- Consult with any Northern specific instructions.
- Never use potentially abrasive or caustic cleaners or solvents.
- Generally, when cleaning glass, it is a good idea to use a vinegar-based glass cleaner or mild dish soap and water with a soft, lint-free cloth or paper product.
- You can use a squeegee, cloth or paper product to dry.
- Petroleum-based cleaners or solvents should not be used as they can streak the glass and weaken the seal between the glass and frame.
- Carefully clean the frame and glass surfaces at least twice per year. If you live in an area with saltwater or acid rain, it is a good idea to rinse the exterior of your windows and doors and operating tracks several more times a year with tap water to help protect them from harsh elements.
- Do not use a razor blade, steel wool, putty knife, or abrasive pad because they may damage your window.
- Clean tracks and weep holes using a dry paint brush(soft natural bristle) or vacuum brush attachment.
- Check weather stripping, hardware & caulking, and replace broken, worn, or damaged parts. Poor performing components can decrease security and energy efficiency.
- Make sure all exposed hardware screws are tightened securely. Apply silicone spray lubricant to all metal moving parts. Be careful to avoid spraying on glass.
- Check windows and doors for smooth operation.
- Reduce the risk of an unsecured environment or loss of energy efficiency by leaving windows and doors closed and locked when not in use for ventilation.
AAMA/GANA recommends that the following instructions should be followed to reduce the opportunity of damage to glass surfaces during cleaning. It is strongly recommended that window washers clean a small area or one window, then stop and examine the surface for any damage to the glass and/or reflective coating.
- Clean glass when dirt and residue appear
- Determine if coated glass surfaces are exposed
- Exercise special care when cleaning coated glass surfaces
- Avoid cleaning tinted and coated glass surfaces in direct sunlight
- Start cleaning at the top of the building and continue to lower levels
- Soak the glass surface with a clean water and soap solution to loosen dirt and debris
- Use a mild, non-abrasive commercial window cleaning solution. For home/apartment owners, a mild dish soap will suffice.
- Use a squeegee to remove all the cleaning solution
- Dry all cleaning solution from window gaskets, sealants and frames
- Clean one small window and check to see if procedures have caused any damage
- Be aware of and follow the glass supplier’s specific cleaning recommendations
- Caution other trades against allowing other materials to contact the glass
- Watch for and prevent conditions that can damage the glass
- Read the entire GANA bulletin on glass cleaning before starting to clean glass
Inspect your windows and doors at least twice per year and perform maintenance, adjustment and replace worn parts as required.
- Make sure all tracks are free of any dirt and debris, use a clean lint free damp cloth.
- Vacuum dirt from sill and track areas before washing.
- Rinse completely with clear water and wipe dry. Make sure to remove all pollutants from finished surfaces.
- To clean handles and locks, use a clean lint free damp cloth.
- Clean weeps and weep hole covers with a clean dry paint brush or vacuum brush attachment. Do not use oil based lubricants.
- Lubricate moving metal hardware, parts, tracks and rollers with silicone based lubricants.
- On sliding doors and windows, make certain that the track area is kept clean. Vacuum as needed to clear dirt and debris
- In salt-air environments this maintenance and cleaning may need to be done more frequently. Check for any salt or sand buildup in tracks and weep areas. Remove with clean water and wipe dry.