Keep your windows and doors looking great

If you’ve recently had new doors and windows fitted, you’ll want  make sure that they stay looking fantastic and last a long time. They should require little maintenance but doesn’t mean they can be forgotten. Keeping up a routine of cleaning and taking care of them doesn’t have to become a chore as you won’t have to do it too often but is important nonetheless.

Your front door will most likely be the one that sees most action and if you have family and visitors who come and go regularly then it will be opened and closed many times in the course of a day. Check that locks are working as they should and some adjusting of hinges and locks may be required from time to time. For uPVC Windows in Dublin, visit http://www.keanewindows.ie/uPVC-windows.html.

Remember to clean frames as well as glass doors and windows. Regular cleaning will make them look new for longer. Patio doors can also get grubby so make sure that the bottom track is clear of debris and sliding doors will need rollers kept clear to ensure they operate smoothly.

The best way to keep windows clean is some warm water and a little washing up liquid which will rid the glass of surface dirt. Dry the window and then remove streaks, try polishing with some crumpled newspaper. There are also many specialist glass cleaning products on the market that will also do the job.

Approximately once a year, check your window fittings and apply grease or vaseline to the moving parts for smooth movement. Check for any loose screws and tighten if needed. It’s a good idea to clean the frames about twice a year. Start with the windows open and use a paint brush to clear away any cobwebs, dirt and dust. Warm water and washing liquid and a clean white cloth can be used to wipe down the frames. Avoid any chemical cleaners or abrasive cloths and pay attention to the edges where the window sits inside the outer frame.

Image credit

For the best looking windows, glass should be cleaned somewhere between four and eight times a year. Cleaning windows in bright sunlight is tricky as it’s not easy to see streaks so wait for a cloudy day, which shouldn’t be hard in the UK! Rub the glass with a damp cloth initially to remove any surface grime. Next you can use a traditional glass cleaner or an e-cloth. E-cloths are great if you don’t want to use chemicals.

Oiling the hinges will probably need doing every six months. Also put some on the handles where the window key sits, take the key out and then put it back in and wiggle it a bit. With the window open, spray some oil onto the locking system and then pay attention to the friction hinges. Be careful not to get any oil on the glass. By taking the above steps, you can ensure that your doors and windows remain looking new and stylish.