cleaning double pane
Cleaning double pane Windows: a full guide
One of the best investments for your home is for sure a double layer window. It preserves heat and protects from loud noises and can significantly increase your home's value, while decreasing your energy bills. If you are interested, our tips and tricks can inform you on what a double pane window is, and how much it costs.
However, what is tricky about double pane windows is their structure: they can have dirt or condensation in between window panes and it can be very tricky to remove them. Moreover, like every window, the double paned glass can get scratched and the rubber seal or the frame can be damaged over time.
However, MyGreenHome pulled out a trick from their magic hat, a perfect guide for you to learn all the steps to clean between a double pane window. Here:
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Cleaning tips: get rid of dirt and spots inside double pane windows
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Cleaning double pane windows frame
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Windows rubber seal: avoid peeling seals
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Get rid of annoying double pane window condensation
Cleaning tips: get rid of dirt and spots inside double pane windows
An easy way to clean inside of double pane windows is to drill a hole in your glass to be able to clean inside of it, between one of the 2 layers.
Don’t get scared, there is no need to destroy the double paneling for a hole of the size of your arm: it has to be a very small hole, that can let you insert a small desiccate pocket that can absorb the moisture and the haze in between. You can also drill from the corner or directly inside the seal of the window.
If you forget to clean your windows properly for a long time an accumulation of dirt between window panes can happen. In this case, you might need to be able to insert something inside the glass to remove the spots, like a straw or a pipe cleaner.
This can get really difficult and dangerous both for you and your windows, and not everyone feel a star of the DIY, so unless you feel particularly crafty, we suggest to go for different cleaning methods.
A good idea in these cases is contacting a professional. You might also need an entire double glass window glass replacement.
If you need more information about the maintenance of your double glass windows, you can always get in touch with our experts by contacting us.
Cleaning double pane windows frame
Cleaning the frames of your windows might be harder than it seems and sometimes finding the right cleaner is not easy. You should know that a lot depends on the material of your window frames, their conditions and how old they are.
A solution that should work for every kind of frame is warm soapy water. If you mix it with some vinegar in a spray bottle and leave it on the frames for 10 minutes, and then wipe it off, the magic should happen.
It can happen, however, that your dirt is particularly determinated. In that case, you need something more aggressive. You should always check your window frames material to go for a window frame cleaner ad hoc.
Another affordable solution for window frame cleaning is using baby wipes. They won’t damage your window frame but still do the job.
Windows rubber seal: avoid peeling seals
Wait but… what are rubber seals? Rubber window seals are ... the most important part of your window! They prevent cold (or warmth) to enter your house, but also noises, and they prevent condensation (most of the times) and the accumulation of dirt.
This means that you should take special care of them, especially because if they break you might need to replace the entire double pane window.
So, if you have cloudy double pane windows, if spots form easily in between the 2 panels of glass, and you feel like they do not insulate flawlessly anymore, maybe it is time to replace them.
Even if double pane windows are the best at insulating, seals can still get old and break. This usually doesn’t happen because of weather: these windows are resistant to every condition. However, water could infiltrate in the infrastructure of the frame or because it is not drained well. Also constant exposition to sun and warmth can damage the seals.
However, there are also some ways in which to prevent complete rupture from happening, and you might be still in time.
First of all, never try use wool trying to clean in between window panes. It might damage the material. Avoid also strong chemicals, as they can be too aggressive for your seals.
You should always give a first try with the old dear warm soapy water, since it is the right solution that always solves every dirt problem with any type of material.
If there is some dirt in excess, we suggest to use a brush, but be gentle! Window rubber seals are usually very delicate.
Get rid of annoying double pane window condensation
You can also use a double pane window moister removal. They are very affordable and for sure less expensive than dehumidifier. However, they won’t be as effective as them, so think wisely about how complicated is your condensation problem.
If you need a fast, zero-costs solution, you could use the help of a space heater or a hairdryer. There are good chances you have one of this two at home. The process is the same as that of a dehumidifier. You put it in front of the glass and leave it on, while it removes condensation between the window panes.
In some cases, no cleaner nor dehumidifier will make the miracle: the windows could need the removal of the glass and a professional double pane window cleaning service, or an entire replacement.
If you notice that any attempt is unsuccessful, think about contacting a professional.
If you notice a light scratch on the glass of your windows, you can try to fix it with non-aggressive window scratch remover, that is not abrasive. You can opt for iron oxide or cerium oxide. Put it on a dry towel and rub the window until the scratch goes away.
As you have learned, cleaning inside a double pane window is not immediate like single pane windows. However, with all the goods of the double pane windows come also the duties. With some extra effort, anyway, you will obtain always perfectly-clean windows that will last over time and ensure you insulation, better security and all the other benefits to come.
