Maintaining your home involves many important tasks, and deep cleaning dirty storm windows often falls to the bottom of the chore list. Storm windows serve an important purpose, but when they're well taken care of, they can also improve the appearance of your home and enhance energy efficiency. During a year when the NOAA is predicting hurricane season to be one of the most aggressive seasons on record, it's also important to monitor the condition of your storm windows. Regular cleaning is the best way to spot damage or potential issues. Follow these simple steps and make it a point to deep clean your windows twice a year, whether it's after a severe storm, or during seasonal cleanup... if not only to check for damage, to keep them free of dirt and pollen.
Materials You'll Need
- Bucket
- Mild detergent/dish soap
- Glass cleaner
- Soft sponge or cloth
- Squeegee
- Old toothbrush
- Paper towels
- Ladder (if needed for tall windows)
- Drop cloths (optional)
1. Remove the Storm Windows
- Carefully lift the storm windows out of their tracks. This is a good time to check for damage, whether you have wooden frames or aluminum window frames. Check for cracks, loose seals, or frame damage. Keep in mind that some older windows can be completely removed from their tracks, while newer window technology allows the window frames to unclip and fold into the room.
- If you fully removed your outdoor storm windows, place the dirty panels on a flat surface with drop cloths underneath to prevent scratches.
2. Clean the Window Frames and Tracks
- One mistake people make is to use window cleaner to wash the window frames and tracks. Instead, use a few drops of dish soap mixed with water.
- Wipe down the frames with a sponge or cloth.
- Use an old toothbrush or small brush to clean corners and the tracks.
- Remove any soap residue from the window frames with clean water and use a paper towel to dry out the window tracks.
3. Clean the Window Glass
- Apply glass cleaner to the dirty window using a spray bottle, or, if you have a lot of dirt and pollen buildup, start with soapy water.
- Wipe the glass with a sponge or cloth in a circular motion to loosen dirt buildup.
- Use a squeegee across the entire window, starting from the top and working downwards.
- If you used soap and water, clean it once more with glass cleaner. This will help remove any streaks before you dry and reinstall.
- Wipe the edges and corners with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
4. Clean the Other Side of the Glass Windows
Flip the storm windows to clean the opposite side using the same method.
5. Reinstall the Storm Windows
- Assuming there are no bad windows that need repair, you can carefully place the clean storm windows back into their tracks.
- Make sure the clean windows are securely fitted and properly aligned in the spring-loaded tracks.
Remember to Clean the Window Sills
While you're at it, remember that dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the window sill. When you're cleaning the windows, wipe down the sill and trim with a soapy cloth to restore a clean appearance.
Can you use a power washer to clean storm windows?
It's not recommended. In fact, even a regular hose can cause damage. Hand washing is safer, and less likely to affect any protective coatings on the panes of glass/hurricane windows.
Can I clean doors with storm glass the same way?
Yes, but you shouldn't have to remove the doors from the frame to get the job done. Just carefully wash both sides of the glass and it'll be as clean as your house windows.
