Aluminium maintenance guide: Aluminium is one of the lowest-maintenance materials you can choose for windows and doors — it does not rust, rot or need repainting. A little regular care, though, keeps the frames, glass and moving parts looking and working like new for decades. This guide covers exactly how to clean and maintain aluminium windows and doors in South African conditions.
How to use this aluminium maintenance guide
This aluminium maintenance guide covers the simple, occasional care that keeps aluminium windows and doors working smoothly and looking new. Because aluminium does not rust or need painting, this aluminium maintenance guide is short and easy — a regular clean, a check of seals and hardware, and a little lubrication is all it takes.
Key takeaways: aluminium maintenance guide
- Clean frames with mild soapy water and a soft cloth — never abrasives or harsh solvents.
- Clean two to four times a year inland; more often near the coast or in dusty areas.
- Keep tracks clear and use a light silicone lubricant on rollers and hinges.
- Aluminium never needs repainting — powder-coated and anodised finishes just need cleaning.
Why aluminium is low-maintenance: aluminium maintenance guide
Aluminium does not corrode like steel or rot and warp like timber, and its powder-coated or anodised finish is baked on rather than painted over. That means no sanding, sealing or repainting — the maintenance is simply keeping it clean and keeping the moving parts running freely.
How to clean aluminium frames: aluminium maintenance guide
- Brush or vacuum loose dust from the frame and track first.
- Mix warm water with a little mild dishwashing liquid.
- Wipe the frames with a soft cloth or sponge — never a scouring pad.
- Rinse with clean water to remove all soap.
- Dry with a soft, clean cloth to avoid water spots.
Cleaning the glass: aluminium maintenance guide
Standard Coetz™ glazing is 6.38 mm Clear Laminated Safety Glass. Clean it with a standard glass cleaner or a vinegar-and-water solution and a lint-free cloth or squeegee. Avoid abrasive cloths and metal scrapers, which can scratch the surface.
Caring for tracks, rollers and hinges
Sliding doors and windows run best when the track is clean. Vacuum out grit and dust, wipe the track, then apply a light silicone-based lubricant to the track, rollers and hinges. Do not use oil or grease — they attract dirt and eventually gum up the mechanism.
Seals, gaskets and drainage
Wipe the rubber seals and gaskets clean so they stay soft and continue to keep out wind and water. Check that the small drainage (weep) holes along the bottom of the frame are clear — blocked weep holes are a common cause of water pooling in the track.
Caring for your finish
| Finish | How to care for it |
|---|---|
| Natural anodised (N25) | Wash with mild soapy water; no wax or polish needed |
| Powder-coated (Bronze, Charcoal, White) | Same mild wash; avoid abrasives that can dull the coating |
What to avoid
- Abrasive pads, steel wool and scouring powders
- Harsh solvents, acids and strong household chemicals
- High-pressure washers aimed at the seals
- Oil or grease on tracks (use silicone instead)
- Sharp tools or metal scrapers on frames and glass
A simple maintenance schedule
- Every few months: wash frames and glass; wipe seals.
- Twice a year: clean tracks, lubricate rollers and hinges, clear weep holes.
- Coastal or dusty areas: rinse frames roughly monthly.
- Yearly: check that seals are intact and doors and windows open and lock smoothly.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean aluminium windows and doors?
Two to four times a year is enough for most inland homes. Near the coast, or in dusty or industrial areas, rinse more often — roughly monthly — to stop salt and grime building up.
What should I use to clean aluminium frames?
Warm water with a little mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive pads, scouring powders and harsh solvents.
Can I use a high-pressure washer on aluminium windows?
Rather avoid it. High pressure can force water past the seals and may damage the finish. Use a garden hose at low pressure or a bucket and cloth instead.
How do I keep sliding doors running smoothly?
Keep the bottom track clean and free of grit, then apply a light silicone lubricant to the track and rollers. Avoid oil or grease, which attract dirt and gum up the runners.
Do aluminium windows and doors need repainting?
No. Powder-coated and anodised aluminium finishes do not need repainting or sealing — regular cleaning is all that is required to keep them looking good for decades.
Related
Browse aluminium windows and aluminium doors, read our guide to safety glass, or learn how to measure windows and how to measure doors before you order.
What affects the price of aluminium maintenance guide
Two quotations for aluminium maintenance guide can differ widely, and the reason is almost always a specification difference rather than a margin difference. These are the variables that move the number.
- The structural opening. Measure the brickwork opening rather than an existing frame, and check the reveal is square and plumb.
- Configuration. Confirm the opening arrangement, which panes open, and which way they open before anything is manufactured.
- Colour. Five finishes are stocked — black, white, bronze, charcoal and natural anodised — and some carry a premium.
- Glass. Coetz™ glazes as standard with 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass.
- Supply only. Aluminium windows and doors are supplied, not installed, so allow for your own installer.
Once those are pinned down, aluminium maintenance guide becomes straightforward to quote and to programme. Send them through with your enquiry and we will come back with a firm price for aluminium maintenance guide.
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