Anyone who owns, supervises, or rents a building has a responsibility to keep the property in tip-top shape. Among other things, this means keeping the windows looking their best for as long as possible. Yet many people don’t give their windows the attention that they need or take the measures necessary to prolong the lifespan of their windows. As a result, they get stuck with issues down the line that could have been prevented.
The environment puts a lot of strain on your windows that can affect its appearance throughout the year. When they’re not baked by the harsh summer sun. they’re battered by winter’s torrential rains. Not to mention the effects of pollution, dirt, wind, and bird droppings.
To keep your windows in pristine condition, it’s imperative that you ensure they’re properly looked after. Taking care of your window means more than just scrubbing the panes; it also means performing regular maintenance checks and using the right products and processes for cleaning.
Take some time to review the following window care tips to maintain their value and extend their life and decide whether you can do it yourself or need to call in experts in window cleaning in Cape Town.
Window inspection
Your windows can become damaged or sustain significant wear and tear without you even noticing it. Sometimes, a close examination is all it takes to pick up visible damage or minor issues that can lead to bigger problems. Make a point of inspecting your windows at least two to three times a year and also have them checked out by a professional at least once annually.
Look out for moisture-related deterioration on wooden frames, dirt build-up in the corners, cracks in rubber seals, cracked panes, and any difficulties opening, closing or locking the windows.
Check nearby hazards
This tip is one of the most important when it comes to keeping your windows safe from harm. There’s nothing worse than going through a windy or stormy day wondering when that tree in front of your window sheds a branch that smashes into the glass. You’ll want to make sure that the area outside your windows is clear of any hanging tree branches and ground debris that could potentially cause damage.
Don’t install outdoor sprinklers near windows as the water will result in a build-up of minerals that leave white stains over time that are hard and costly to remove.
Window Cleaning
Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on your window frames and panes, on both the interior and exterior sides. You can often restore the beauty of your windows by simply cleaning it. However, it’s important to know what kind of materials and products to use.
Using newspaper or paper towels is not an effective way to clean glass as they may leave behind streaks and fibre on the glass. The best practice to wash windows and clean corners is to use a soft microfibre cloth or window wiper with a silicone rubber blade and sponge squeegee, as well as the attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove any dust and debris that may have collected in the corners.
Choosing the right cleaning solution gets the job done efficiently. Use a spray on solution or create a soapy bucket of water with an all-purpose cleaner for a sparkling finish.
To clean wooden windows, which can rot easily if wet, wipe the frames and sills down with a slightly damp sponge or cloth, using a gentle household detergent. Plastic and aluminium frames should be dusted with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. If there are caked debris or stains stuck on the frame, clean aluminium frames with a warm water solution containing a non-alkaline liquid detergent or a commercial solution specially formulated to clean aluminium.
It can be expensive and time consuming to clean windows, but the effort you put in today will pay off in the future. If your schedule is too busy to personally attend your windows, or if they’re too high up to reach, you’d be better off calling a professional window cleaning company in Cape Town like Imperial Cleaning to do the job for you.