Ever wondered how to clean inside double pane windows? This article aims to guide you through the process, so you can keep your beautiful double glazed windows clean and pristine.
If you have invested in double pane windows, then you’ll want to keep them up to scratch. The tricky thing about double glazed windows is that condensation can get caught between the two panes and cause watermarks. This isn’t ideal and can look unsightly.
Luckily there are quick and easy solutions on how to clean inside double glazed windows!
Contents:
- How to Clean Inside Double Glazed Windows
- How to Clean Double Glazed Window Frames
- How to Clear Condensation from Inside Double Glazing
- How to Remove the Scratches on Double Glazing
- How to Remove the Haze from a Double Pane Window
How to Clean Inside Double Glazed Windows
Double-pane windows utilise two panes of glass that are constructed with an airtight seal between them. This seal is designed to lock the air in so that it can act as an insulator. When this seal is damaged, which can happen over time, condensation and dirt may seep in.
This airtight seal can make it difficult to clean the windows, as you don’t want to go to the effort of removing the two panes to clean inside them. If you are getting dirt or moisture stuck between the two panes, then it means that the seal is broken.
So, how to clean the inside of a double pane window? There are a few options you can choose if you are looking clean double pane windows without hiring a professional.
However, it should be noted that these methods can be high risk, and if done improperly could destroy your windows. Only go ahead without a professional if you are confident with the process.
1. Gather the Necessary Supplies
Before you begin cleaning, gather the following supplies:
- Microfibre cloth or lint-free cloth
- Distilled water or a mild glass cleaner
- Spray bottle
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- Soft-bristled brush or toothbrush
- Step ladder or sturdy platform (if needed)
2. Start with the Exterior
Cleaning the outside of your double-glazed windows will provide a clearer view through the glass. Begin by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any loose dirt, dust, or cobwebs from the window frames and sills.
Then, using a hose or bucket of soapy water, wash the exterior surface of the windows with a soft sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a lint-free cloth.
3. Open the Windows
To access the interior of your double pane windows, you’ll need to drill holes. Drilling holes requires some level of DIY skills, so if you aren’t confident with using a drill, then avoid drilling holes and think about calling a professional in.
Drilling a few holes into the window will allow you to tuck a small desiccate packet into the window to absorb any moisture that has been caught between the two panes. The holes also allow you to rinse out the window with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl), to remove any dirt.
If you have left your double pane windows for a while and there is a lot of dirt build-up, you may need to get crafty and create a device to thread through the holes and use it to wipe out. For example, some wool material on a drain snake is always a fab handmade cleaning device!
If you are being cautious and don’t want to drill a hole in your windows, then you can use a method without drilling holes. However, this will only work if moisture is your only issue. If you have dirt trapped inside double pane windows then the only option is to either drill or hire a professional!
4. Vacuum the Interior
Using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, carefully vacuum the interior surface of the windows to remove any loose dust or debris. Pay close attention to the corners, edges, and grooves where dirt tends to accumulate. This step will help minimise the amount of dirt you need to clean manually.
5. Spray the Glass Cleaner
If distilled water is not sufficient, prepare a gentle glass cleaner by diluting it with distilled water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and lightly mist it onto the interior surface of the glass. Avoid spraying directly onto the frame or hardware to prevent damage.
6. Wipe the Glass
Take your microfibre cloth or lint-free cloth and start wiping the glass in a circular motion or from top to bottom. Pay attention to any stubborn smudges or stains, gently applying more pressure if needed. For hard-to-reach areas, you can use a soft-bristled brush or a toothbrush to clean around the edges and corners of the glass.
7. Dry and Inspect
After cleaning, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture from the glass. Inspect the windows for streaks or smudges, and if necessary, repeat the cleaning process until you achieve a spotless finish. Remember to clean both sides of the glass for a consistent result.
8. Close and Secure the Windows
Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness of the interior glass, it is crucial to close and secure the windows properly. This step ensures the windows function optimally and maintains their energy efficiency and soundproofing properties.
Cleaning Double Glazed Windows: Rubber Seals
Another part of your windows you will want to keep clean is the rubber seals. You will want to avoid any harsh chemicals as they will most likely cause damage such as discolouration and will cause the seals to peel.
The easiest, cheapest and best method on how to clean rubber seals on double paned windows is to quite simply use warm soapy water. Only use a soft cloth to wipe down the rubber seals as wire wool or scouring brushes will mark the seals and cause unsightly damage.
If you have coloured window frames, match the cloth to the frame colour to avoid any stains.
To ensure that all dust and dirt are removed from the rubber seals, grab a soft brush and gently wipe the particles away!
How to Clean Double Glazed Window Frames
Once you have cleaned inside your double glazed windows, you’ll probably want to clean your uPVC double glazed window frames.
How to clean double glazed window frames? The most popular type of window frame is uPVC because they are low maintenance and easy to clean. More often than not, using warm soapy water to wipe down the frames will do the trick! If your double pane window frames are slightly older, then you can try some other methods to really get into the grind and dirt.
Warm soapy water will work for most window frame materials such as hardwood and aluminium.
