Cleaning and maintaining windows: the basic rules

A little proper care prevents problems and preserves both appearance and function.

Dust, salt and dirt build up on coated surfaces, in the tracks and in the hardware.

water, a soft cloth or sponge and a mild cleaner,
tracks kept clear of sand and small objects,
no wire wool and no aggressive chemicals,
more frequent care in a coastal setting,
moving parts checked and maintained according to their own instructions.

The warranty terms distinguish BS METAL fabrication and installation from the individual factory warranties for coating, glazing, hardware and automation.

Lukewarm water, a mild neutral detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. No solvents, acetone or alcohol on painted surfaces, no acidic or alkaline cleaners, no wire wool or abrasive powders — and never a pressure washer on joints and gaskets. Three things are forgotten almost every time: the drainage holes at the bottom of the frame, which clog with dust and leaves and need one check a year; the gaskets, which stay elastic longer when they are clean; and the hardware, with a little oil on the moving points and none on the adjustment points.

What to use and what not to

Yes: lukewarm water, a mild neutral detergent, a soft cloth or sponge.
No: solvents, acetone, alcohol on coated surfaces, acidic or alkaline cleaners, scouring pads and abrasive powders.
Never: a pressure washer on joints and gaskets.

The three points that get forgotten

The drainage holes at the bottom of the frame. They block with dust and leaves; once a year a check is enough.
The gaskets. Kept clean and, where specified, treated with a little silicone care product, they stay flexible longer.
The hardware. A little oil on the moving points, not on the adjustment points.

Anodised and coated surfaces are cleaned equally gently, but anodising cannot be “recoated” if it is scratched. Care with an abrasive sponge counts double there.