Time has a way of changing your aluminum window frames from clean and shiny to dull and dirty. Furthermore, oxidation on frames makes them appear gray with unsightly white spots. We’ll show you how to clean aluminum window frames both inside and out by cleaning away dirt, grime, and oxidation.
Dull and grimy window frames are unattractive, and anodized aluminium windows require a different cleaning process than other frame types, such as uPVC.
Bringing the shine back to your aluminum frames is easy but requires a thorough cleaning on your part. While it is a little time consuming, the result is well worth the time spent.
Cleaning Aluminum Window Frames
Before you tackle the window frames on the interior, remove blinds and curtains. Take this opportunity to wash drapes and for cleaning blinds manually so everything will sparkle when you are finished.
We’ll show you how to clean the metal surfaces of window frames with a little bit of scrubbing, and the right cleanser and cleaning process, with both commercial products and homemade cleaning solutions. This process is also effective on aluminium doors and door frames.
Cleaning Aluminum with Soapy Water
It’s easy to clean outside window frames to remove the build up of everyday dirt with an aluminum cleaning solution of soap and water. This soapy solution is an excellent first step in the cleaning process to determine if further cleaning is required.
Spray the window frames with a garden hose to soak the metal. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a quarter cup of dish soap or detergent.
Dunk a nylon scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub the surface area of the metal frame. Wash away all of the soapy residue with a good rinsing from the hose. Wipe the surface of the frame with a dry cloth.
It’s easy to learn how to clean aluminum siding with soap and water, as well. Use a long-handled brush and a ladder if needed to soap down your walls. A garden hose with a power nozzle is ideal for rinsing.
While you clean the window frames, why not take care of the curtains and blinds at the same time so the entire area gleams? Cleaning dirty blinds with a swipe of soapy water often does the trick nicely.
Ways to Clean Aluminum Windows Outdoors
One of the simplest ways to clean aluminum windows outside is to use a commercial cleaner designed for cleaning aluminium. These cleaners are available in most hardware stores and are easy to use. A homemade window cleaner recipe is also useful for cleaning away outdoor grime.
Use a nylon scrubbing brush to brush loose dirt and debris from the window frames. Douse the surface area thoroughly with a garden hose to loosen grime. Follow the instructions on your commercial cleaner and wear safety goggles and gloves if the product recommends it.
Apply the cleaner to the aluminum frames using old rags. Generally, the cleaner advises leaving the solution on the surface for a certain amount of time. Scrub the soaked aluminum with rags, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry the entire surface with towels.
How to Clean Aluminum Window Frames Indoors
Cleaning aluminum window frames indoors requires a slightly different method than outdoors. The combination of acidic citrus liquid and mild scouring baking soda removes dirt and grime while leaving a shiny, polished finish.
Combine the lemon and baking soda in a small container or bowl. Apply the scouring paste to the aluminum surface of the windows by dipping rags into the solution and smearing the paste across the metal.
Allow it to dry and then use a wet cloth to wipe away residue. If stains persist, apply the cleaner once more, and use a toothbrush to work the paste across the frame, loosening dirt as you move along each section.
Use clean, wet rags to wipe away all of the paste and dirt residue. This mixture can also be used as one of the ways to clean aluminum blinds. Not only will the surface get nice and shiny but will leave behind a fresh scent.
Remove Oxidation from Aluminum Window Frames
Aluminum oxidizes when exposing the material to atmospheric oxygen and weathering. The vinegar reacts with the corroded material and dissolves it, making it easy to remove oxidation from aluminum window frames. Vinegar is also an excellent tool for cleaning other materials such as stainless steel.
Mix equal portions of warm water and white vinegar in a bottle sprayer and shake well to mix. Dry-scrub the aluminum surface with a nylon brush to remove old dirt and debris. Spray the entire surface of the frame with the vinegar solution and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes.
Use the brush to work the solution over the surface of the window frame. Wipe the entire surface with a damp cloth to remove all residue and dry with paper towels.
It’s also an excellent idea to use white vinegar to clean windows, whether they are just a little cloudy or have a lot of built-up grime. Vinegar cuts through grease and all kinds of debris to leave your windows – and frames – sparkling.
Removing Tough Stains on Aluminum Window Frames
If you try everything else to get that aluminum window frame clean and still have tough stains, consider using steel wool and paint thinner to get the job done. While this technique requires a well-ventilated space, it’s useful for removing stubborn dirt and grime.
To deep clean aluminum and get rid of hard-to-remove stains, try this solution. If you are cleaning inside frames, open the windows and turn on a fan to ventilate the room.
Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands while cleaning. Pour paint thinner into a container or bowl and dip a paintbrush into the liquid. Carefully brush the solution over the surface of the frame in sections.
To remove rust from aluminum or other challenging stains, use steel wool to scrub each section clean. Consider using fine steel wool to prevent scratching the aluminum surface.
Get a towel wet with water and wipe down each area to remove dirty paint thinner. If you are cleaning outside window frames, use a garden hose for rinsing off the windows.
Use this recipe to clean aluminum rims on your car or truck, too. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the excellent results.
Cleaning the aluminium frames of windows and doors on your home is easy, whether you use a commercial cleaner from your local hardware store or make homemade window cleaners with lemon juice and baking soda.
All that is required to get a clean window is a bit of your time and some elbow grease to get the frames looking like they should, shiny and new.
Now that you know how to clean aluminum window frames to restore them to their original sparkling shine, why not share our aluminum frame cleaning solutions with your family and friends on Pinterest and Facebook?