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February 20, 2026

How to Clean Your Home's Windows

As you start thinking about your spring cleaning to-do list, you're probably most focused on clearing out your closets, organizing the garage, and getting your yard back in shape after winter. But one area many homeowners overlook is their windows — and it's one of the most impactful things you can do for your home's […]
A bright living room with picture windows offering a stunning forest view. Two beige armchairs face a blue console table, while a black ceiling fan adds elegance. Houseplants enrich the ambiance, and a gray rug graces the wooden floor, reflecting St. Louis charm.

As you start thinking about your spring cleaning to-do list, you're probably most focused on clearing out your closets, organizing the garage, and getting your yard back in shape after winter. But one area many homeowners overlook is their windows — and it's one of the most impactful things you can do for your home's appearance and performance.

At Chaney Windows & Doors, we believe that when you invest in quality windows, you should be able to enjoy them for years to come. A little bit of simple, seasonal maintenance helps protect your investment and ensures everything is performing the way it should.

After a Midwest winter, it's especially important to check your windows. Freezing temperatures can cause rubber seals and weatherstripping to dry out or crack, and small gaps can allow dirt, moisture, and outside air into your home — leading to drafts and higher energy bills.

Spring is the perfect time to clean your home's windows and make sure they're ready for the seasons ahead. Here's how to do it right.

Window Washing Tips

Cleaning your windows doesn't need to be complicated. With just a few basic household items, you can safely refresh your glass and keep your windows looking their best.

What You'll Need

  • Any name-brand glass cleaner for standard Low-E glass
  • For hard-coat glass surfaces, use a vinegar-water solution
  • A soft sponge or microfiber cloth

Avoid abrasive cleaners or rough scrub pads — these can scratch the glass or damage the specialized coatings found on modern energy-efficient windows.

How to Clean Your Windows

Start with the glass. Gently wash the surface using your cleaning solution and a soft cloth or sponge.

Use a squeegee for a streak-free finish. Wipe from top to bottom, drying the blade between passes.

Choose the right time of day. Cleaning on a cloudy day helps prevent streaks caused by the cleaner drying too quickly in direct sunlight.

For best results, clean both the interior and exterior surfaces.

Don't Skip the Frames, Tracks, and Screens

Clean glass makes an immediate difference, but the surrounding components are just as important to overall performance.

Frames and Tracks

Over time, dirt and debris collect in window tracks, which can affect how smoothly your windows open and close. To clean them:

  • Vacuum loose dirt from the tracks
  • Wipe them down with a damp cloth
  • Look for signs of moisture, cracking, or wear

If your windows feel stiff or difficult to operate, a thorough cleaning can often improve functionality.

Screens

Remove screens and rinse them gently with a hose, or wash with mild soapy water. Allow them to dry completely before reinstalling. Clean screens improve airflow and help keep pollen and debris out of your home during warmer months.

Inspect Seals and Weatherstripping

We stand behind the quality of the windows we install, and part of that long-term performance comes from properly sealed frames. During your spring window maintenance, check for:

  • Cracked or brittle rubber seals
  • Gaps between the frame and wall
  • Signs of condensation or moisture between panes

If something doesn't look right, it's better to address it early. Small issues caught now can prevent larger — and more costly — repairs later.

Protecting Your Investment

At Chaney Windows & Doors, we're committed to installing windows that perform through Missouri's changing seasons. But we're equally committed to helping you maintain them so you continue to love how they look and function.

Routine cleaning and seasonal inspections help extend the life of your windows, protect your home's energy efficiency, and preserve the comfort you expect.

If you ever have questions about your windows, or want a professional opinion, we're here to help. Schedule a free in-home consultation today and let Chaney Windows & Doors help you care for your home with confidence.

Testimonials

Here’s what people are saying

quotation marks

We've used Chaney Windows and Doors since moving into our new home in 2016. Scott and his employees all go above and beyond to ensure a great experience. From product selection, pricing, to scheduling and installation. Very professional and customer focused. They sell a quality product at a fair price. We're very happy with our new windows and front door and highly recommend this company to anyone needing replacement windows or doors.

Brent Lang
5 yellow stars
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Chaney Windows and Doors continue to amaze us with their quality products (ProVia doors) and customer service. All of their installers (Hannah was the latest) are TOP notch professionals explaining what they’re going to do, approximate time line, reviewing what we want, cleaning and clearing away every speck of leftovers including our old doors. Their office help is efficient making sure to schedule at a time we were available and following up with phone calls or text messages as reminders. If you want quality products and top quality installation go with Chaney Windows and Doors, you will not be disappointed.

Robert Suellentrop
5 yellow stars
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Chaney Door exceeds expectations! Not only is the product itself superior, Kevin and the crew were fantastic. They did an excellent job with installation, made excellent recommendations and the clean up after installation was excellent. I highly recommend this company if you are looking for superior quality and workmanship. On top of that, the crew was so very polite and respectful. Five stars is really not sufficient 🙂

Jeff Johnson
5 yellow stars