Window Care and Maintenance: How to Keep Your Windows Tight for Years

Modern windows are durable and easy to look after. Yet with a few simple tasks each year, they stay tight, smooth-running and attractive for even longer. We show you how to care for glass, frames, seals and hardware properly – and what you should avoid.

After installation: remove the protective film

New windows are often delivered with a protective film on the profiles. Peel it off as soon as possible after installation. Otherwise, sunlight can bond the adhesive to the surface, making the film very difficult to remove.

Cleaning the glass

All you need for the panes is warm water with a little washing-up liquid, a soft sponge or microfibre cloth and a squeegee. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight – the water dries too quickly and leaves streaks. Blades, abrasive cleaners and steel wool can scratch the glass.

Cleaning the frames

• PVC: mild soapy water or a special PVC cleaner. Do not use solvents, scouring cream or cellulose thinners.
• Aluminium: clean powder-coated surfaces with a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. No abrasive sponges.
• Wood: wipe with clean water and treat once or twice a year with a care lotion. Repair any damage to the paint or stain promptly.

Caring for the seals

The rubber seals keep your window tight. Clean them with a damp cloth and treat them once or twice a year with a seal care product. This keeps them supple and stops them freezing to the frame in winter. Cracked or flattened seals should be replaced.

Lubricating and adjusting the hardware

Once a year, give the moving parts and locking cams a few drops of resin- and acid-free oil or a little hardware grease. Then operate the handle a few times. If a sash rubs or is hard to close, a specialist can readjust it – with modern hardware such as Roto NX, this only takes a moment.

Keeping the drainage clear

At the bottom of the frame there are small slots through which rainwater drains to the outside. If they are blocked with dirt or leaves, water can collect inside the frame. Clean the openings once a year with a brush or a vacuum cleaner.

Service from the manufacturer

It is also worth checking the joints between the window and the masonry from time to time. If you are unsure, or a window no longer closes properly, we can help: Aristofenster provides service both during and after the warranty period. To see what professional installation looks like, read our article on window installation to RAL standards. And if your windows are already too old, here are 7 signs you need new windows.