Aluminium windows and doors can retain their excellent appearance and full functionality for many years — provided they are properly maintained. Do you know the best way to take care of your aluminium joinery? Which cleaning products should you use? And how can you keep them looking pristine on a daily basis? Here are some practical maintenance and cleaning tips to help your aluminium windows and doors stay in perfect condition for as long as possible.
Cleaning aluminium windows and doors – what to use?
Installing aluminium windows and doors is a popular choice, mainly because of their durability and resistance. With the right cleaning approach, these elements can look as good as new for years.
Keeping aluminium windows and doors clean is much easier than maintaining wooden or PVC joinery. Aluminium does not warp, corrode or yellow — and it’s also highly scratch-resistant, especially if it’s anodised. In the case of powder-coated aluminium, the surface is covered with a durable layer that provides excellent protection against external factors. Another advantage is that dirt and dust do not penetrate the surface, making cleaning much simpler.
The key to proper aluminium maintenance is choosing suitable cleaning agents. The best option is to use mild detergents. A simple home method is a solution of warm water and a gentle dishwashing liquid — with a concentration no higher than 5% to avoid damaging the protective coating. Special cleaning products designed specifically for aluminium are also available and take the material’s unique properties into account.
As for accessories, use soft microfibre cloths or lint-free paper towels when cleaning aluminium joinery.
How to care for aluminium windows and doors – common mistakes
One of the most frequent mistakes people make when cleaning aluminium joinery is using inappropriate cleaning products. Solvent-based detergents or those with an acidic composition should never be used. Substances containing acetone, ammonia or abrasives can permanently damage the coating and cause discolouration. Similarly, cleaning pastes with abrasive particles can scratch the window or frame surfaces.
Another common error is using the wrong tools — such as hard brushes, steel wool or rough sponges — which can damage the surface and reduce both aesthetics and functionality. Even so-called “magic sponges” made of melamine foam can scratch aluminium coatings and should be avoided.
Practical cleaning guide
Choosing the right products and tools is essential, but it’s equally important to follow a few basic cleaning rules to keep your windows looking great for years. Never try to wipe off dust before wet cleaning — particles of sand or grit could scratch the surface. Instead, spray the window surface first with a mild detergent solution. Then use a window squeegee or steam cleaner, and finally, wipe everything down with a soft cloth.
Wondering how to clean aluminium doors to keep them spotless? Dedicated aluminium cleaning agents are a great choice — apply them evenly using a soft cloth, especially around the door edges and handle area. This helps prevent visible fingerprints and grease marks.
How to keep aluminium windows and doors looking good for years?
Maintaining the elegant look of aluminium windows and doors is easy if you follow a few key cleaning principles. Apart from using proper products and accessories, remember about regular maintenance.
Ideally, aluminium windows and doors should be cleaned every 2–3 months, although frequency depends on location. If your building is near a busy road or in a polluted area, cleaning might be necessary even once a month.
Cleaning aluminium joinery is not difficult, but it does require proper preparation. Remember that maintenance isn’t limited to frames and glass — regular care of hinges, fittings and rubber seals is equally important.
For entrance doors, special attention should be paid to the bottom sections of the leaf, which are most exposed to dirt, water and road salt during winter. Replacing worn seals in aluminium windows and doors will help preserve their functionality and thermal insulation for years.
To keep your aluminium windows in perfect condition, you should:
- Regularly clean and lubricate the seals with a rubber care product or silicone spray.
- Check the technical condition of all moving parts.
- Adjust and maintain hinges to ensure smooth operation and proper sealing.
- Replace worn components when necessary.
- After cleaning, wipe the entire frame dry to avoid streaks and mineral deposits from water.
