How to Maintain Aluminum Windows and Doors

Keep your patio doors sliding sweetly

If your house has aluminum windows or sliding patio doors, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of having them stick. There are easy things you can do to keep them moving smoothly and looking good.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum cleaner with nozzle attachments
• Small stiff brush
• Silicone lubricant
• Penetrating lubricant
• Dish soap
• Soft brush
• Car wax
• Powdered laundry detergent
• Trisodium phosphate
• Household bleach

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Instructions

1. Clean dirt and grit regularly out of the channels in which the window sashes or door sills and headers slide. You can brush them with a tiny stiff-bristled brush or run along them with the small nozzle attachment of your vacuum cleaner.

2. Spray channels with silicone lubricant after cleaning to lubricate them and inhibit rust and corrosion.

3. Spray stiff spring locks with a moisture-displacing penetrating lubricant like WD-40, for example.

4. Scrub frames with a mild detergent solution such as dish soap and water to prevent oxidation and pitting. Use a soft brush such as a long-handled car washing brush and rinse thoroughly with clear water.

5. Coat frames with a good grade of automobile wax to further protect them and make them shine.

6. Remove mildew from the exterior of aluminum frames with a solution of 1/3 cup of powdered laundry detergent, 2/3 cup of trisodium phosphate such as Soilex, 1 quart of household bleach and 3 quarts of water. Apply the mixture with a soft bristle brush and rinse it well with clear water.

Tips & Warnings

• You can check for the presence of mildew on the exterior of your door and window frames by placing a drop of household bleach on the suspected area. If it is mildew, small gas bubbles will develop and the area will bleach out. Mildew should be removed to prevent pitting.

• To be sure your cleaning solution will not harm your aluminum finish, test your cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before washing frames.

• Do not use solvents or abrasive-type cleaners.

• Wear protective eyewear and skin protection when applying anti-mildew solution.