How To Clean Sunroom Windows, Walls, Doors & Floors
Dirty glass on sunroom windows will obstruct your views and take away from the room’s overall appearance. Early spring is a great time to clean Connecticut sunrooms. You may find yourself using your sunroom more often as the temperatures start rising; if you don’t do your spring cleaning, the warm temperatures and hot sun will bake on any existing stains and debris.
Considering an update to your sunroom? Call Fiderio & Sons today at 203-237-0350 or contact us online to learn about our beautiful sunroom designs.
How Often Should You Clean Your Sunroom?
Glass shows dirt more than any other part of your home exterior, so you’ll know when you need to clean it. Clean your sunroom windows on an as-needed basis. Since it’s harder to tell when the frames are dirty, aim to clean them every few months.
General Cleaning Tips
- Do not climb on the roof. Do not lean a ladder against your sunroom. Rent scaffolding if necessary.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or anything that contains bleach, chlorine, or ammonia. Do not use a power washer. For tough stains, use a soft bristle brush.
- Do not clean on a sunny day. Wait for a cool, overcast day and rinse off the cleaning solution before it dries.
Other maintenance tips: Stay on top of your landscaping. Overhanging trees can scratch your sunroom windows and roof. Pollen and sap will stain your windows, and leaves will clog your gutters.
Cleaning the Sunroom Frame
Sunrooms can accumulate dirt, dust, and other fine particulates. Always check manufacturer recommendations for specific cleaning instructions. Harvey Sunrooms and vinyl sunroom windows are built specifically to endure the New England climate. They’re durable and will maintain their appearance if you take care of them.
What to use? Vinyl can scratch. Use a soft cloth or brush. Never use steel wool or scrubbing sponges. Remove dust, dirt, smoke, salt spray, and other light debris with warm water and a mild detergent. For tougher cleaning, such as removing oil or grease, use Mr. Clean, Soft Scrub, isopropyl alcohol, mineral spirits, naptha solvents, lanolin cleaners, or lacquer thinner.
How To Clean Vinyl Sunroom Windows
Harvey sunroom windows include picture, single-hung, double-hung, and casements. Clean both the insides and outsides of your sunroom windows.
Cleaning the inside of sunroom windows is no different than any other type of window. Use window cleaner and a soft rag and/or squeegee. Condensation on windows causes streaking. Prevent condensation by opening windows. Skylights can also help ventilate.
Outside of windows: The outside of your sunroom windows will be dirtier than the inside. Rise off as much dirt as you can with a regular garden hose, then try a glass cleaner. If the windows still aren’t clean, use a spray bottle, sponge, or cloth to apply mild soap or detergent, mineral spirits, or naptha solvents.
Let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes, but don’t let it dry. Work in small sections and rise as you go. Rinse the cleaning solution off with clean water and use a squeegee or lint-free cloth to dry the glass.
Casement windows: In addition to regular cleaning, grease the hinges of casement windows with a light oil at least twice per year.
Double- or single-hung windows: Double-hung sunroom windows from Harvey offer the convenience of tilt-in sashes so you can clean light dirt on the outside of windows from the inside. Raise the lower sash 4–6 inches before you tilt it in. Next, retract the release latches (at the top of the sash) and tilt the window toward you until it rests on the sash.
For the top sash on double-hung windows, lower until the bottom is 8–10 inches above the sill. Retract the latches, and rest it on the lower sash. When you’re done cleaning, return the sashes to their vertical positions. The latches will automatically lock.
Questions about the best window type for your Connecticut home? Let an expert at Fiderio & Sons help. For answers, call (203) 237-0350 today.
Clean the Screens
Remove the screens for cleaning. Disengage the side clips and pull the screen out. Place screens on a clean, flat surface and scrub off any dirt with a soft brush. Rinse and dry thoroughly before you reinstall them.
This video shows how to remove half-screens from Harvey double-hung windows:
Sunroom Door Cleaning Tips
Fiberglass doors are one of the lowest-maintenance options for Connecticut sunrooms. Unlike wood, they won’t rot, split, warp, or dent, and unlike steel, they won’t rust. Smooth-Star doors by Therma-Tru are a great option for Harvey sunrooms.
These doors are tough, but the finish can deteriorate. Keep the doors clean by rinsing them with water and a mild detergent if necessary. For cracking, splitting, or deteriorating paint finishes on steel doors, first clean the door and let it dry. Then lightly sand the surface and touch up the paint to match the overall finish. Regular maintenance will extend the life of Therma-Tru doors.
Connecticut Sunroom Additions
Harvey sunrooms are energy-efficient and built to last in the Connecticut climate. We recommend their products for Connecticut sunroom additions. Adding a sunroom to your home has a high return on investment and is a great way to add space to your home. If you don’t have room for a sunroom addition, certain types of windows can create the atmosphere of a sunroom.
Keep your windows clean for maximum enjoyment, and call Fiderio & Sons for any questions on remodeling, additions, or repairs.
Contact us online or call (203) 237-0350 today.
