11 tips to safely clean double-glazed windows

Last updated on November 18, 2022

Double pane windows and doors consist of twin pane glasses built with an impermeable seal in between. The seal acts as an insulator, designed to lock the air which actually increases value of these windows.

However, they’re prone to fog and dirt build-up especially in older constructs that have seen their worse days. Overtime development of fog compromises seal effectiveness allowing moisture to seep deeper whereas seal failure also occurs in extreme weather.

Here’re a few window cleaning tips to begin with;

To clean the space in between two glass sheets, you need to take the windows apart completely which actually breaks the seal. Only a professional can reseal so you can’t actually proceed without breaking the seal which is why many prefer replacing the windows.

Separate the glass panes and clean thoroughly to remove all the moisture development. To reattach and seal, either call a professional or proceed cautiously to avoid damaging the glass.

Take a sharp knife and remove residual sealant surrounding the sheet’s edge. Do your best leaving the surface as clean as possible but 100 percent perfection isn’t necessary. Reattachment would be much easier if old sealant is completely extracted from the surface.

Once removed, carefully clean the surface off dust, dirt and fog that may have been settled. In case the internal markings of the glass remain intact, you don’t need replacing them. Keep the cleaned pane safely, away from dust and moisture.

Next step is extracting residual sealant off the frame. Carefully work your way vertically on the outer edges of the aluminium space bars. Slice in a way that you don’t cut through the aluminium.

Now, repeat the same step cutting in horizontal direction on the bottom of the glass sheet. The old sealant would come apart this way. Continue around the rest of the unit’s perimeter.

Remove the spacer bar from the glass only with shallow cuts or else you may damage either the glass or the spacer block. Avoid exerting pressure to prevent damage. Once you’ve cut all the way around the aluminium spacer frame, carefully draw it away from the glass panel and keep in a safe corner. Be extra careful not to stand on it!

The lower sheet is all that remains now! Shave off remaining seal from the glass and leave the surface as clear as possible.

Gently wipe the glass and frame with microfiber cloth to clear the dirt and grit. For tough stains, prepare a solution of warm water and liquid dish soap. Dip a clean cotton towel or sponge in the soapy liquid and gently wipe the glass in a uniform direction to avoid streaks.

To clean the frame, don’t apply water or it may corrode unless the material is stainless steel. Spray a glass cleaner and wipe with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.

Take another piece of cotton towel or cloth to dry the glass. Air-drying isn’t preferred as minerals present in the water would give white stains that are equally difficult to clean.