link to info/product on Amazon] which is taking all the oxidization off my 1957 aluminum frame windows - :), Q. I am trying to fix up the exterior of a small, freestanding building. This soapy solution is an excellent first step in the cleaning process to determine if further cleaning is required. A. I am using a product called Autosol All Rights Reserved, Leadlight and Stained Glass Window Repairs. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Make sure to follow package instructions on commercial cleaners closely to avoid damaging your window frames. % of people told us that this article helped them. 10-40 gm sodium carbonate (washing soda) [affil. For more tips from our Cleaning co-author, including how to polish your window frames, read on! Dunk a nylon scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub the surface area of the metal frame. Rubber Gloves After that, you will need to provide regular window care, cleaning, and maintenance to keep your windows in tip-top shape. When the sand block gets smooth, restore it by washing it in the water. Polish your frame with steel wool and water when youre finished to make your frames shiny. Lightly pry open the slot by 1/32 inch to remove the handle, it will budge but it does not break. It's more time consuming than actually being hard work but the finish will look new. Mix equal portions of warm water and white vinegar in a bottle sprayer and shake well to mix. Thoroughly Lubricate Clean Aluminum Channels. I'm cleaning the interior window frames of a school built in 1960. A. I agree with the Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish Dont install outdoor sprinklers near aluminum windows or doors and make sure any sprinklers are pointed away from your aluminum windows. Before you tackle the window frames on the interior, remove blinds and curtains. (your purchases make finishing.com possible). The best thing to use on aluminum window frames is Mothers Cleaner and Polish. link to info/product on Amazon] This looks similar to rust and cannot be polished off. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Cleaning & Maintenance: How to Clean Oxidized Aluminum Window Frames? For more tips from our Cleaning co-author, including how to polish your window frames, read on! Use a small buffer in between cleanings. Dull and grimy window frames are unattractive, and anodized aluminium windows require a different cleaning process than other frame types, such as uPVC. Aluminum framing on windows is made to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. You will use this soapy mixture to scrub your aluminum window frames and prevent pitting and oxidation. Naval jelly is not supposed to be used on aluminium, read the label. Take the time to carefully visually inspect all the window surfaces for any damage and to make sure there are no water leaks. Apply the cleaner to the aluminum frames using old rags. Not Brillo. Its important your detergent is non-alkaline having a PH level of 7 or less if its higher you could damage your window frames. This scrub is particularly critical for sliding windows, as grime deposits can affect their ability to easily open and close. link to info/product on Amazon] on my dark brown oxidized aluminum window frames & it improved their appearance quite a bit. Make sure you apply the paste to the entire window frame. [affil. Get new screws from hardware store (cost $5.00 for a 100, two types of screws are needed, a long one and a short one). Best regards, [affil. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. [affil. Remove any moving part and clean them with soap water separately. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful. To remove rust from aluminum or other challenging stains, use steel wool to scrub each section clean. If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: Jobshops Be sure to set a regular schedule for cleaning your windows. While this technique requires a well-ventilated space, its useful for removing stubborn dirt and grime. Spray the entire surface of the frame with the vinegar solution and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. It also gives you a chance to create a new look or vibe for your home or room without having to remove or look at replacement windows. [affil. Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. These cleaners are available in most hardware stores and are easy to use. Once you dislodge one, everything else is easy. Aluminum window frames gather dirt and debris over time and lose some of their shine. Combine the lemon and baking soda in a small container or bowl. An ongoing discussion beginning back in 2003 Q. I just want to remove the oxidation and leave it unpainted. Wipe the surface of the frame with a dry cloth. Consider using fine steel wool to prevent scratching the aluminum surface. I have been wondering how to do it for 8 years. Inspect any double-glazed or insulated glass to make sure there arent any signs of moisture forming between the panes. [affil. Well show you how to clean aluminum window frames both inside and out by cleaning away dirt, grime, and oxidation. Do not neglect cracks or crevices in the window. They are in decent conditions. See thread 54875 for starters on that. And thats it! To make your mild soapy water mix, you should pour a cup of detergent into a liter of water. Look the safety instructions on your cleaner as well. I'm trying to find out what is the overall best process to do this including what product(s) I should use? Cleaning the aluminium frames of windows and doors on your home is easy, whether you use a commercial cleaner from your local hardware store or make homemade window cleaners with lemon juice and baking soda. Removing the grime is an important part of routine window care. [affil. