Window cleaning is a never-ending battle. No matter how often you clean them, there always seems to be dirt and grime that builds up and is hard to get rid of.
If you have a sunroom, this can be especially difficult because the windows are exposed to the sun and elements all day long. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to clean a dirty sunroom window.
We will cover different types of sunroom windows (glass, vinyl, and acrylic) and how to clean them effectively.
Let’s get started!
Types of Sunroom Windows
First, let’s be clear on what type of windows we are cleaning.
Your cleaning method may change depending on the window material of your sunroom.
There are 3 common types of sunroom window material you most likely have.
These are glass windows, vinyl windows, and acrylic windows, sometimes referred to as plastic.
When you built your sunroom, or if you’re currently shopping, you have to consider some important factors. Otherwise, your new sunroom won’t live up to the vision you’ve imagined.
These factors are cost, energy efficiency, clarity, and durability.
Each component of your window plays an essential role in your happiness.
Let’s start with a look at glass windows.
Glass Sunroom Windows
Glass sunroom windows are the most common type chosen.
They are also the easiest to clean because you can use any window cleaning solution on them without worrying about damaging the material.
When it comes to the four factors we discussed, glass sunroom windows are the best option when it comes to durability.
Obviously, this depends on the type of glass you use.
For example, tempered glass is more difficult to break than regular glass.
However, all sunroom glass windows are susceptible to scratches.
Tempered glass is also pricier than other window options.
When picking the type of glass you want, also think about the energy-efficiency rating you want. Between choices like double pane glass and Low-E glass, you can make an impact on your energy bill.
Vinyl Sunroom Windows
Vinyl sunroom windows are a close second to glass sunroom windows when it comes to popularity.
They are less expensive than glass sunroom windows and offer good clarity.
You’ll find that they are traditionally made of a clear, flexible material that is resistant to scratches and yellowing over time.
However, they don’t have the same durability as glass sunroom windows…sort of.
While the vinyl panel windows may bend or indent much more easily, the benefit is that they return to their original shape quickly.
When choosing a vinyl sunroom option, be on the lookout for the specs.
Ventilation is ideal in a sunroom environment. Luckily, vinyl panels provide excellent ventilation in most of the top brands.
Acrylic Sunroom Windows (Plastic)
The last sunroom window material we will discuss is acrylic, also known to some as hard plastic.
Acrylic windows are the best deal you’re going to get in terms of budget.
But everything else falls a little short in comparison.
For instance, acrylic doesn’t hold up well in the sun. You’ll notice yellowing and possible warping of the panel after a short time.
When it comes to cleaning? Be extra careful.
You can’t just use any old cleaner lying under your sink.
But we’ll get more into that in a moment.
How Do You Clean a Dirty Sunroom Window?
Now that we understand our window options a little better, we can talk about how to clean them.
So, how do you clean your dirty sunroom windows?
It’s recommended to clean a dirty sunroom window with a vinegar-water solution.
Vinegar is great at breaking down dirt and grime due to its acidic nature in vinegar.
But you’ll want to water down the vinegar. Too much acidity and you’ll risk damaging the other materials you come in contact with.
To make this sunroom window cleaning solution, mix 8 ounces of vinegar with every 1 cup of water.
You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture if you’d like. It’ll give you a little more punch for those tough stains.
For particularly dirty sunroom windows, use a little more elbow grease and scrub with a sponge or soft cloth.
Make sure to wipe the sunroom window down with a clean, dry cloth after you’re done scrubbing.
This method should work for most sunroom windows. But as I’ve mentioned previously, some of these materials require some extra care.
So if you aren’t sure, keep reading to find out how to clean your dirty sunroom windows.
How Do You Clean Ingrained Dirt from Windows?
Does it seem like you won’t ever get the built-up dirt off your windows?
Those really ingrained dirt-covered windows are a pain. But we have a solution.
Before we get there, let’s talk about why your windows seem so resistant to Windex.
It all has to do with the environment you’re in.
Because of the moisture in the air and dust particles floating around in the breeze, a film begins to collect on the windows.
This film becomes a great foundation for the other dirt and grime floating in the air to cling to.
It can be difficult to break through that film with just a standard cleaner. Especially if you give it enough time to build up.
But there’s an easy way to do it.
To clean your sunroom windows and get rid of that ingrained dirt, use the same vinegar and water mixture we discussed a moment ago. But now add in the use of a squeegee.
By using a squeegee, you’ll be removing each layer of dirt and wiping it off with a cloth before reapplying it to the window again.
This way, you avoid just moving the dirt around and get it off your sunroom window.
To squeegee a sunroom window, start from the top corner and work your way down in even strokes.
Be sure to rinse the squeegee blade frequently so you’re not just reapplying the dirt to other parts of the sunroom window or causing small scratching.
If you’re still having a difficult time getting up the ingrained dirt, you’ll want to look into a more abrasive cleaning solution.
These store-bought mixtures are pre-made to fight the minerals and other build-ups that can seem invincible.
But, if you’re dead set against it, there is another homemade option you could try.
A baking soda paste.
To make this sunroom window cleaning paste and get hard grime off a window, mix one part baking soda with two parts water.
Apply the mixture to the sunroom window with a soft cloth or sponge and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
You may need to scrub a little more if the dirt is still clinging on. But this should do the trick.
Rinse the sunroom window with clean water and dry it off with a clean cloth when you’re finished.
How Do You Clean Cloudy Plastic Windows?
Acrylic or plastic windows need more care than your average sunroom window.
You can’t use the same vinegar solution to clean them.
Vinegar, along with any other harsh chemical products will easily damage your cloudy plastic windows. It will eat away at the material and leave it looking dull.
While we’re at it, I wouldn’t recommend glass cleaner either. Trust me on this.
To clean your sunroom’s cloudy plastic windows and keep them looking new, use a mixture of warm water and dish soap. You won’t need much dish soap, just a few drops at most.
Be sure to mix the water so that suds from the soap begins to form.
Gently wipe the sunroom window down with the solution and a soft cloth. If you need to scrub away any stubborn dirt or grime, use a non-abrasive sponge.
Rinse the sunroom window with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth or towel when you’re finished.
As an alternative, you could buy a pre-made cleaner. But it should indicate on the bottle that it is specific to acrylic or plastic materials.
How Do You Clean Soft Vinyl Windows?
Soft vinyl windows can be cleaned much like glass windows. They aren’t as delicate as acrylic, but you should still avoid any abrasive chemicals.
One thing to keep in mind is that vinyl isn’t as strong as glass. So any tough scrubbing tools or sponges should be reconsidered before you begin.
To clean soft vinyl windows, you can use a vinegar-water solution, water and dish soap mixture, a vinyl-specific cleaning agent, or any old glass cleaner.
The big difference between this method and that of cleaning glass windows, you should hose down the windows before cleaning with any added solution.
This will help loosen any dirt or grime that may be caked on. But don’t use a pressure washer. This won’t help you at all. In fact, it’ll do the opposite.
Wipe the sunroom window down with your chosen solution and a soft cloth. If there is any tough dirt or grime, you can gently scrub it off.
Rinse the sunroom window with clean water when you’re finished and dry it with a clean cloth or towel.
Wrapping Up
That’s it!
Cleaning your sunroom windows doesn’t have to be a dirty job. Doing it the right way with a safe and methodic approach will make the process fast and efficient.
Just remember, a water and vinegar mixture (8 oz vinegar to 1 cup water) is your best bet. It’s safe and easily made.
But if you’re cleaning acrylic windows, stop what you’re doing!
There are other methods that are right for you.
Thanks for reading everyone!
