How to Make Your Aluminum Window Frames Look Brand New?
Cleaning aluminum window frames is a simple household task, we can choose the right method according to the type of stains and the condition of the window frames, with household tools and common materials can be treated perfectly. The following is a detailed cleaning guide:
Daily cleaning (light stains)
Applicable scenarios: dust, floating ash, rain traces and other daily stains.
Required tools: soft cloth / sponge, neutral detergent (such as mild detergent), water, bucket.
Steps:
1.Dry Erase to Remove Dust
Use a clean soft cloth or a chicken feather duster to gently sweep away dust from the surface of the window frame, avoid rinsing with water directly (it may cause dust to clump).
2.Mix the cleaning solution
Add a small amount of neutral detergent in a bucket of water and mix it into a diluted solution (avoid using strong acid, strong alkali or cleaners containing abrasive agents, such as steel wool, toilet bowl cleaner, so as not to corrode the oxide film on the surface of aluminum).
3.Wipe the stains
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution and gently wipe the stains in the grooves of window frames, tracks and corners.
Track gaps can be cleaned deeply with an old toothbrush or cotton swab.
Stubborn stains can be gently scrubbed repeatedly, do not scrape hard.
4.Rinse with clean water and wipe dry
Use a clean wet rag to wipe away detergent residue, and then dry thoroughly with a dry cloth to avoid water stains that may lead to water marks or oxidation.
Stubborn stains cleaning
1.Oil stains, glue marks, rust stains
Oil stains:
Use a soft cloth dipped in a small amount of alcohol (such as white wine, alcohol wipes) or special neutral oil cleaner, gently rub the oil stains, and then wipe with water.
Gum print / sticker residue:
Apply windex, petroleum jelly or special adhesive remover (e.g. Goo Gone), leave it for 5-10 minutes, wait for the adhesive to soften and then gently scrape it off with a plastic scraper (avoid metal scraper), and then clean it with water.
Rust stains:
Aluminum window frames are generally not easy to rust, if slight rust spots appear due to humidity, use a soft cloth dipped in white vinegar + water (1:1 mix) to wipe, then use water to wipe and dry (rust may need to be replaced in case of serious parts).
2. Scale, mineral deposits (e.g. hard water marks)
Apply citric acid solution (1 tablespoon of citric acid + 500ml of warm water) or diluted white vinegar water to the limescale area, leave it for a few moments and then wipe it with a soft cloth, then rinse with clean water.
Stubborn limescale can be gently polished with a sponge dipped in a small amount of toothpaste (non-abrasive) and then wiped clean.
Precautions
Avoid high temperature operation
Do not clean the window frame in direct sunlight or high temperature (such as summer noon), the cleaner is easy to evaporate quickly leaving traces.
Protect the hardware
Avoid contacting the hardware such as hinges and locks on the window frame with the cleaner, use a dry cloth to wipe them separately to prevent rusting and jamming.
Regular Maintenance
Conduct daily cleaning every 1-2 months, and clean up in time after rainy season or sandy weather.
Debris (e.g. leaves, sand and dust) in the track groove needs to be vacuumed regularly to avoid blockage affecting window opening and closing.
Careful use of materials
Prohibit the use of steel wire balls, wire brushes and other sharp tools to avoid scratching the aluminum surface.
Avoid the use of bleach, strong acidic cleaners (such as toilet bowl cleaner), may corrode the oxide film, resulting in aluminum discoloration or embrittlement.
Special situation treatment
Oxidation discoloration / matte finish window frame:
If the surface of window frame has matte or special coating, the cleaning strength needs to be more gentle, you can use a small amount of cleaning solution to test in inconspicuous places first to avoid coating off.
Large stains or old window frames:
If the window frame is aging seriously or the stains are difficult to remove, you can contact professional window and door cleaning services to avoid damage caused by self-operation.
conclusion
Through the above methods, you can effectively clean aluminum window frames and extend their service life, keeping the windows beautiful and functioning properly.
