Windows

Maintenance and Cleaning Tips for Your New Windows and Doors

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to cleaning new windows and doors is to check the manufacturer’s care and maintenance guide. For your convenience here are some resources and important tips in caring for Milgard doors and windows. Note: Some of the information below applies to Andersen windows and doors and may apply to other brands. Keep in mind we cannot stress enough the importance of following the actual manufacturer care and maintenance guides.

Taking Proper Care of Milgard Patio Doors and Windows

Your windows and patio doors may continue to look great and perform at their best with a little routine cleaning and care.

Frame Cleaning

Have you spotted a little smudge or dirt on your window frames? No worries! You may wash it with a mild, non-abrasive soap and water. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners that could cause permanent damage to the frame finish. Make sure you test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area before using it. Wipe dry when you finish the testing.

Glass Care

Milgard manufactures the entire window and patio door including the glass. Whether your window has a standard energy-efficient, SunCoat Low E-Glass or any other specialty glass option, you will require an occasional cleaning in order to ensure clarity as well as exceptional performance.

  1. The best way to clean the glass is with a mixture of water and mild dish soap. Rinse it completely with clear water and wipe it dry with a piece of soft cloth.
  2. Do not use any of the following products on any part of your patio door or window. These products can damage the insulating seal or the glass surface. Petroleum based cleaners, razor blades, putty knives, abrasive pads, caustic chemicals or high-pressure water hoses are the products to be avoided altogether.
  3. Use only a mild soap, a soft brush and water to clean the screens. Once finished, rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

Window and Patio Door Tips for Years of Easy Operation

  1. Make sure you periodically lubricate all sliding windows, rollers and door tracks. The hardware component should be lubricated at least once a year. If you live in a high salt area, make it twice a year.
  2. Check the weather stripping on a regular basis in order to ensure your patio doors and windows are airtight.
  3. Vacuum the tracks on all sliding windows and patio doors occasionally. Remember to remove all debris and dirt during such time.
  4. Milgard sliding door rollers are adjustable for proper height clearance. Insert a screwdriver via the access at the bottom of the door to adjust it.

To learn more about cleaning and care of Milgard Windows and Doors you can view Milgard product care how to videos.

Managing Condensation inside the Home or Building

If you notice condensation inside of a window, it is an indication of the humidity level in the room. In fact, humidity inside the room is higher than the outside. This excess moisture is unsightly and will obstruct your view. These easy steps will help you reduce the risk of excessive condensation inside of a window.

  1. Check the airtight seals and smooth operation of all the windows and patio doors.
  2. Remember to use exhaust fans in the rooms that have high humidity such as the bathrooms, kitchen, swimming pool enclosures, etc.
  3. Use a ceiling fan so that it will circulate the air on a continuous basis.
  4. Use a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of moisture inside the house.
  5. Opening the windows and doors whenever possible will allow reduction of the excessive moisture inside your house.

Specially Designed Frames Enabling Proper Patio Door and Window Drainage

Mother Nature is unforgiving at times. Fortunately, for the customer, our windows and doors are specially made with weep drainage systems that have vented slots on the bottom exterior of the frame. This will protect inside your home. You need to maintain the weep system properly in order to assure proper drainage.

  1. The weep system will allow the water to drain outside as it builds up. Water would usually build up on the outside track or sill. This is why it is important to keep the sill and track clean of any debris or dirt.
  2. Make sure to inspect the weep holes on the bottom of the exterior. This will ensure that there is no dirt or debris there. Use a soft bristle brush to clean the openings.
  3. The best time to do this is when you expect excessive rains.

How to Get Rid of the Condensation that Appears on the Window and Patio Door Glass Panes?

There are different ways depending on whether the condensation is on the exterior, interior or between the panes.

Exterior Pane

Exterior pane condensation appears mostly during spring and fall. This happens when a cool night follows a warm day. This usually happens when the moisture in the air exceeds certain limits, and the temperature of the glass falls below the dew point in the air. This is a natural phenomenon for energy efficient, High Performance insulating glass (the standard on most Andersen products). It will restrict the airflow between the panes of glass. The condensation will usually evaporate during the day. Visit our Care and Maintenance Section on the website to receive a brochure about this phenomenon.

Interior Pane

This is a result of too much of moisture in the air inside your home. It is quite common in most of the new homes. This is because it can take months for the moisture from the paint and fresh building materials to dissipate. The condition is also common during winter months. Humidity levels during winter should not exceed 30-35%. Follow these tips to maintain these levels in your home. Check the venting in your home, turn on the exhaust during showers, use a dehumidifier, turn the dehumidifier and the furnace off, allow the ceiling fans to run and circulate air inside your home, etc.

What is the Best Method for Removing Residue or Stubborn Materials from Glass?

IMPORTANT – Do not clean glass while it is being exposed to direct sunlight, wait until it is shaded.

Cleaning Patio Doors and Windows with Soap and Mineral Spirits to Remove Stubborn Residue

Apply LEPTYNE solvent, mild soap, mineral spirits, mild detergent or a naphtha solvent to the glass. Do it by spraying or using a clean piece of cloth or sponge. Saturate it with the cleaning solution.

  • CAUTION: Do not use too much of any type of solvents. It can damage the insulating unit seals in the process.
  • After you clean the glass with a solvent, make sure you clean the frame using water and soap in order to prevent it from staining.
  • Make sure you always follow the solvent manufacturer’s directions laid down on the label for handling, toxicity and flammability warnings.
  1. Make sure to wipe the cleaning solution in a circular motion. Apply light to moderate pressure during this exercise. You may require about 3-5 passes on the affected area in order to remove the residue.
  2. Use a generous amount of clean water to rinse the glass immediately. This will allow you to remove the cleaning solution immediately from the surface of the glass.
  3. Wipe the water off the glass using a clean piece of lint-free dry cloth.
  4. If you find the residue still present, repeat steps 1-4.

Cleaning With Non-Gel Toothpaste

1. Use can try using a damp cloth with toothpaste to clean glue, pitch, hard water spots or any other lesser harsh contaminants to buff them away.

2. Apply the non-gel toothpaste to a damp cloth and wipe in a circular motion until clean.

Important Information and Tips about using Polishing Compounds to Clean Windows

If you are stuck with harsher scratches or contaminants, you may find polishing compounds on the market. Some of them include cerium oxide, which is effective in clearing scuffmarks and fine scratches. Rare Earth is another product that could be purchased at most hardware stores out there. It can be purchased directly from the manufacturer (Sommer and Maca Industries, sales department 1-800-323-9200 or 1-708-863-5446), if you cannot find it in your area. Heed to product warnings and follow direction for best results.

Important: A New View Windows & Doors Inc., Milgard, Andersen (or any other window manufacturer) will not be responsible for any damage caused by misusing of cerium oxide, or any other solvent you use.