Top Tips to Care for your Aluminium Windows
Aluminium windows are a wonderful alternative for homeowners hoping to achieve better views, greater curb appeal, and enhanced home security. The slim bezels of aluminium windows facilitate stunning panoramic views while contributing to the sophistication and appeal of a property.
However, if you want to make the most of your aluminium windows, then you need to know how to properly clean and care for them. Just like any type of window, aluminium can naturally gather dirt and dust over time. Cleaning and maintaining your windows is essential to ensure they continue performing perfectly.
How you care for your aluminium windows will depend on their age, and finish.
How to Care for Powder-Coated Windows
Powder coating on an aluminium window can give you a unique, long-lasting finish that doesn’t corrode over time. Cleaning and maintaining powder-finished windows is easier than you might think, and it can be done once every three months to keep your windows looking great.
All you need to do is:
- Use a soft, microfibre cloth and soapy water to remove all dirt and dust
- Avoid using any harsh or abrasive cleaning agents as this can damage the finish
- Make sure to clean hard-to-reach places
- Dry the window with another clean cloth when you’re finished washing
In areas with a high influence of salt water, you may find that you need to clean your windows and frames more frequently. Additionally, it may be a good idea to clean frames internally once a year to avoid discolouration.
How to Care for Older Aluminium Windows
If your aluminium frames are a little older, then you may need to take extra measures to care for them, as they often won’t have a protective powder coating. Once again, warm soapy water is the best place to start when cleaning them. Make sure that you dry the aluminium when you’re finished washing with a soft, clean cloth. Other care options to consider include:
- If you notice “chalking” or a loss of shine in your window frames, you might be able to use renovating cream to polish the aluminium. Be very cautious to only use “non-abrasive” substances if you want to maintain the value of your windows.
- If using a colour restoration product, be extra careful around sharp corners and ridges where the paint may be thinner and more prone to wear, thanks to over-polishing.
- For greater protection, it may be useful to apply a window-specific wax product to the aluminium once a year.