Add a cup of vinegar to your warm soapy water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray your window frames and leave for 10 minutes. This allows the vinegar to remove any dirt or grit on your window frames. You can then use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the water and vinegar mixture.
Alternatively, a cheap and affordable way to clean double glazed window frames is to use baby wipes!
If however, you find the above methods on how to clean double glazed window frames isn’t enough, then there are some stronger products you can use to help. We advise purchasing a uPVC cleaner and following the instructions. This should be strong enough to remove dirt, bugs and any unwanted marks.
You should always avoid using cream cleaners as these can scratch the top layer of the uPVC and remove its glossy finish.
Some items to totally avoid when cleaning your double glazed window frames are:
- Bleach
- Cif & Jif
- Methylated spirits
- Nail varnish remover
- White spirit
How to Clear Condensation from Inside Double Glazing
When wondering how to clean inside double glazed windows, one of the most common questions asked is ‘How do I clear condensation from inside double glazing?’.
Condensation can look messy and isn’t something you want in between your double glazed windows! We briefly touched upon this subject, but there are a number of products you can use to remove condensation from between double pane windows.
Using a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is an electrical appliance that reduces and maintains the level of humidity in the air. Commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens, using a dehumidifier near the window can also be used to clear condensation from inside of double glazing.
Simply place the dehumidifier in front of the window and leave it on. Over time, the dehumidifier should absorb the condensation that is stuck in between the windows. These electrical appliances are reasonably priced and can be a great solution to cleaning inside double glazed windows without hiring a professional.
Using a Moisture Absorber
Moisture absorbers are a common household item and are often used to get rid of damp within a home.
These are a lot cheaper than dehumidifiers but the results won’t be as good. To get rid of the condensation in your windows, lay the moisture absorbers along the bottom edge of the window and let them work their magic!
You might need to repeat this process a few times to fully get rid of the condensation.
Using Space Heaters & Hairdryers
Space heaters and hair dryers are products that are in almost any home and these can be used to help clear the condensation from your double pane windows.
Place the space heater or hairdryer by the window and leave it on. This will absorb all the moisture in between the windows. It should be noted that this is only a short term solution.
Condensation build-up happens when the airtight seal in your double pane windows is broken. You will want to hire a professional to look at this issue and fix it properly, to avoid any long term damages to your windows.
How to Remove the Scratches on Double Glazing
If you have cleaned the inside of your double glazed windows, cleaned the seals and cleared the condensation, then the last thing on your list will be to remove any scratches on your double glazing.
This can be tricky and removal will depend on how bad the scratches are. For example, if you have a big dent in the frame and the paint has chipped off then it will be hard to fix. But if you only have a light scratch you are wanting to be rid of them there are ways this can be done.
The best products to use to remove scratches from your double glazed windows are non-abrasive solutions like iron oxide or cerium oxide. Simply pour some onto a cloth and wipe the scratch until it disappears.
How to Remove the Haze from a Double Pane Window
To remove haze from a double pane window, follow these simple steps.
- First, mix a solution of equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the interior side of the window, focusing on the areas with haze.
- Next, use a microfiber cloth or lint-free cloth to gently wipe the glass in a circular motion. If the haze persists, you can try using a glass cleaner specifically designed for removing haze or a solution of ammonia and water.
- Apply the cleaner to the cloth and continue wiping the glass until the haze is removed.
- Finally, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess moisture, leaving your window streak-free and clear. It’s important to note that if the haze is between the glass panes, it may be a sign of a failed seal, and professional assistance may be required to address the issue.
For more frequently asked questions regarding your double-glazed windows, view our FAQ page here.
How to Clean Inside Double Glazed Windows
- Gather the Necessary Supplies
- Start with the Exterior
- Open the Windows
- Vaccum the Interior
- Spray the Glass Cleaner
- Wipe the Glass
- Dry and Inspect
- Close and Secure the Windows
We hope you have enjoyed this article on how to clean inside double pane windows. We have discussed a number of topics and hopefully, you are now well equipped on all aspects of cleaning double pane windows.
These are the main takeaway notes on how to clean inside double glazed windows. If you would like any more information to find out how to clean inside your double glazing windows or replace your double glazed windows, feel free to give us a call.
BJH Windows and Conservatories supply, fit and install double glazed windows across the south including but not limited to:
Double Glazing Hampshire | Double Glazing Isle of Wight | Double Glazing Southampton | Double Glazing Portsmouth | Double Glazing Fareham | Double Glazing Waterlooville | Double Glazing Chichester
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About the Author
Harry Fowler
Sales ExecutiveI joined BJH in early 2021. I joined with a corporate background having achieved a 1st Class Honours in Business Finance and Management at university. I’d had enough of the impersonal nature of the roles within large banks and decided it was time for a change. It was the best decision I have ever made. As part of the sales team, one day on the job is never the same as another. From handling enquiries, designing new plans, surveying, ordering and installation, I am involved in every step of the customer’s experience and it is fantastic meeting new people every day. BJH have put me through various training courses and along with industrial experience I am a fully qualified FENSA Surveyor.
