Alberta winters are famous for leaving their mark on windows and doors. Swirling snow and warm Chinook winds across the Calgary area carry dirt and plunk it nicely on your window glass, frames and sills, as we
ll as the design crevices and tracking in your doorways.
It’s time to perk up your view with expert advice from JJ O’Connell, owner of A two Z Windows and Doors in Calgary.
“Windows are at their best when they are cleaned at least twice a year in spring and fall,” states O’Connell, who has been installing windows and doors for over 25 years. “Not only do they look fantastic, they also help prolong the life and effectiveness of the frame, caulking and trim.”
Although sunny windows are lovely to look through, cloudy days are the best conditions to clean.
“Hot sun can dry your cleaning liquids too quickly,” O’Connell adds. “If you don’t squeegee fast enough in sunlight, it can leave streaks and you’ll have to start over. This principle applies to cleaning either interior and exterior windows.”
A perfect, streak-free effect begins with right tools. Follow JJ’s easy steps to clean your Calgary windows and doors:
Gather Your Supplies (Checklist)
Large rectangle bucket of warm water – replace often to prevent particulates from scratching the next window.
Liquid dish soap – One that produces a “sheeting action” works well. Just a squirt for a few suds. Or you can mix two cups windshield washer fluid into your bucket.
Large wooly strip applicator – the long head holds lots of soapy water, loosening dirt and grime without scratching.
A large and small squeegee each to sweep off excess water.
A soft bristle brush to sweep away debris.
Two soft lint-free cloths to wipe the squeegee.
A generous, damp, wrung-dry chamois to finish.
An old towel or rag/t-shirt (picks up drips around the window – inside or out).
A firm natural sea or hog-bristle sponge for windows with several panes.
A telescopic handle for taller windows.
000 Steel Wool (to remove cloudy water residue) or “Barkeeper’s Friend”.
A garden hose connected to a water source (for exterior windows).
Ladder (for higher windows) and fall protection (more details below).
A small vacuum with a narrow hose attachment to take away dirt from tracking and corners.
PLEASE NOTE: Never use abrasive or acid-based cleaners on glass, sash, frame or hardware. They can damage to the finish. As well, do not use razor blades, abrasive scrubbers or wire brushes.
Let’s start with windows:
Exteriors (Large picture windows or patio doors)
Use your soft bristle brush to clear debris off the glass, pane, sill, sash and frame.
Soak your applicator and wash across the window in an ‘S” fashion, getting into corners.
Grab your squeegee, and at the top left corner, go over the window in a reverse ‘S’ pattern. Wipe the blade with the lint-free cloth after each sequence.
There will be some soapy water left on the edges, so use your chamois to dry it off streak-free. You can use fresh water to rinse, then use the squeegee again.
Dribbles on the sill can be easily wiped up with your old towel.
Exteriors (Smaller or multi-paned)
Use your soft bristle brush to clear debris off the glass, pane, sill, sash and frame.
Soak your natural sponge and wash across the window from left to right, then top to bottom, and get into those corners.
Grab your smaller squeegee, start at the top of the pane and pull down. Wipe the blade with the lint-free cloth after each pane.
There will be some soapy water left. Dry it off streak-free with the chamois. You can use fresh water to rinse, then use the squeegee again.
Clean up dribbles with your towel.
Exteriors – Tall/High Windows
NOTE: Never use a high pressure spray to wash windows or doors. The intensity of the water can compromise the caulking.
Clear away any items below the windows to be cleaned, and wear clear safety glasses, brimmed hat and waterproof slick (if needed). Make sure to close any windows below or beside that can catch spray.
Use your garden hose and gentle spray nozzle to wash off dust and grime form the tall window.
Attach the soaked strip applicator to a telescopic handle and wash up and down from left to right and into the corners as best you can.
Wash away the soap with the garden hose.
You can attach your larger squeegee and from the top of the pane and pull down. Wipe the blade with the lint-free cloth after each pane.
There will be some soapy water left. Dry it off streak-free with the chamois. You can use fresh water to rinse, then use the squeegee again.
Clean up dribbles with your towel.
If you are using a ladder, ensure it is supported and stable, and you have someone to assist/spot you. ALWAYS WEAR A FALL HARNESS to protect yourself from injury.
Removing Stains and Stuck-On Bits
Calgary’s rain, snow and ice are famous for leaving hard-water and mineral stains on glass and rust along the frame and sill. Follow these tips to get a clean window corner to corner:
Use the bristle brush to clear debris off the glass, pane, sill, sash and frame.
Wet the space to be cleaned with warm, soapy water.
Use the steel wool and gently scrub away the calcium film or stain on the glass or rust on the sill or frame. You can also make a paste of the Barkeeper’s Friend and with a small wet towel, apply the paste and scrub carefully, just in case there is paint on the sill.
Wash the treated area twice with fresh, warm water to remove cleaning residue.
Cleaning Frames
While cleaning your windows, don’t forget the frames, which can trap fine dirt and particulates. Wipe around the frame with a soft microfibre cloth. Catch dribbles with a dry soft cloth. Rinse with fresh water then wipe dry when you are finished.
Interior Windows
Use the bristle brush to clear debris off the glass, pane, sill and frame. A flat blade screwdriver can also help loosen stuck-on bits.
Use the vacuum to take away any larger bits of dirt, leaves and mud that get stuck in the tracks.
Mix in a spray bottle filled with undiluted club soda, or a blend of 1 cup of water, 1 cup rubbing alcohol and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) or store-brand glass cleaner. Spray generously onto the interior window. Always check manufacturer’s maintenance instructions first before using any homemade
Use the small or large squeegee and in an ‘S’ pattern, start at the left top corner and wipe to the bottom.
Use the wet, wrung-dry chamois or microfibre cloth to remove excess liquid on the window.
Dry excess dribbles with a towel/rag.
Find out more details for cleaning doors and checking hinges/squeaks. You can also visit our individual maintenance pages for your Calgary windows or your entry doors, so that you ensure your warranty requirements are met.
Have more questions about how to care for your Calgary windows and doors? Call the team at AtwoZ Windows and Doors at 403-257-DOOR (3667) or email jj@atwozwindows.ca.
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