To clean top hung windows properly you need to reach both faces of the glass, the frame, the seals and the friction stays, and because the vent opens outwards from the bottom, the outside face takes a little planning. This guide gives a simple routine to clean top hung windows from inside and out, what to use and what to avoid, how to look after the stays and seals, and how often to do it.
In this guide
What you need
- A bucket of warm water with a little mild dishwashing liquid.
- A soft cloth or sponge, and a dry microfibre cloth.
- A squeegee, ideally one on an extendable pole.
- A soft brush or old toothbrush for corners and stays.
- A vacuum with a brush nozzle.
- A dry silicone spray for the stays.
Step by step
This routine works to clean top hung windows on any floor:
- Vacuum first. Remove dust and grit from the frame, rebate and stays, so you do not grind it into the powder coat.
- Open the vent and wash the inside face of the glass and frame from the top down.
- Wash the seals and rebate, the groove the vent closes into, with a damp cloth.
- Clean the outside face. See the next section.
- Rinse with clean water, then dry the glass with a squeegee and the frame with a microfibre cloth.
- Brush out the friction stays and give them a light dry silicone spray.
- Close the vent and check that it seals evenly all round.
Cleaning the outside from inside
A top hung vent opens outwards from the bottom, so from inside you can reach the lower part of the outside glass through the opening, using a squeegee on an extendable pole. The upper part of the outside face is harder to reach. On the ground floor, finish from outside. Upstairs, use a ladder set up safely outside, or a professional window cleaner. Never lean out of the window or stand on the sill, and never hang weight on an open vent, because the stays are made to hold the vent, not a person.
Glass care
Every window uses 6.38 mm laminated safety glass. When you clean top hung windows, treat the glass like any glass, with soapy water or glass cleaner, but keep water from pooling along the bottom edge of the pane: the manufacturer notes that laminated glass must not stand in water. Dry the bottom edge last. Do not scrape the glass with blades or abrasive pads.
Frames and powder coat
Powder-coated aluminium needs no painting. Wash it with mild soap and water and rinse well. Avoid thinners, solvents, strong acids or alkalis and scouring pads, which dull the finish. To clean top hung windows near the sea, rinse the frames with fresh water more often to remove salt. See coastal aluminium windows.
Stays, seals and handles
The stainless steel friction stays carry the vent and hold it open. Brush out grit, then use a dry silicone spray rather than oil, which collects dust. Wipe the seals so they stay soft and seal evenly; dirt on the seal is a common reason a vent will not close; see top hung window not closing. Wipe the handle and check its screws; see aluminium window handles. For stay adjustment, see aluminium window hinges.
How often to clean
| Where | Glass and frame | Stays and seals |
|---|---|---|
| Inland, sheltered | Every 3 months | Twice a year |
| Dusty or busy road | Every 1 to 2 months | Every 3 months |
| Coast | Monthly | Every 3 months |
Following this routine to clean top hung windows keeps them opening smoothly and the powder coat looking new. For the general routine for all window types, see how to clean aluminium windows.
Replacing old windows
If old steel or timber windows are too worn to clean up, aluminium top hung windows with 6.38 mm laminated glass to SANS 10400-N, published by the South African Bureau of Standards, are a low-maintenance replacement. Coetz™ supplies them ready to fit; your builder or installer fits them. We deliver across South Africa, or you can collect free from Laser Park. See top hung aluminium windows.
How to clean top hung windows: frequently asked questions
How do I clean top hung windows from inside?
Open the vent and use a squeegee on an extendable pole to reach the lower part of the outside glass through the opening.
What should I use to clean aluminium window frames?
Mild soap and warm water with a soft cloth, then a rinse with clean water and a dry microfibre cloth.
Should I oil the friction stays?
No. Brush them clean and use a dry silicone spray, because oil attracts dust.
Can I use a pressure washer on my windows?
It is best not to aim a pressure washer at the seals and glazing; a hose and a soft brush are safer.
How often should top hung windows be cleaned?
Every three months inland, monthly at the coast, with the stays and seals checked twice a year or more.
Coetz™, Unit 2, 84 Ridge Road, Laser Park, Johannesburg. Call 010 412 0062, WhatsApp 076 613 4418 or use our contact page.
Side hung windows: see how to clean side hung windows.
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