When it comes to home design, the color and finish of your windows can truly emphasize your personal style. These features can also keep your windows looking beautiful and fresh, given that they’re properly cared for.
It’s not just about good looks, though. The finish also protects the actual material of your window frame, and ultimately, its overall lifespan.
Needless to say, retaining the color and finish of your windows is one of the best things you can do. Here’s how to make it happen:
1. Avoid harsh commercial cleaners.
Commercial cleaners may be effective, but they often contain abrasive chemicals. These ingredients can eat away at the paint and finish of your window frame, especially over time. What’s more, such cleaners pose the risk of causing skin irritation and respiratory side effects.
To protect your window frames (and your family), use a simple, gentle solution made of water and dishwashing soap. A few drops of vinegar can also help break apart buildup and dirt.
If you have wood frames, lay down an old towel or t-shirt first. Some natural solutions can still cause damage or discoloration, so it’s important to take this extra precaution.
2. Test your solution before cleaning.
On that note, before using a new cleaner, always test it on an inconspicuous spot on your window frame first. Wait a few hours—overnight, if possible—then check the area. If your window paint or finish has become discolored or damaged, stop using the solution immediately.
Use this “patch test” for both homemade and store-bought cleaners, even if the latter is labeled as “natural.”
3. Use a soft cloth.
Avoid using abrasive materials (like steel wool) to clean your window frames. These materials can harm the finish and paint, just like caustic cleaners.
Instead, use a soft high-quality microfiber cloth. You can also use a toothbrush to clean the nooks and crannies of your window frames.
4. Refinish wooden windows.
When stained wood windows are installed, they are typically sealed with a clear polyurethane finish. This stops moisture from penetrating the wood, which can cause damage and rotting over time. The sealer should also be UV-stabilized to prevent color changes and deterioration due to UV exposure.
Since this sealer will naturally wear away over time, it’s a good idea to regularly refinish your wood windows. The extent of refinishing depends on the current state of your frames, so be sure to contact an experienced window installer if you’re unsure where to start.
5. Apply touch-up paint.
Unlike protective finishes, color won’t impact the structure and strength of a window frame. Yet, if the color fades or becomes uneven, you may be left with an unsightly window.
To preserve the color of your window, routinely apply touch-up paint to keep it looking new. The manufacturer can provide paint suggestions.
Contact XO Windows for Window Replacements
With these tips, it’s possible to retain the color and finish of your window frames. But even then, windows don’t last forever, so you’ll eventually need a window replacement.
When the time comes, get in touch with XO Windows, the largest window distributor in the Southwestern United States. We offer a wide range of window styles for every budget and project.
Call us at 602-455-6616 or request a free estimate online.