Complete window care guide: glazing cleaning & maintenance
When it comes to looking after your home, windows can get overlooked. But with over 40 years of experience serving Yorkshire homeowners, we know that proper care of your glass and glazing makes a real difference – not just to how your home looks, but to how well your windows perform year after year.
Whether you’ve recently had new windows fitted or you’re looking to extend the life of your existing glazing, we’ve put together this practical window care guide to help you keep your windows and doors in top condition. From window glazing cleaning to maintaining uPVC windows, we’ll show you how to keep your glazing in perfect condition.
Window glazing cleaning: a step-by-step guide
Clean windows don’t just look better – regular cleaning helps you spot potential issues early on and keeps your glazing performing at its best. Here’s how to clean your windows properly:
What you’ll need:
• Warm water
• Mild washing-up liquid or glass cleaner
• A soft cloth or sponge
• A squeegee
• Lint-free cloth for drying
• A bucket of clean water for rinsing
Step-by-step window cleaning:
- Start with the frames
Begin by dusting off any loose dirt from your window frames. For uPVC frames, warm soapy water and a soft cloth is all you need. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that might damage the finish. - Clean the glass
Mix a small amount of washing-up liquid with warm water, or use a specialist glass cleaning product – you can purchase these from our trade counter at Leeds Glass. Use your soft cloth or sponge to wash the glass, working from top to bottom. For stubborn marks, never use scrapers or scourers – they’ll scratch the glass. - Rinse thoroughly
Use clean water and your squeegee to remove all soap residue. This step’s important – any leftover soap can leave streaks once dry. - Dry properly
Use your lint-free cloth to dry the edges and corners where water might gather. This helps prevent water marks and reduces the risk of mould growing around your window seals.
How to clean double glazed windows
Double glazed windows need a bit of extra care to keep them performing at their best. Before you start cleaning, always check for any obvious problems with the seals or condensation between the panes – if you spot these issues, it’s worth getting them checked by a professional before cleaning.
For the best results when cleaning double glazed windows, work on one window at a time. This prevents the cleaning solution from drying and leaving marks. A microfibre cloth works particularly well on double glazing as it won’t leave lint behind, and cloudy days are actually better for cleaning than bright sunshine, which can make cleaning solution dry too quickly.
Step-by-step double glazing cleaning tips:
Inside pane
• Clean using circular motions with your microfibre cloth
• Work from top to bottom with your squeegee
• Pay special attention to edges where glass meets frame
Outside pane
• Use the same gentle cleaning method
• Clean twice if needed for stubborn marks
• Never use abrasive materials, even on tough dirt
Final checks
• Ensure all edges and corners are completely dry
• Check for any missed spots or streaks
• Make sure the seals around the edge are clean and dry
How to maintain uPVC windows and frames
Many Yorkshire homes have uPVC windows and doors. They’re durable and low maintenance, but they still need some care to keep them looking and working their best. Let’s look at how to maintain uPVC windows and frames:
• Clean frames regularly with warm soapy water
• Check and clean drainage channels at the bottom of the frames
• Lubricate hinges and locks with a suitable spray
• Avoid painting or varnishing uPVC – it’s designed to keep its colour
Maintaining your double glazing
Double glazed windows are built to last, but a bit of regular care can help prevent common issues.
• Watch for condensation between the panes – this could mean the seal has failed
• Keep an eye on the condition of the rubber seals around the glass
• Clean the drainage holes at the bottom of the frames to prevent water building up
• Check for draughts around the edges of your windows
Seasonal maintenance tips
The Yorkshire weather can be tough on windows and doors. Here’s what to check for as the seasons change.
Winter preparation:
• Check all seals are intact before the cold sets in
• Look for signs of water damage around frames
• Make sure handles and locks work smoothly
• Clear gutters above windows to prevent overflow problems
Summer care:
• Clean windows more frequently – pollen and dust build up faster
• Check window restrictors if you leave windows open for ventilation
• Look after your window seals – direct sunlight can affect rubber seals over time
When to call a professional
While regular cleaning and basic maintenance can be handled at home, some situations need expert attention:
• Misted or cloudy double glazing
• Damaged or cracked glass
• Stiff or failing moving parts
• Broken window seals
• Security concerns with locks or handles
Looking after your windows: the long-term benefits
Following our window care guide does much more than keep your glazing looking good. With energy prices continuing to rise, well-maintained windows help keep your heating costs down by maintaining their energy efficiency. We’ve seen how proper care can add years to the life of windows.
Good maintenance also helps protect your home’s security. Windows that work smoothly, with properly functioning locks and handles, give you peace of mind that your home is secure. Plus, when you’re regularly cleaning and checking your windows, you’re more likely to spot any developing issues before they become serious problems.
Common questions about window care
We often get asked about the best ways to look after windows and doors. Here are some frequently asked questions:
How often should I clean my windows?
For most homes, a thorough clean every few months is plenty. If you live near busy roads or in an area with lots of trees, you might want to clean them more often.
What’s the best way to clean double glazed windows?
Use warm water with a mild detergent and soft cloth. Avoid pressure washers or harsh chemicals that might damage the seals.
How do I stop condensation on my windows?
Good ventilation is key. Use trickle vents if you have them, wipe away moisture regularly and consider using a dehumidifier in problem rooms.
Need expert help?
While this guide covers the basics of window maintenance, sometimes you need professional expertise. At Leeds Glass, we’re always happy to offer advice or help with more complex issues. Our team has been serving Yorkshire homes for over 40 years, so we understand what works best for local properties.
If you’ve spotted any issues with your windows or doors, or if you’d like advice about maintenance, get in touch with our friendly team today. We’re here to help keep your home’s glazing in perfect condition all year round.