Keeping your windows clean is not only important if you’re looking to maintain the aesthetic of your home but also to preserve the health of your windows. That being said, cleaning is going to look different depending on the type of windows you have in your home and the brand that you’ve chosen. For example, if you’ve decided on installing Pella windows in your home, how exactly do you go about cleaning them?
Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to open a Pella window for cleaning.
Step 1. Identify the Type of Window You’re Looking to Clean
When researching how to clean Pella windows (especially if you’re a homeowner who has moved into a home and doesn’t know the exact style), you may believe that just learning how to clean a specific type of window. After all, a Pella window sounds like a specific style, which makes it easy to find the window cleaning resources you need to get your panes streak-free.
However, Pella, like other window brands, sells multiple types of windows.
This can include single-hung windows, double-hung windows, awning windows, casement windows, bay windows, and more. Pella’s offerings encompass so many different types of windows that it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking to clean before you find the best way to clean your windows.
Know which type of window you’re trying to clean. Otherwise, you’re going in blind and can end up breaking your window or potentially hurting yourself.
Step 2. Figure Out Where the Sashes Are and How They Move
A window sash is essentially a moving piece or a hinge, if you will, that allows the window to open and close. Where the window sash is will vary depending on the type of window you’re working with. For example, some windows open and close vertically, with the sash on the side. Meanwhile, a casement window has hinges on one side and a crank that allows the window to swing out. How a window opens and tilts will inform how you try to achieve clean windows. Make sure you understand this when you’re trying to clean new windows you’re unfamiliar with.
Step 3. Slide the Window Up, Down, In, or Out
Once you know where the sash is and you know how to open your window, it’s time to move the window around. Certain types of windows like vertical windows may be more easily cleaned when you tackle the front and then open it to tackle the back or go outside to reach the exterior of the bottom pane (keeping in mind to reinstall any blinds and shades or window screens when you’re done). Other types of windows, such as those that tilt inward, make it very easy to clean the inside and outside surfaces. Every window is different, which is why they all require different approaches.
Step 4. Clean Both Sides Then Wipe Dry
Once you’ve opened the window, it’s time to clean it and then wipe it dry! This sounds simple, but there are plenty of considerations that you should have here that will determine what the process looks like and what type of results you’ll get. Here are some things to think about when you go to clean your Pella windows.
- What type of cleaner will you use? Some use a cleaning solution that they use across all of their glass surfaces like their patio doors or their mirrors, while others will opt to make their homemade window cleaning solution with products like vinegar because they believe it leaves fewer streaks and residue. Figure out what type of window cleaner best fits your needs.
- What type of cloth will you use to clean and dry your glass? Clean glass is dependent upon the tools being used, and some may use rags while others may use something like microfiber cloths. Everyone’s system works differently, so it all boils down to personal preference.
- Remember that not all residential window-washing projects are the same. If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned your windows and your windows are looking quite dirty due to all the built-up dust and grime, you may need more effective cleaning solutions and tools to get your windows looking like they used to.
Step 5. Consider Special Cleaning Supplies If You Have a Hard Time Reaching Certain Sections of the Glass
The last note that we want to mention here is that not all windows are going to be easy to clean. Say, for example, you have a casement window that opens outwards. If you have a one-story home, you can easily clean the inside and then travel to the outside to take care of the exterior of your window panes.
But what happens if you have windows on the second story of your home that you can’t easily reach because it doesn’t tilt inwards? In situations like these, there are products like magnetic window cleaners that can help you tackle both the inside and the outside of your window panes so that you don’t have to get up on a ladder or otherwise try to hang out of your window to make sure that the exterior of your window is clean. Work smarter, not harder.
If you run into a problem that is simply too difficult for you to deal with when you’re trying to clean your Pella windows, reach out for professional help and find a window cleaning service that can do the work for you. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Learning how to clean your windows is a process and one that requires you to know how to work with the windows you have installed in your home. If you have Pella windows but are unsure how to clean them properly, follow the steps above to identify the types of windows you have, understand how they open, and ensure they are thoroughly cleaned every time!