Turn and tilt windows are wonderful features on older homes. They give natural light and open the area directly to the view, but older houses sometimes have problems with dirt, grime and dust collecting in the tracks of the windows. These issues can be resolved easily with a quick wipe down. Here are some cleaning tips for the turn and tilt windows in your home.

Dirt and grime buildup in the tracks of your windows can cause your windows to tilt or slide. Cleaning them by hand is possible, but it is time consuming. You can tilt and turn the windows several times during the cleaning process to ensure that all the dirt has been removed. It is best to use an old rag or towel, preferably soaked in hot water, as this prevents streaks from occurring.

Turn the windows upside down and wipe the dirt and grime loose with a damp rag. Tilt the windows in the opposite direction and clean in the same direction. This cleaning solution works well on the inside of glass, especially on sliding windows. Use one part cleaning solution to two parts of your windows and allow the solution to sit for at least fifteen minutes before wiping it off with a rag.

The outside of the frame needs cleaning also. Take a cleaning solution that is designed for exterior use and spray on the entire area. Make sure to get all the dirt, oil and grime between the frame and the sill. If the windows are tilted, clean the outside of each one using the same direction. Wipe the frame with a clean rag and allow the solution to sit for at least fifteen minutes before wiping it off. This solution also works on the insides of glass, especially sliding windows.

If you have curtains, you need to clean them before you clean the window. With a damp cloth, wash the curtain and frame together using one part cleaning solution and two parts warm water. Rinse the window and let it dry. Be very careful while you are cleaning the fabric though. You do not want any streaks to catch on the fabric.

Tilt and Turn Windows and Doors: You can’t clean the inside of a tilt and turn window without first cleaning the outside. There will be some dirt on the outside that will cover up any dirt on the inside. You can take a vacuum cleaner with a small brush attachment and clean the outside of the door or window with it. A vacuum cleaner with a detachable face mask will be perfect for when you are cleaning the windows without lifting the glass.

If you have a vinyl window, you can take special care to keep it clean by wiping it down once a week. A mild detergent is fine for a wipe down. For a full cleaning, use a steam cleaner and scrub the vinyl with high pressure steam. Dry the window with a towel. Then apply a coat of clear nail polish to protect the window from any scratches.

If your house is old and drab, a great way to spruce it up is to add a coat of paint to the walls. Get a gallon or two of paint the whole wall in a single session. Before you paint, though, make sure you get rid of all cobwebs. The more cobwebs there are, the more the paint will need to be reapplied. That is a job for a professional.

Tilt and turn windows can be cleaned by using the same methods you would if you were cleaning the inside of them. The glass should always be washed with a mild detergent and rinsed several times. You may need to buy specialty cleaners for glass. If you have stainless steel appliances in the home, you may need to get the company to clean them. This depends on how often they are opened and closed, the amount of dirt on them and how dirty they may be.

When you are done cleaning the window, make sure to wipe it down with a clean rag. If you leave soap residue on the window, the material will attract dirt. Then it will attract even more dirt when you open it the next morning. If you don’t clean it right away, the residue will attract more grime. So, it’s really important to wipe it down immediately after you clean it.

When you have finished cleaning your tilt and turn window, rinse it off thoroughly with clean water. You do not want any spills or residue on the glass. Make sure you dry it completely before replacing it back into its frame. Then you can replace any accessories that were removed such as lights or fans. By following these simple steps, your windows will remain beautiful and they will stay in great condition for years to come.