How to Clean Aluminium Window Frames

Name: Double Glazing Essex Ltd
Address: Double Glazing Essex Ltd 101 London Rd, South Benfleet, Essex, SS7 5TG, United Kingdom
Telephone: 01268 424 904

Dirty windows can make even the nicest house look shabby. While aluminium frames are tough and long-lasting, they still need a good clean now and then to keep them looking their best.

The good news is that with the right tools and information, cleaning and keeping your frames clean is straightforward.

Aluminium windows

What You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning, gather everything you’ll need. You don’t need fancy products, warm water and washing up liquid will do the bulk of the job. For your basic clean, you’ll want warm, soapy water, a soft cloth or sponge, and a separate drying cloth (microfibre cloths are brilliant for this).

For tougher jobs involving grime, mould or oxidisation, you might want to add white vinegar, baking soda, and a soft brush. A spray bottle and drying cloth can make the job easier, and if you’re cleaning outside windows, a garden hose is helpful for rinsing.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Initial Preparation

Start by brushing away any loose dirt, cobwebs, or leaves from your window frames. If you’re cleaning on a sunny day, try to pick a time when the sunshine isn’t directly hitting your windows, as direct sunlight can make cleaning solutions dry too quickly and leave marks. Give the frames a quick rinse with plain water to remove any stubborn dirt.

2. Basic Cleaning Process

Mix up your cleaning solution – a squirt of washing up liquid in warm water is perfect for regular cleaning. Using your soft cloth or sponge, work from the top down, paying close attention to corners where dirt likes to gather. Don’t forget the inside of the frames, where condensation can leave a residue. Clean small sections at a time and keep your cloth clean by rinsing it regularly in fresh water.

3. Dealing with Stubborn Dirt and Grime

For older aluminium windows or frames that haven’t been cleaned in a while, you might need something stronger to remove dirt, grime or stains. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Before using any new cleaning solution, it’s important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to check there is no reaction and you haven’t created a harsh cleaning solution.

For even more stubborn stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it gently with a soft cloth, but don’t scrub too hard as you don’t want to scratch the aluminium.

4. Finishing

Once you’ve removed all the dirt, give everything a good rinse with clean water. If you’re outside, a gentle spray with the garden hose works well. For the inside, use a clean, damp cloth.

An important step is drying. You should use a lint-free cloth to dry the frames thoroughly. This stops water marks and helps prevent water from sitting in the frame corners.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

There are some things you should avoid to make sure that you don’t damage your aluminium frames. Here are the main things to avoid:

Never use bleach, industrial cleaners or strong chemicals, as these can damage the powder coating and cause discolouration.
Stay away from wire wool, rough sponges, or abrasive cloths. These can scratch your frames permanently.
Don’t use metal scrapers or sharp objects to remove stubborn dirt, they’ll also leave permanent marks.
Avoid pressure washers, as the high-pressure spray can damage seals and force water into places it shouldn’t go.
Never clean frames in direct sunlight. Cleaning solutions can dry too quickly and leave marks.

Remember, with aluminium frames, gentle cleaning is always best. Damaging the powder coating or scratching the frames will make them harder to maintain and could lead to more significant problems.

Black aluminium slimline windows

Special Situations

Cleaning High Windows Safely

For windows you can’t easily reach, invest in a proper extension pole with a soft brush attachment. Never stretch, climb to dangerous heights, clean one-handed or attempt to balance in any way. If you can’t safely and comfortably reach your windows from the ground or a stable platform, it’s time to call in a professional.

Dealing with Oxidation

If you notice a chalky white or dull grey coating on your older aluminium windows, that’s oxidation. This natural process occurs when aluminium reacts with oxygen and moisture over time. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then apply with a soft cloth using gentle circular motions. For tough spots, make a paste with baking soda and water, but be gentle to avoid scratches. Always finish with a thorough rinse and dry.

Removing Mould and Mildew

If you spot black spots or mould, mix one part vinegar or lemon juice with four parts warm water. Apply this with a soft cloth, leave it for a few minutes, then wipe clean. If the mould hasn’t cleared, you can use more acidity in your mixture, up to an equal amount of water.

Regular Maintenance Tips

Regularly cleaning your aluminium frames will keep them looking pristine. A quick wipe-down now and then is much easier than tackling months of built-up grime, especially if you live next to a busy road that kicks up dirt and dust.

Our Aluminium Windows

At Double Glazing Essex, we fit A+ rated aluminium windows that are built to last. Our frames come with multi-chambered designs that keep your home warm and your energy bills down. We offer over 150 powder coat finishes so you can get precisely the look you want. The frames are slim but strong, letting in more light while keeping your home secure.

Heritage aluminium casement windows

Why Choose Double Glazing Essex?

We are a family-run business that has been improving homes across Essex for nearly 15 years. We’re fully accredited, and our 10/10 Checkatrade rating shows how much our customers trust us. We’re based in South Benfleet, and we work across Essex, London and Kent.

Need More Help?

Whether you need advice about cleaning your existing frames, you’re thinking about new aluminium windows, or a different type of home improvement, we’re here to help.

Give us a call on 01268 424 904, email us at sales@doubleglazingessex.com or use our online contact form.

We look forward to hearing from you.