Tips & Maintenance
Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Windows and Doors During Summer
Best Windows & Doors Inc. · 5 min read · Winnipeg, MB
Summer is the ideal time to give your windows and doors the attention they deserve. Without the urgency of cold weather, you can take your time inspecting, cleaning, and addressing issues before fall arrives. Here's a practical summer maintenance guide for Winnipeg homeowners.
In winter, caulking won't cure properly, weatherstripping adhesive doesn't bond well in the cold, and it's miserable to work outside. In summer, you can work at your own pace, everything cures correctly, and you have time to order replacement parts if needed before the cold returns.
Work on overcast days or in the shade — direct sun dries cleaning solution too fast and leaves streaks. A 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle is as effective as any commercial window cleaner. Use a squeegee for large panes and a lint-free microfibre cloth for edges and corners.
For stubborn mineral deposits from hard water, apply undiluted white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and scrub gently with a non-scratch pad before rinsing.
Vinyl and fibreglass frames: warm water with a small amount of dish soap and a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly. For stubborn stains, a paste of baking soda and water applied gently with a soft cloth works well.
Check the sills for standing water, which indicates blocked weep holes. Clear weep holes (small slots at the bottom of the frame) with a toothpick or thin wire — blocked weep holes cause water to back up behind the frame.
Never use bleach, acetone, harsh abrasives, or petroleum-based cleaners on vinyl or fibreglass frames. They can cause discolouration and surface degradation that shortens the frame's lifespan.
These doors require minimal maintenance. Wash with mild soapy water, rinse, and dry. Inspect the bottom sweep — summer is when you'll notice if it's dragging on the threshold, which causes premature wear. Check that the door swings freely and the latch engages cleanly without lifting or forcing the handle.
Apply a silicone-based lubricant to all hinges, lock bolts, and door rollers. This prevents squeaking, reduces wear, and ensures smooth operation year-round. Wipe away any excess. For sliding patio door tracks, clean out the channel thoroughly before lubricating — dirt in the track accelerates roller wear.
Summer means screens are in heavy use. Inspect every screen for tears, holes, or bent frames. Small holes can be patched with screen repair tape from a hardware store. Larger damage, bent frames, or screens that don't seat properly in their channels should be replaced — torn screens let insects in and are less effective at filtering UV light.
As you clean and inspect, write down anything that needs attention before fall: failed caulking to be replaced, weatherstripping that's worn, hardware that needs replacement. Addressing these items in August means they're done before the temperatures drop — rather than scrambling in October when every contractor in Winnipeg is suddenly very busy.
If you discover anything concerning — fogging between glass panes, cracked frames, or persistent drafts — reach out to our team. A professional assessment is always free, and it's much better to know now than to discover a problem mid-January.
Our team is here to help you find the right windows and doors for your Winnipeg home.