frame with a hose, not a pressure washer. Using a flat, or soaker type setting on your hose’s spray nozzle should be fine vs. a jet or harsher setting.
- The goal is to get them wet and remove large dirt particles from the frames.
- Pressure washers and harsh spray hose settings are not necessary, and they may cause damage. It is recommended not to use them.
- Use a soft cloth or soft foam sponge to clean the frames with the soap and water mixture.
- Rinse the soap off with your hose completely until all soap suds are gone.
- Wipe the window frames with a soft, clean cloth to dry them.
- Repeat the process for each window.
How to clean your aluminum window’s sills & tracks
You can clean your window’s sills and tracks either before cleaning the frames or once your window frames are dry. you will want to clean their tracks, sills and . Cleaning these areas allows the window to keep functioning properly.
Use a vacuum to remove dirt/debris from both your aluminum windows’ tracks and sills.
Clean your aluminum window’s sills & tracks
You will also want to clean your window’s drain (weep) holes to keep them draining properly. These holes become clogged over time (sometimes rather quickly) so you should plan to do it each time you wash your windows.
- Locate your window’s weep holes (also called drain holes). These are typically on the exterior, bottom of each of your windows.
- Make sure they are free from any blocks, clogs, or dirt that would otherwise prevent the window frames from draining properly.
- Clean out any dirt, debris or clogs, but be careful not to damage the weep holes
- Use a soft brush or if necessary a thin, soft bristled cleaning tool, such as a bottle straw cleaner. This will allow you to clean out the weep holes without gouging or damaging them.
- Do not use any tool that will gouge or damage the weep holes. This will affect proper drainage of the windows.
- Vacuum, wipe or wash away any debris after you clean and de-clog them.
