Aluminum Window Cleaning & Maintenance Dos & Don'ts

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Today’s best aluminum windows are energy-efficient and highly durable, even in the rugged climate conditions here in the southwest U.S. desert. But, it’s important to know how to maintain aluminum windows to ensure that yours will perform well and last throughout their maximum lifespan. 

Your Energy Shield window installation specialist will perform initial cleaning, to make sure your new aluminum windows look their very best. Then, use the quick guide below for routine aluminum window cleaning and maintenance. Use the Dos and Don’ts of aluminum window care, to keep your new windows looking and functioning like new for many years to come.

Aluminum Window Cleaning & Maintenance Dos & Don’ts

Clean and maintain your aluminum windows on the regular schedule outlined in the Aluminum Windows Cleaning Schedule provided below. Use these tips for aluminum window care Dos and Don’ts, to avoid damage and preserve the long life and ideal functioning of your windows.

Aluminum Window Cleaning Dos:

• Use only non-abrasive glass cleaners and a sponge or soft cloth to clean window glass.
• Use a mild household soap and water solution to clean the frames.
• Use a firm cleaning brush (but not a wire brush) to clean aluminum frames thoroughly. 
• To prevent excessive wear or damage, use a soft cloth to dry glass, frames, hinges, and sealant.
• Use a “cleaning lubricant” in spring locks and on hardware, to help prevent rust and corrosion. 
• After thoroughly cleaning the hardware, apply a silicone lubricant to preserve the hardware.

Aluminum Window Cleaning Don’ts:

• Don’t use abrasive scrubbing pads or brushes, or steel wool to clean aluminum window frames.
• Don’t use abrasive cleaners, cleaning solvents, or other harsh chemicals on aluminum frames.
• Don’t use high-pressure spray cleaning equipment or nozzles to clean aluminum windows.
• Don’t allow the spray from irrigation sprinklers to reach aluminum windows.

How to Clean Aluminum Windows

Use recommended cleaners for aluminum window frames, to help prevent premature oxidation or pitting of aluminum surfaces. You can use regular glass cleaner in liberal amounts. Or, to make your own mild soapy water solution, mix 2 cups of mild detergent in 1 half-gallon of water. 

1. Use a stiff cleaning brush with soft bristles to scrub off tough dirt and grime. 
2. Then, rewash the frames with a sponge.
3. Thoroughly rinse the window frames with clean water. 
4. Dry the aluminum windows in a circular motion using a soft cloth. 

Ensure that you remove all traces of cleaning agents, to prevent staining and premature oxidation of aluminum frames.

Aluminum Windows Cleaning Schedule

Without proper care, even new windows look dirty and the frames become grimy. They may begin to stick or jam, making opening and closing the windows difficult. But, by following this simple schedule for periodic care, you can keep your beautiful high-quality aluminum windows looking and functioning as good as new for many years: