Casement windows are the preferred choice for homeowners seeking windows that provide good ventilation, energy efficiency, and ease of cleaning. They are hinged on one side and designed to swing open with the use of a crank, making it possible to clean both surfaces of most casement windows from inside your home without needing special tools or a ladder. With regular cleaning and maintenance, a casement window can look and operate just like new decades after installation.

How to Clean Casement Windows From Inside: Step-by-Step Guide

It doesn’t take a professional window cleaner to keep casement windows clean. With just a few simple steps, you can transform your windows from grimy to gleaming.

Step 1

If you have a screen installed, rotate the screen clips up and lift the screen out. If you have a removable grill, remove it as well.

Step 2

Clean any dust and debris from the window with a dry rag or brush.

Step 3

For a very dirty window, mix a few drops of dishwashing soap into a bucket of warm water. With a sponge or mop, use the water to scrub the outside and inside of the glass to remove the first layer of grime.

Step 4

Clean the inside of the glass with your preferred window cleaner and paper towels or newspaper. Dry thoroughly with a clean cloth to avoid streaking.

Step 5

Lift the lock handle and wind the crank until the window is in the open position. There should be a slot on the hinged side where you can reach both sides of the glass when it is open to a 90-degree angle.

Step 6

Repeat steps 2-4 on the outside of the glass.

Step 7

Clean any debris and dirt from the window track and edges of the sash.

Step 8

Once it is thoroughly cleaned, dry the window frame and sill with a clean, dry rag.

Step 9

Close the window and reinstall grill and/or screen.

Extra Tips for Cleaning Casement Windows

Pay special attention to the edges.

When cleaning casement windows, it is very important to clean the edges of the window all the way around. When a casement window is opened, it extends outside the building and is exposed to the elements, allowing dirt and pollen to settle on the edges. This compromises the seal strength, decreasing the window’s energy efficiency.

Make sure you have the right tools.

Cleaning casement windows does not require any special window cleaning tools or solvents. Any commercial household glass cleaner wiped down with paper towels will be effective.

Some homeowners prefer to use natural cleaners and avoid chemicals. If this is your preference, it is very easy to make your own glass cleaner at home by mixing 50% white vinegar and 50% tap water in a spray bottle.

You can substitute newspaper for paper towels in window cleaning for a more spotless shine. The dense fibers they are comprised of are more rigid and therefore less likely to separate and cause lint. Additionally, some “fancier” paper towels have a coating that is nice to the touch yet can leave slight streaking when used on certain types of coated glass. Whatever method you prefer, be sure to dry the window glass thoroughly to avoid unattractive streaking.

Consider purchasing in-swing casement windows if you are installing them on an upper floor.

Casement windows can be installed either to swing into the home (in-swing casement windows) or outwards into your yard (out-swing casement windows). If the window is placed at a height that can be easily reached, cleaning will be simple regardless of the direction.

However, for harder-to-reach windows, swinging inwards will help simplify the cleaning process.

How to deal with a difficult crank.

If you have any difficulty operating the crank mechanism when you begin window cleaning, it may need to be lubricated. Any spray lubricant like WD-40 will do the trick, just so long as it has a long, narrow nozzle for precise application to the base of the crank handle. From there, it will seep into the gears, hopefully solving the problem.

If the window is still hard to open and close, check the control arm track for debris. Once you scrape it out with a flat-head screwdriver and clean the track, it should operate smoothly again.

How frequently should you clean casement windows?

Professionals recommend cleaning windows inside and out twice a year. Luckily for homeowners who have casement windows, it is easy to learn and a snap to complete with the cleaning supplies you already have around. Cleaning your windows regularly is all that a quality casement window needs to keep supplying you with a beautiful view for years to come.

Need Help With Your Windows?

As you clean your casement windows, inspect them for condensation and cracks.  If you notice a problem, your nearest Soft-Lite dealer can help.  Soft-Lite casement windows are among the most energy-efficient windows available on the market. Our wide range of style and color options makes it easy to find a casement window that matches the aesthetic of your dream home. If you are interested in learning more, contact a Soft-Lite dealer near you!