How to Clean Vinyl Window Frames

Vinyl windows are one of the best investments one can make to a home. After all, they mean better sound-proofing, reduced energy expenses, and improved comfort. While vinyl windows don’t require much maintenance, it’s a good idea to give them a little attention once in a while to keep them looking nice and in tip-top conditions. This blog will go over how to clean your vinyl window frames.

Why Clean Your Vinyl Windows?

The normal maintenance that’s required on all types of windows, is cleaning them every once in a while. Window cleaning isn’t just for old, unkempt windows. Keeping windows clean is a part of maintenance, regardless of how new they are. While vinyl windows don’t require much upkeep, unlike wood windows, they still need to be spruced up from time to time. Dust and dirt from outdoor elements can coat your vinyl windows and diminish their smooth, clean appearance.

How to Clean Exterior Vinyl Window

Vinegar & Water:

There are a couple of different ways to clean your exterior vinyl windows; however, a safe route for a clean and non-abrasive cleaning solution is the old fashioned vinegar and water. Vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner for almost any housekeeping project. It can turn the dirtiest surfaces sparkling clean when combined with water. Wiping your windows with this solution isn’t complicated at all. Just mix three parts of distilled white vinegar to seven parts water. You can either use a bucket or a spray bottle. Vinegar doesn’t exactly smell delightful while using it, but adding a little lemon juice to the solution makes the odor more tolerable for the cleaning process.

How to Apply:

1. Spray the vinyl windows enough to get the dirt loosened up and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
2. Take a soft bristle scrub and scrub the entire frame to loosen up any debris.
3. Finally, wipe off the vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth or even an old rag, whatever’s easier for you. The frame should immediately transform from dirty to glowing clean.

Non-Detergent Soap and Warm Water

If you don’t have vinegar or don’t like the idea of cleaning with a foul smell, there are other options, such as non-detergent soap. Vinyl windows can be sensitive to abrasive cleaners with harsh cleaners. We recommend that you don’t take any chances with cleaners that you aren’t sure about how the vinyl surface will react. Especially if they’re not designed for window frame cleaning. Products that have alcohol or an ammonia base to them like Windex or certain dishwashing detergent should never be used on window frames. Double-check this before using any cleaning products on your vinyl window frame.

How to Apply:

1. Mix a quarter cup of mild, non-detergent soap with a gallon of warm water in a bucket or large container.
2. Once the soap is dissolved, you can keep the solution either in the bucket or transfer it over to your professional spray bottle, whichever you prefer
3. Spray the solution on the frame and let it rest for a couple of minutes
4. Wipe down the window frame
5. Rinse the frame with clean water
6. Dry the frame’s surface with a clean cloth/towel

How to Clean Interior Vinyl Windows

While you’re on the cleaning spree, cleaning the inside of your vinyl windows is a good idea! Grab your vacuum or a handheld dust-buster and suck up within the window sill for dirt, debris, and dead insects. The inside of your vinyl frame won’t be as dirty as the outside, so cleaning it out with a wet cloth may be enough. The final touch to make your entire window sparkle is to clean the glass as well. Glass cleaners such as Windex can do the job. Just make sure to avoid getting anything ammonia based on your vinyl window frames, as it could cause some damage. If you happen to misfire the glass cleaner onto the frame, wipe it off right away with a damp cloth. With this, your vinyl window will look glowing clean and bright.

Cleaning your vinyl window frames may be a chore, but it will be worth it. Vinyl windows offer homeowners many benefits, such as superior energy efficiency, soundproofing benefits, and a nicer-looking home. So maintaining your window in tip-top conditions with a yearly cleaning is the least you can do. We hope this blog helped you see how to appropriately clean your vinyl window frames. If cleaning your windows isn’t doing any effect on your window’s look, then maybe it’s time to replace your windows with new ones. Give All American Window & Door a call at (760) 214-9851 for a free in-home consultation or fill out our online form here.