Tips on how to clean aluminum windows

It is well known that aluminium window frames are a low maintenance product and last for many decades without the need for repair. Most new commercial buildings and also large apartment or floor installations use powder coated aluminum windows for this reason, along with the structural qualities of aluminum. However, infrequent cleaning and maintenance will help ensure that painted or powder-coated aluminum windows stay clean and bright for a long time.

High quality, painted aluminum windows are finished with a process called electrostatic powder coating, whereby the finish is electrostatically sprayed onto the window section (causing paint dust to stick) and then baked into the aluminum itself at about 200°C. This powder coating is very durable and achieves a good coverage that is very resistant to the elements. However, no paint coating can be 100% maintenance free and you can extend the life of your windows considerably by following some basic and infrequent maintenance/cleaning.

Here are some guidelines we recommend for our aluminum windows:

Atmosphere and regularity of cleaning:

– In areas with salt water influence (coastal houses or adjacent to a busy and gravelly road) or near other sources of strong emissions (highways, industrial areas) we recommend that windows are cleaned at least every three months. In a cleaner environment, a cleaning every six months would be sufficient.

– When cleaning externally, internal surfaces are sometimes overlooked, and over time tobacco, coal or wood smoke can discolor even hard-dust coated windows. We recommend internal cleaning at least once a year in a smoke-free home.

Recommended cleaning procedure for aluminum windows:

-Wash the window frames in a solution of hot water with a non-alkaline liquid detergent This can be a specific detergent/soap for cleaning the window frames or a normal household detergent/soap with a pH value below 7 (or a neutral pH general soap-based detergent available in most supermarkets).

-Use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge or a brush with very soft bristles Wash the frames to remove dirt. Then wash all ridges, grooves and joints, where salt and dirt can accumulate to prevent future corrosion.

-Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth or chamois.

-For maximum protection and shine, a specific window product or car wax can be applied once a year, but be sure to test an area of the frame before use.

For older aluminium window frames:

-For older window frames, if any reduction in gloss is observed or if “calcification” is evident, a window renewing cream can be used. This is a very mild abrasive and polish. Be careful when buying it to make sure that it is recommended for use with powdered or polyester paint finishes. Car colour restoring creams can be used in moderation, but it is important to use only what is “non-abrasive”. We advise caution and, whenever possible, use a specific window product – be careful! Old style car color restoration creams can be too abrasive and may permanently damage the paint finish.

-Polish with a soft cloth

-For maximum protection, you can apply a specific window wax product once a year.

This shows that aluminium windows can last and look good for a long time if properly maintained.