Step-by-step guide on how to clean sliding windows on a balcony inside and out

Sliding windows on the balcony are very easy to use and are cheaper than opening structures. However, caring for it is more labor-intensive.

Many people only realize this when it comes time for their cleanse. The fact is that dirt accumulates not only on the glass, but also gets clogged into the grooves of the guides.

Read the article on how to clean sliding windows on the balcony.

What will you need?

To wash windows without removing them from the guides, you need to take care of special tools. With their help, the cleaning process will be easier and safer:

1. Long handle mop. It would be good if it was telescopic, that is, retractable. Such windshield wipers have two attachments - one in the form of a soft roller, and the second in the form of a rubber plate for removing water.
2. Cleaning scraper. It can also be used to clean sliding windows. The main disadvantage of this tool is the short handle.
3. Robot glass cleaner. This is a technological device that is attached to the surface using vacuum suction cups or magnets. It is very convenient to use, but has a significant drawback in the form of high cost, which starts at 16,000 rubles.

Sliding windows cannot be washed with newspapers or ordinary rags, since it is very difficult to reach the top. In addition, this is associated with a risk to life, especially when a person lives in a multi-story building.

In addition to the tools listed, to clean windows you will need cleaning liquid, water, and thick paper or cloth napkins.

What products are best to use?

Recommendations for choosing a detergent:

• the liquid should not contain a large amount of alcohol - if there is too much of it, then stains will remain on the glass that will be difficult to remove;
• The formula should not include caustic substances, for example, acetone, gasoline or other solvents - if they get on the rubber seals of plastic windows, they will lead to their damage;
• do not use products with abrasive particles to care for glass - they leave behind microscopic scratches into which dirt will get clogged;
• to care for frames, you should not use products that are activated only in hot water - they negatively affect the condition of the plastic, which can become deformed and turn yellow;
• You should not clean frames with soda - it can only be used to care for aluminum structures; soda is harmful to plastic.

How to wash frames and glass without removing them?

To properly clean the sliding windows on the balcony, it is not enough to simply remove dirt from the glass. It is necessary to clean their attachment points and guides.

The procedure is as follows:

1. First you need to wash the plastic frames. Dust and dirt are swept away from them, treated with a soap solution and then with plain water.
2. You need to start washing glass from the outside. The detergent is applied to a napkin or sponge roller and passed over the glass.

   Stubborn contaminants, such as bird excrement, are rubbed especially carefully.Sometimes they need to be given time to soak.

3. The sponge is thoroughly rinsed in water and passed over the glass again.
4. The final stage is removing water with a special rubber squeegee.
5. The inside of the windows is washed according to the same principle as the outside.

When cleaning is complete, wipe all accessible surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth.

How to remove the structure?

You can wash windows without using additional devices if you remove them. However, not all structures can be dismantled on your own.

The situation is simpler with windows that move only in parallel, like doors in wardrobes.

When dismantling the frame yourself, you need to take into account its weight. You may not be able to hold the structure together alone, so it’s best to start working together.

Procedure:

• grab the frame sash with your hands on both sides and lift it up;
• when the lower edge comes out of the grooves, it should be pulled towards you and lowered - if there is no damage to the frame, it will easily come out of the guides;
• if the frame does not rise up enough to be removed, you need to carefully inspect the structure as a whole;
• the guides must have special notches - by bringing the edge of the frame to them, it can be removed;
• sometimes the notches are replaced with grooves; after aligning them, you can remove the frame from the guides;
• Another option is to remove the plugs that can be installed at the ends of the window frames; they can be easily removed with a screwdriver, after which the window can be removed.

How much do professional services cost?

If you do not want or have the opportunity to clean windows yourself, you should contact a cleaning service. You can find contacts through advertisements on the Internet or in the newspaper.

Cleaners come to your home. They have all the necessary equipment for cleaning sliding structures.

If the frame needs to be removed, this must be reported in advance. The cost of the service is calculated individually and depends on the scope of work.

The price must be agreed upon immediately, and not after the work has been completed.so that the stated cost does not come as a surprise. The minimum rate starts from 350 rubles for a standard double-hung window.

You need to choose those craftsmen whose work has positive reviews. It is better to contact large companies rather than private cleaners. In this case, the risk of encountering scammers is minimal. Cleaners should never be left alone in the house or room.

Helpful information

Washing Tips sliding windows on balconies:

1. If the window was dismantled for washing, then before putting it back in place, you need to remove dirt from the guides, as well as from the wheels themselves.
2. It is better to start cleaning windows in dry, windless and cloudy weather.
3. After washing the windows, the rubber seals must be treated with a special gel or Vaseline. This will maintain their elasticity and extend their service life.
4. The grooves located at the bottom of the frame and responsible for the outflow of water must be cleaned regularly to avoid clogging.

You will find a lot of important and useful information about fast and effective window cleaning in this section.

Conclusion

Cleaning sliding windows on the balcony is as difficult as it might seem at first glance. To make the job easier, you need to choose the right tools and high-quality detergents.

If this is not possible, then the frames must be removed. In order to save time and effort, you can contact a cleaning company.