Aluminum window frames may not be something you often think about cleaning. However, if you live in an area that receives copious amounts of sunshine and sandstorms, this is an important chore to tackle. The Palm Springs and Palm Desert area is a prime example of a region that epitomizes these conditions.Shinepro Window Cleaning will present techniques any homeowner can use to clean aluminum window frames.
How To Clean Exterior Window Frames
When you are cleaning outdoor frames, you will want to start by wetting the frames. Use of a Mr Clean Magic Eraser is a great way to remove any light stains or organic deposits. These pads are in essence, high grit sanding blocks. Chemicals are not necessary but can help expedite the process.
If this initial step yields little results, it’s time to move on to more aggressive tactics. You can get a solvent-based cleaner online or at a local hardware store. Check the label to ensure it is safe for use on aluminum. You should also test an inconspicuous spot before jumping into the process. You’ll want to follow the instructions on the bottle, which may ask you to apply the cleaner and then allow it to sit for a while before being removed.
If necessary use a commercial cleaner for any stains that are still noticeable. You can clean the entire frame or merely use lots of elbow grease on stains that are large and prominent.
After these steps, and rinsing, you’ll want to make a paste that consists of lemon juice and baking soda. These two combined ingredients work together to clean off grime and leave a shine on the aluminum frame. Mix about a half cup of lemon juice with a quarter cup of baking soda. Scrub the entire frame with this mixture.
Once the paste is rubbed in using a cloth or sponge, you do not want to rinse it. Leave the paste on the frame until it is completely dry. This is a good time to check that you’ve hit every crack in the frame. You can use a toothbrush or other tool for tight spaces that are hard to reach.
After it’s dry, use a damp cloth or sponge to remove the paste. You can then rinse off to get rid of any traces of the substances you have used. Rinse the frame until the water comes out clean, as residue can make your windows appear spotty and dirty.
How To Clean Interior Window Frames
When you’re cleaning inside aluminum frames, you’ll need to wipe them down with a damp cloth. This will loosen some debris and make the entire cleaning process more efficient. Use a toothbrush to get into hard to reach areas as you did with the outside frames.
You can use the same cleaners inside as you did on the outside unless the commercial cleaner you use states otherwise. The solvent-based cleaner, as well as the baking soda and lemon mixture, are fine for use indoors. These can be done in the same sequence as outside. Use care not to allow cleaners to make contact with painted surfaces or carpet.
From there, you can wipe the frames with a sponge and then use a dry cloth to buff dry them. These frames will not dry as well on their own as the ones outside, so you will have to be an active participant in the drying process.
So, there you have it, the best process for cleaning your aluminum window frames. If you want a bigger shine, you can also consider using a polishing agent once all the other steps are done.
Hopefully these techniques will help return the luster of your aluminum windows. Of course there is only so much you can do with tools and cleaning agents available to homeowners. For extreme frame degradation, it might be time to call in a trained Professional Window Cleaner. ShinePro Window Cleaning would be happy to oblige. We service the east valley cities of La Quinta, Indio, and Indian Wells, all the way west to Redlands and Beaumont, California.
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