How do you maintain double glazing?

Double glazing maintenance is a key part of helping to ensure your double glazing performs at its best and continues to look good.

Choosing double glazing is a wise investment. It ensures your home is better insulated, therefore reducing your energy bills. And it can also increase the value of your property.

Here, we explain all you need to know to maintain your double glazing. However, if you prefer to get an expert in, simply search your postcode below to find double glazing maintenance specialists in your area.

What’s involved in double glazing maintenance?

Double glazing is fairly low maintenance, with minimal upkeep required. But whether you’re planning for double glazing or have already had your new windows installed, it’s important to know how to keep your windows in good condition.

Our expert guide outlines how best to care for your double glazing frames, window panes, moving parts, and ventilation systems. Let’s get into it.

Cleaning double glazing frames

Double glazing frames can accumulate dirt, dust, and grime over time. With the windows open, regularly clean the frames using one of these methods.

Warm soapy water

Dip a soft cloth or sponge into warm, soapy water and wipe down the frame. Make sure to get into the corners and along the edges. Try not to use washing-up liquid as it can degrade the rubber seals.

Vinegar and hot water

Vinegar and hot water is a chemical-free alternative. Mix one part vinegar with four parts hot water in a spray bottle. Spray the frame and leave for 10-15 minutes. Then wipe away with a clean, microfibre cloth.

Specialist tools

Specialist tools are available to buy, helping to get into crevices. However, an old, soft-bristled toothbrush normally does the trick.

What not to use

Avoid using scourer pads, cream cleaners, or anything with an abrasive quality. These can scratch the frame and remove its shine.

Cleaning inside double pane windows

Cleaning the inside of your double glazing is straightforward:

• Spray glass cleaner onto the window pane and wipe with a microfibre cloth or a squeegee for a streak-free finish

However, if the inside of your double pane windows are foggy or dirty, it’s a little more challenging. For a DIY approach, you can try:

• Using a dehumidifier near the window
• Placing a moisture absorbent or desiccate packets near the edge of the window
• Using a heater or hair dryer near the window to help the moisture evaporate

Get professional double glazing maintenance help

If the above methods are unsuccessful, we recommend contacting a professional double glazing maintenance specialist.

They have the necessary tools and experience to clean the inside of your double glazed panes without compromising their look or performance.

See who comes highly-rated in your area by searching your postcode below.

Cleaning outside double pane windows

Accessibility will play a key role in cleaning the outside of double pane windows.

If you live in a single-storey home, you may be able to do this yourself using a glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth or a squeegee. You may also need a step ladder to get to those hard-to-reach corners. Make sure to dry the windows afterward to avoid water spots.

What not to do

Don’t be tempted to clean the outside of your windows with a pressure washer. It can damage your windows, especially the seals around double-glazed windows, which can let moisture in.

Find a local expert

The safest and most efficient way to clean the outside of your double glazed windows is to contact a reputable local window cleaner.

How to lubricate moving parts

It’s worth lubricating the moving parts (hinges, locks, and handles) of your double glazing every 6-12 months to make sure they operate smoothly. This is especially important on windows that aren’t opened very often.

To do this, apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to a cloth. Gently wipe this along the window tracks and around the seals to keep the windows opening and closing smoothly.

A light machine oil or silicone spray can be sprayed into the hinges, locks, and handles, turning the handle to work the lubricant in.

Wipe away the excess oil with a clean cloth once you’ve lubricated all moving parts.

What not to do

Avoid using a solvent-based spray, such as WD40, as this can damage window parts and finishes.

Don’t be tempted to add oil to the gearbox of a door locking mechanism while you’re servicing your windows. This will dissolve the grease and affect the lifespan of the lock.

Contact the professionals

If you’re unsure, or would just prefer to call in the experts, search your postcode below to find double glazing maintenance specialists near you.

Maintaining double glazing ventilation

The ventilation (i.e. trickle vents) in your double glazing is really important. It maintains air quality and crucially, prevents condensation. Keeping your trickle vents clean and unobstructed is therefore key.

• Keeping trickle vents open will help to prevent condensation and improve air quality
• Opening windows daily allows fresh air to circulate, preventing condensation build-up
• Vacuum your trickle vents periodically with a soft brush or crevice attachment to remove dirt and dust

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Find double glazing maintenance specialists near you

Double glazing maintenance specialists have the tools, knowledge, and experience to help keep your windows in top condition for longer.

And finding a local expert is easier than you might think with Checkatrade.

We check and approve all our tradespeople, so you know you’re getting the real deal.

Simply search your postcode below to see who comes highly-rated in your area.

FAQs

Do double glazed windows need maintenance?

Double-glazed windows do need a little maintenance every now and again. Cleaning the frames, seals, moving parts, and ventilation will make sure your windows operate smoothly and can help to stop issues such as condensation.

How do you lubricate double glazed windows?

Lubricating the moving parts of double glazed windows every 6-12 months will help them to operate smoothly. Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the hinges, locks, and handles with a soft cloth.

How often should you renew double glazing?

Double glazing should last between 20-25 years. However, this does depend on the quality of the installation and materials, and whether the windows are well-maintained.

How do you know when double glazing needs replacing?

Telltale signs that your double glazing might need replacing include condensation between the panes of glass, draughts, visible damage to the frames, or difficulty opening or closing the windows.

How do you remove condensation from inside double glazing?

If you have condensation inside your double glazing, it’s best to contact a professional double glazing maintenance specialist to fix the problem.