Window & Screen Preventative Maintenance
As you tackle your January deep cleaning, it’s the perfect time to wash away built-up condensation, fingerprints, and salt or dirt left behind from holiday gatherings. Adding window and screen inspections to your checklist is a smart move. Cold winter temperatures can worsen existing damage like small chips or cracks and reveal failing seals that cause drafts.
January is also an ideal time to remove holiday grime before spring, let more natural light into your home, and protect screens from snow and ice damage. With lighter scheduling this time of year and while deep cleaning, it’s easier to spot and address repairs early—helping you save money, stay comfortable, and prevent small issues from becoming costly problems later.
Why January Is the Ideal Time
Reveals Winter Damage: Cold temperatures cause glass to contract, allowing small chips and cracks to spread quickly. Addressing them now helps avoid expensive repairs later.
Highlights Drafts & Failing Seals: Cold air makes it easier to detect poor window seals, improving comfort and energy efficiency during peak heating season.
Protects Against Snow & Ice Damage: Removing screens in northern climates prevents damage from ice
Preventive window and screen maintenance starts with regular cleaning using mild soap and water, followed by careful inspection for damage such as holes, tears, loose frames, or cracked caulking. Keeping moving parts—like tracks and hinges—properly lubricated helps ensure smooth operation, while correct off-season storage extends the life of screens. Trimming nearby vegetation, maintaining weather-stripping, and promoting good ventilation all help improve energy efficiency, prevent pests, and reduce condensation-related issues.
Window Frames & Glass
Clean Glass & Frames: Use an appropriate glass cleaner and wipe down frames thoroughly.
Clean Tracks & Hardware: Vacuum dirt from tracks and lightly lubricate hinges, pulleys, and other moving parts, wiping away any excess.
Check Seals: Inspect caulking and weather-stripping and replace any worn or damaged areas to prevent drafts and energy loss.
Clear Drains: Make sure weep holes and drainage channels are unobstructed to allow proper moisture control.
Window Screens
Remove & Label: Gently remove screens and label them so you know which window each one belongs to.
Clean: Vacuum away loose debris, then scrub lightly with a soft brush and warm, soapy water. Rinse gently and allow screens to air-dry completely. Avoid using pressure washers.
Inspect & Repair: Check for holes, tears, or loose mesh. Small damage can be patched with a repair kit; larger issues may require full screen replacement.
Store Properly: If screens are removed for the winter, store them flat or upright in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight.