When it's time to decorate the home for family celebrations, clean windows and patio doors add to the enjoyment of the occasion. But with all of the planning and preparation, window cleaning often falls to the bottom of the "to do" list.
Jeld-Wen, a window and door manufacturer, offers these simple steps for cleaning windows and patio doors quickly and effectively.
1. Use a combination of common, gentle ingredients to clean glass. Mix one teaspoon of baby shampoo to one gallon of water, or 1 1/2 cups of vinegar to 1 gallon of water.
2.Wash windows with the solution using a clean, soft cloth or sponge.
3. Rinse with clean water.
4. Promptly dry the glass thoroughly with a cloth.
5. Dry the frame with a separate cloth.
"When it comes to window care, it's true that a little extra effort goes a long way," said Joyce Richter, Jeld-Wen windows expert. "Properly cleaning and maintaining the glass in windows and doors will add to their durability - and your enjoyment -for all seasons."
Here are some more tips for getting the most out of your glass windows and doors.
* Clean glass on a dry, overcast day. Intense sunlight can cause streaks as the solution may dry too quickly.
* Avoid using a power washer or garden hose to clean windows or doors. This can ruin the seal and allow water to enter the home.
* Avoid using metal tools or razor blades. These and other sharp objects can damage surfaces, scratch glass and remove exterior glass coating.
* Be careful with abrasive cleaners. Don't allow them to come in contact with vinyl, wood or metal-clad surfaces.
* Be sure to clean up puddles that collect at glass edges. They can damage window glazing.
* Inspect your windows and doors for wear. Check to see if the paint needs touching up and if the weatherstripping is functional. Properly maintaining paint and weatherstripping can help windows and doors last longer. And to save money on heating and cooling costs, consider replacing your windows and doors with Energy Star-qualified, "low-E" glass versions.
For a free window care and maintenance guide, visit www.jeld-wen.com/resources or call (800) 877-9482. - NU |
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