Windows & Doors
- Use caution when hanging heavy shoe bags, ironing board racks, etc., on doors as it can work the hardware loose.
- Cleaning Louvered Doors: Dust between the louvers with a sock stretched over a ruler.
- Keep doors that are exposed to the sun bolted to prevent warping.
- Always wash your windows with horizontal strokes on the inside and vertical strokes on the outside, or vice versa. This way, if there are any streaks, you’ll know which side of the glass they’re on! Use ½ cup of cornstarch to 1 gallon of warm water. Rinse with a little white vinegar.
- Wash the shower doors with distilled white vinegar. It’s wonderful for removing soap scum and buildup.
- To prevent that unsightly soap scum from returning as quickly, wipe your shower doors down with some lemon oil. You should find you won’t have to clean them as often.
- Weatherstripping: Check your weatherstripping on a regular basis to make sure the seal is secure. Proper weatherstripping guards against the elements. (This includes the weatherstripping along the bottom edge and sides of the overhead garage door and on the garage entry door.) Unusually heavy or driving rains may cause minor seepage at the bottom of a door. Many exterior doors have thresholds that you can adjust to keep the door sealed properly.
- Caulking: Regularly check around your window frames for deteriorated caulking and replace with caulking recommended by hardware professional.
- Condensation: Condensation is a result of high humidity within your home and low temperatures outside. It is a common occurrence and does not indicate a defect in the window. If you run a humidifier, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
- Sticking: If a window sticks, or you have to use excessive force to open or close it, you can try rubbing the channel with a piece of paraffin or candle wax.
- Keep bottom window channels and weep holes (provided to allow excess water to escape outside) free of dirt and debris.
- Do not swing or hang on doors or doorknobs, as it will work the hardware loose. Do not slam doors. This can damage doors and may create cracks in the wall
- Use caution when removing screens for cleaning and storage. Care in handling screens will prevent perforations and bent frames. When taking down screens, label each one with an identifying mark so you will know where they go next season.
- You may clean screens with a soft bristle brush, sudsy cleanser and warm water. Rinse with a light spray from the garden hose, then let dry. Corrosion on aluminum screens can be cleaned with a light rub of steel wool. Coat the frames with household wax to keep them clean and shiny.
- Inspect screens for tears and bent frames. Check outdoor structures for deterioration – especially signs of rot. Also inspect the crawl space or basement after rain for water accumulation or excessive moisture. Look for signs of water damage on the sub floor and joists beneath bathrooms, the kitchen, and laundry.