10 Window Maintenance Tips to Get the Best-Performing Windows You’ve Ever Had

They may look simple, but windows need just as much care and maintenance as the more complex elements of your abode. All the hard work they do—like regulating temperature and keeping moisture from sneaking inside—can create some serious wear and tear if left unchecked. Luckily, regular window maintenance will keep this part of your home in tip-top shape and won’t add more than a couple of minutes to your daily chores. Use this guide to find out what you need to do to ensure your windows always look and perform as good as new.

1. Clean and Lubricate the Window Tracks

Window tracks are magnets for dead insects and dust. If you’re having trouble opening or closing a window, it’s probably because your tracks are begging to be cleared out. Thankfully, you don’t need much to restore them to their original state. In fact, you can clean your windows with a few Q-tips and a bottle of vinegar. This kind of window maintenance only needs to be done once every two to three months to keep the build-up of debris to a minimum. 

If your window is still getting stuck even after doing all that, the tracks are probably in need of a little lubrication. After cleaning, wipe them down with a brand of silicone-based lubricant to ensure everything works as it should. Avoid using products like WD-40, as these can degrade the tracks, making the material gum up and leading to even worse issues. 

If taking these steps doesn’t end your struggle, it might be time to call in the services of a window repair company near you. 

2. Regularly Wash Window Panes

Regularly cleaning window panes is one simple way to reduce the amount of condensation forming on the glass and the overall level of moisture entering your home. Be sure to use a gentle glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to complete the task, as anything rougher—like the rough side of a sponge or steel wool—may cause the panes to crack after a certain point. 

Clean the window panes from the inside about once a week. On the flip side, cleaning the outside doesn’t have to happen as frequently. Wiping it down just once a month should be more than enough, though that might vary if you live somewhere that’s prone to extreme weather. 

3. Watch Out for Cracks

If you’re still experiencing an unusual amount of moisture in your home after regular window maintenance, it might be time to take a closer look. Cracks in the glass, wood, or sealing can all contribute to this kind of problem, but they’re easy repairs for most people to DIY. 

By using a repair kit and carefully following the instructions, you can fix a cracked window pane in minutes. Cracked window sealing also doesn’t take long to correct with the help of a caulk gun and a little bit of time.

4. Repair Window Damage Immediately

Window damage can get worse the longer it goes unfixed. Whenever you notice an issue, whether that’s a dirty track or a crack in the sealing, repair it right away to save yourself even more time and energy later on. The quicker you fix small issues, the longer you’ll avoid bigger issues.

5. Repaint Wooden Frames Whenever They Start to Chip

Giving your wooden window frames a regular update with a fresh coat of paint will preserve both their appearance and ability to function. Paint offers protection from the elements and prevents moisture from permeating the wood. 

Get a can of paint and brush out anytime you notice that your wooden window frame is starting to chip. Try to add that new layer of paint or sealant before the wood is exposed to external forces.

6. Dust Regularly

Along with wiping down the panes, regularly cleaning vinyl frames will also extend the life of your windows. Try to wash the interior vinyl frames on a weekly basis. The exterior frames will be fine with a monthly cleaning. Use a gentle soap (like baby shampoo) to avoid creating scratches in your window. Alongside your soap, use white vinegar to get the job done. 

7. Keep Up With Yearly Cleanings

Dirty screens block out your view and aren’t as efficient at keeping out bugs and pollen, but doing a yearly window screen cleaning along with your regular window cleaning will guarantee these don’t become your problems. Start by vacuuming up any loose dust, then use a mix of dish soap and warm water to eliminate stuck-on gunk. The process might take a while, but you’ll only have to do it once a year.

8. Caulk and Weatherstrip

It’s important to look for any holes or seams that need to be sealed and to caulk your windows You don’t want air to creep in through sneaky cracks or crevices; it can seriously strain your energy bill. Not to mention moisture, mildew, and mold can invade your home through these weak spots. 

Sealant problems are most common between windows and at the bottom corners. Weatherstripping each window can prevent air and moisture from entering. Just remember to check your weatherstripping, caulking, and sealant over time. Like anything else, they tend to degrade with age.

9. Use Vinegar and Clean Quarterly If You Live by the Ocean

If you’ve lived by the ocean for long enough, you probably already know how the sea can negatively impact your windows. If you’re new to oceanside living, definitely lend an ear to this tip! Salt spray gets everywhere in coastal regions, including on your precious windows. Unfortunately, salt spray can very quickly corrode many different types of window frames, like aluminum. 

Because of this, people living by the ocean may want to put extra cleanings on their maintenance menu. People who don’t live in coastal regions can typically get away with in-depth yearly cleanings only, but people living by the ocean should plan to do a full clean on their windows quarterly, at minimum. 

Between full cleanings, rinse your windows as often as possible (just using a garden hose will work). When you are ready to do a full cleaning, spray white vinegar directly onto your windows, and don’t hold back! Let the vinegar sit for a few minutes, and then scrub your windows down with a sponge. 

10. Hire a Pro for an Annual Inspection

Even if you’ve covered your entire window inspection and maintenance checklist, you may still need a little professional help. There are some window issues—like a mismatched window fit or a large crack—that will be easier and more cost-efficient for a professional to fix. The cost of window repair is between $200 and $600 on average, and the price depends on a handful of factors, like the size and type of the window as well as which part is broken.