How to Remove and Clean Double Hung Windows

It’s (almost) that time of year again! The smell of fresh air is on the horizon so much so you are ready to open your windows, but your double hung windows on your house are filthy. Have no fear—Renewal by Andersen has an easy step-by-step tutorial for your spring window cleaning checklist:

1.)    Safety first!

Please refer to Renewal by Andersen’s Care and Maintenance Guide about best safety practices when working around windows and doors.

2.)    Cleaning the Interior Glass of Your Window

If it’s still a little chilly to open your windows, start with cleaning your interior glass.

• First, check to see if you have removable interior grilles. If so, remove them by lifting them away from the glass near the edge of the frame, leaving the grille clips in place. For more information on the removal and replacement of interior grille clips, view this video.
• Then, clean the windows as you normally would. Renewal by Andersen’s double hung window is designed specifically for the easy cleaning process.

3.)    Cleaning the Exterior Window Glass

Start on the lower sash:

• To clean this part of your window, unlock your window and lift it up about two inches.
• Then, locate the wash assist tabs located above the window sash on each side of the frame. Slide the wash assist tabs until they are wedged down between the sash and the frame
• Next, grasp the lower sash—using both hands—at the outer edge close to the wash assist tabs, and pull firmly towards yourself. The sash will then tilt inwards toward you after slight resistance.
• Continue to tilt the sash so that the glass is supported by a durable object—like a chair.
  NOTE: Do not tilt the sash more than 90 degrees.

Upper sash:

• Start by leaving the lower sash in its title position on its durable object.
• Then, slide the wash assist tabs (the same ones used for the lower sash) up back to the top of the frame.
• By doing so, you are able to lower the upper sash until you can comfortably reach the title wash tabs that are on the top edge of the upper sash. Make sure the space between the upper and lower sash is at least one-inch apart from each other.
• Next, move the assist tabs inward while simultaneously pulling the upper sash towards you, and continue to tilt it until it rests gently on the lower sash.
• Now you can finally clean both the lower and upper sash.

4.)    After cleaning your windows

You now need to close the upper and lower sashes back into their original positions.

• Start by lifting the upper sash from its lower position until it snaps back into a completely vertical position.
• Next, push the upper sash down about an inch before sliding to the top of the frame.
• Then, lift the lower sash from its lower position until the sash snaps back into a vertical position as well. Finally, push the sash into its assigned place.

5.)    If you removed your interior grilles: Put them back on your window by placing the grille against the glass and firmly pressing into the grille clips and all along the grille. Make sure the grille fits snuggly on the glass.

video

For more information on Window Care & Maintenance, please visit our website to learn more.