Windows are a critical element of any home, providing natural light, ventilation and an aesthetic appeal. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your windows functioning smoothly and looking their best. This comprehensive Windows Maintenance Guide will help you navigate the care and upkeep of various window types, ensuring they remain in tip-top shape.

Bi-Fold Windows

Bi-fold windows are popular for their space-saving design and ability to open wide for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. To clean and maintain bi-fold windows, follow these steps:

• Gently vacuum the tracks to remove debris and dirt
• Wipe down the frames with a damp cloth and mild soapy water
• Clean the glass with a soft, lint-free cloth and a streak-free window cleaner
• Lubricate the hinges and locks with silicone spray to ensure smooth operation

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows are known for their simplicity and ease of use. To keep them in optimal condition, perform these tasks:

• Remove the window sashes and clean the tracks with a brush or vacuum
• Apply a non-abrasive cleaner to the frames and wipe with a soft cloth
• Clean the glass with a suitable window cleaner, using a squeegee for a streak-free finish
• Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the tracks and rollers for smooth sliding action

Double Hung Windows

Double hung windows feature two movable sashes, offering excellent ventilation and versatility. To maintain them, adhere to these guidelines:

• Open both sashes and vacuum the tracks and sash channels
• Use a damp cloth and mild detergent to clean the frames and sashes
• Wipe the glass with a microfibre cloth and your preferred window cleaning solution
• Inspect and lubricate the window’s balance system to ensure smooth operation

Louvre Windows

Louvre windows provide excellent airflow and are easy to clean, thanks to their adjustable blades. To maintain them, follow these steps:

• Adjust the blades to their fully open position and dust or vacuum any debris
• Clean the glass blades with a suitable window cleaner and a soft cloth
• Check the operating mechanism and apply lubricant if required

Fixed Lite Windows

Fixed lite windows don’t open but still require regular cleaning and inspection. To care for them, do the following:

• Clean the exterior glass with a squeegee and a window cleaner, reaching high windows with an extension pole if needed
• Wipe the interior glass with a soft cloth and a streak-free cleaning solution
• Inspect the window seals and frames for signs of wear or damage, addressing any issues promptly

Awning Windows

Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward, providing excellent ventilation and protection from the elements. To maintain them, perform these tasks:

• Vacuum the tracks and hinges to remove dust
• Wipe the frames and sashes with a damp cloth and a mild detergent
• Inspect and lubricate the hinges and locks as needed

Casement Windows

Casement windows open outward like a door and provide excellent ventilation. To care for them, adhere to these guidelines:

• Vacuum the tracks and hinges to remove dirt
• Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and a streak-free window cleaner
• Inspect and lubricate the hinges, locks and crank mechanism as required

Framed Windows

Framed windows come in various styles and materials, including timber, aluminium and uPVC. To maintain framed windows, follow these steps:

• Dust or vacuum the windowsills and tracks to remove debris
• Wipe the glass with a soft cloth and your preferred window cleaning solution
• Inspect and lubricate any moving parts, such as hinges and locks, as needed

1. Paint your walls a lighter colour

If you want your home to be brighter, paint the walls a lighter colour. This will reflect light and make it look brighter. You could paint all the walls in a light colour like white or cream, but if you have woodwork or furniture that is dark, like oak, then the results may not look as pleasing to the eye. A good compromise would be painting a feature wall in one of these colours while keeping all the other walls white or cream, as this would still create an overall lighter effect but will not clash too much with your existing furniture.

2. Install more mirrors and reflective surfaces

If you are looking to brighten up your space, mirrors are an excellent option. They reflect light and make rooms look brighter. You can hang them on walls or place them on furniture, but be careful not to cover up existing windows with them. Mirrors can direct light into dark corners of your room that would normally be difficult for both natural and artificial daylight to reach.

Mirrors are not the only reflective surfaces that will help brighten a space—stainless steel and glass do so just as well. For example, try using stainless steel as a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom; it will bounce light from overhead sources and create an overall brighter appearance.

3. Add a skylight or two

Skylights are a great way to let in more natural light. They can be installed on the roof or in the ceiling and are available in fixed and adjustable styles. In addition to bringing light into your home, skylights can also help you heat and cool it more efficiently by reducing the amount of conditioned air that gets pulled out of your living space. Installing them yourself is possible if you have basic DIY skills; otherwise, hiring a professional installer could save time and money.

4. Try to keep your windows as clean as possible

If you are serious about brightening up your home, it helps to keep your windows as clean as possible. You can do this with a squeegee – while you may have heard that using a squeegee will cause the glass to crack, this is not true. If you wash the window in one direction and use care when putting away the squeegee, there is no danger of cracking or breaking your windows.

5. Buy your windows from Southern Cross Windows

If you want to brighten up your home, we suggest that you buy your new windows from Southern Cross Windows. We offer a full range of windows, from louvre and bi-fold to sliding. All our windows are made in Australia and are manufactured using high-quality materials that will last for many years to come.

We hope this article has helped you get started. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask us! We are always happy to help and we love hearing from people who are interested in making their homes brighter.