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Affiliate Link Wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth to remove all residue and dry with paper towels. A penetrating lubricant will need to be used make sure the springs dont stiffen. Make sure to completely rinse the cleaner off the aluminum once it has set. Is there a substance that has a molecular make-up, or anything else for that matter, that will turn this job into a "wipe and clean" from an overly rigorous exercise? Before applying, make sure your locking system and hinges are completely dry; it might be a good idea to use a blower to be sure they are. Use a vacuum cleaner that has a small nozzle that will fit in the window sashes to ensure every bit of dirt and dust is removed. It also means a wider range of aluminium window frame colours will be available to you. When you are performing general maintenance and window care on your aluminum windows, there are several things that you should not do because they can do more damage than good. 4. The desired product would be something that, when applied, will clean up the "fine" dirt spotsas with removing tarnish from silver. Wipe dry any excess water when it starts dripping ). Quick response for all shower screen & door installations, repair & replacements. Just be gentle so you dont scratch the frames. And remember, before committing to anything, its worth checking a contractors prices! You should wipe them down with used newspapers in a circular motion, which will leave you with aluminum windows that are perfectly clean. Dont use any abrasive pads, scrubbing brushes, or steel brushes to clean aluminum window frames. Chemicals &Consumables Fill in the form for your quick quote or for immediate service call (08) 9249 2429, davem@actionglass.com.au83 Crocker Dr, Malaga, 6090(08) 9249 2429, Action Glass, 2021. If you gonna spend the effort to clean them, you may as well enjoy the new screws to make it worthwhile. If this is the case, then it may be easier for you to contact a professional cleaner who can use specialised tools to remove the oxide build-up. Cleaning aluminum window frames indoors requires a slightly different method than outdoors. Privacy Policy. Here are some of the general maintenance donts: You should provide regular window care. Consult'g, Train'g& Software, About/Contact-Privacy Policy-1995-2022 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA, -- this entry appended to this thread by editor in lieu of spawning a duplicative thread, (your purchases make finishing.com possible). Next, mix detergent with warm water and begin to wipe over the frame and glass surfaces with a fresh cloth; a micro-fibre material will give you the best results. You can get sand block from home depot which is sand surface coated on a piece of hard sponge. A. Spray soap water again and sand with a sanding block lightly (wearing rubber gloves). When you provide window care, its important to follow the proper procedures to ensure that you will get the maximum lifecycle and the best service from your aluminum windows. If you are cleaning inside frames, open the windows and turn on a fan to ventilate the room. Following your wash down, rinse all the glass and metal surfaces with cloths, using towels to soak up any excess water. All that is required to get a clean window is a bit of your time and some elbow grease to get the frames looking like they should, shiny and new. While it is a little time consuming, the result is well worth the time spent. goggles If your aluminum window frames are starting to look a bit worse for wear, you can clean them with some simple household cleaners. A thorough scrub also presents the perfect opportunity to check for any damage, allowing you to organise repairs without the situation worsening. Painting aluminium window frames are a good alternative to regularly polishing them. Make sure you scrub all metal and glass surfaces, as well as window joints and grooves. With the right care, you can keep them looking as good as new. Tiny corners can be cleaned with cloth wrapped around a screwdriver. A garden hose with a power nozzle is ideal for rinsing. Oxalic Acid / Wood Bleach should remove the blackness from the wood. Any suggestions would be helpful. Aluminum frames that appear rusty should be treated by a professional cleaner. However, make sure commercial cleaners are safe to use inside before applying them to your window frames. On the inside, gently wipe down the surfaces with a wet rag or cloth.