You may think the only care your windows and doors need is a good wipe down once a week. On the contrary, both need routine maintenance, and skimping on this could lead to reduced energy efficiency and higher electricity bills. Luckily, regular maintenance and cleaning of your windows and doors can prolong their efficiency and lifespan. Follow the tips below to ensure your windows and doors maintain their beauty and energy efficiency.

1. Check for drafts: Hold your hand in front of various parts of your windows and doors. If you can feel air coming in, you have a draft. If you come across a draft, there are a few steps you can take to remedy the situation. If you don’t open your windows often, cover them with a plastic film to keep the air out. If you need to open your windows frequently, the covering will need to be removed each time you open a window, and new plastic film will need to be reapplied.  This easy and inexpensive fix may be all it takes to stop air flow from inside out. If your windows are older, and there are gaps due to rotten wood or other structural issues, it might be time to consider replacing your windows.

Notice a draft from the bottom of your doors? If air is slipping into your home from underneath the door, you can purchase a door sweep that will close off the entrance point. This will block unwanted air from entering or escaping your home. If, however, the door is improperly fitted to the space due to a poor fit or from warping that comes from age, it may be time for a replacement.

2. Recaulk windows and doors. The caulk around windows and doors can degrade over time due to inclement weather and aging. When this happens, small cracks may appear in the caulk. These small cracks can allow large amounts of air to escape or enter the home, decreasing the energy efficiency of your windows and doors, and possibly increasing your utility bills. Consider re-caulking your windows and doors if there is a small draft present between the wall and the frame.
3. Weather strip doors. If you can feel air flowing from beneath the door, replacing the weather stripping might be the solution. Weather stripping works as a barrier to stop air flow. A variety of options can be found at your local hardware store, from metal to foam to wood, and they range in cost as well as efficiency. The type of weather stripping needed depends on the solution you’re looking for.

4. Care for windows and doors. The type of material used to construct your windows and doors will determine what methods are best for cleaning and care. Wood requires more care than vinyl or fiberglass, since wood degrades over time due to weather and age. When wood degrades, problems like water leakage, mildew growth and warped frames may occur. Vinyl is an easier material to keep up, as it can be washed with mild soap and a rag.

Wood Windows: If your windows have wood frames, routinely check them for signs of moisture damage, like chipping paint or stripping wood. Also look for mold growth, which might be green or black in color. Examine the frames closely for small pits or holes, which can indicate moisture damage or even termite infestation.

Vinyl Windows: Keep your vinyl windows and screens looking new with occasional cleaning. Always use a non-abrasive cleanser, such as liquid dish detergent, and warm water when cleaning the vinyl frames of your windows. Clean screens on a flat, hard surface such as your driveway, patio or deck. Use a clean cloth and mild dish soap to gently scrub the screens, and then rinse them with a garden hose set to a low or medium setting. Use the same mild cleaning solution and warm water to clean the exterior coil and caulking around your windows.

Doors: To maintain the quality and beauty of the doors in your home, first wipe them down to remove dust, pollen and loose dirt.  Use mild soap and a soft rag when cleaning painted doors, so you don’t strip the color; avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads, as they can scratch the door. Use furniture wax or polish to clean a stained wooden door. Glass cleaner can be used on the glass in both your windows doors, as can a mixture of vinegar and water.

Glass Care: To keep the glass in your windows and doors clean and streak free, simply wipe the glass surface with a clean, damp, cotton cloth using warm water. Polish dry with a clean cotton cloth or paper towel. Commercial glass cleaners may also be used. For heavily soiled glass, fill a spray bottle with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Spray the glass and wipe with a clean, damp, cotton cloth. Follow with a clean, dry, cotton cloth to polish the glass. If streaking occurs, wipe the glass with a clean, cotton cloth dampened with warm water and dry it with a clean, dry, cotton cloth.

Hardware Maintenance: Applying furniture polish to your window hardware on an annual basis will keep your windows operating properly. Use a furniture polish, like Pledge, in the tracks of sliding windows for smooth gliding. Have brass handles on your patio doors? They’re generally protected with a clear-coat finish. However, occasional cleaning with mild soap and warm water is recommended to extend the life of the brass finish.

5. Trim the trees: Sounds like a fairly easy solution to a potentially expensive problem, but homeowners often overlook the problems that can arise from overgrown bushes and trees. How can you tell that you have a potential problem? On a windy day, simply listen. Do you hear trees, shrubs or branches brushing against the home? If so, the branches could be scraping the framing, doors and windows in your home, which may cause the materials to deteriorate over time. Also, rain hitting a wooden door or wooden window frames could eventually cause rot or moisture damage. Routine landscaping can ensure the greenery around your home doesn’t cause rapid deterioration or potential breakage of your windows, doors and frames.

You can help prolong the life of your windows and doors by following these simple maintenance tips. Take some time every four to six months to check for drafts, examine the framing around your windows, ensure your doors and windows fit securely into their spaces and test the locks for security purposes. Regularly wiping down your windows, frames and doors on the interior and exterior will help prolong the efficiency and life of your windows and doors, while also enhancing the curb appeal of your home. For more great cleaning tips, download this free window care and maintenance guide.