Maintaining Vinyl Window and Door Frames

The true beauty of vinyl windows and doors is that they come closer to being maintenance-free than most exterior building products.

Although rain usually does a satisfactory job removing dirt from vinyl window and door frames, follow these simple instructions if necessary to keep them clean and looking as good as new.

Standard Maintenance Tips

• Use a soft cloth or long-handled soft-bristle brush to wash frames.
• If necessary, use a mild abrasive cleaner such as SoftScrub®, Ajax®, BonAmi®, etc. (Note: the use of any abrasive material could have a detrimental effect on the surface of glass and window or door frames.)
• Do not use cleaners containing aggressive organic solvents (such as chlorine bleach; liquid grease remover; strong soaps and detergents containing organic solvents) because they could damage the surface appearance of the vinyl.
• Use the readily available household cleaners listed below for tough dirt and stains such as top soil, caulking, rust or mold and mildew. Please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on use of cleaners.
• Avoid washing windows with high pressure spray.

Fiberglass Stained Door Maintenance Tips

• Wipe down the surface of the door with a damp sponge to remove any dirt or dust. Do this whenever you notice the door is dusty, or at least once a month.
• Tighten all hinges and lock screws with a screwdriver once a year. Keeping the hinges tight will prevent the door edges from straining or cracking.
• Wipe down the door with a cloth.
• Open a can of UV-inhibiting polyurethane exterior sealer. Paint the door with a thing, even coat of the sealer. Start at the top of the door and work toward the bottom.
• Allow the sealer to the dry according to the directions on the package, and then apply a second coat. Let this coat dry. Do not apply more than two coats.