The double-hung windows tend to get dirty over time. But cleaning them is a real pain. Therefore, most of the time, people just intend to give up on the cleaning aspects. In this article, you will learn how to clean double-hung windows that don’t tilt.

If you want to sparkle them up again, then you need to follow some of the ideal cleaning measures for the same. Most of the double-hung windows usually tilt in to help the owners clean them. But not all of those windows have this feature.

Therefore, it is essential for you to know different options for cleaning the non-tilting double-hung windows.

How to Clean Double-Hung Windows That Don’t Tilt

So, if you have one of such double-hung windows that do not tilt, then it is time you should learn the proper process of cleaning. The process is near-about the same! But with the tilt-in feature, the cleaning approach is always easier for the double-hung windows.

The tilt-in double-hung windows usually have tilting buttons or latches around their sides. In fact, engaging this button will help you tilt the windows easily. But, this cannot be the approach with non-tilting double-hung windows.

Without the ideal guidance, it becomes difficult for you to pull out this cleaning approach. So, this guide is here to help you learn how to clean double-hung windows that don’t tilt.

Step 1: Get the Supplies Ready

It is always essential to consider arrangements for necessary supplies. It is to ensure that you do not have to put the cleaning work on halt every time you recall a tool or supply that you missed.

Therefore, here are the things that you need to arrange for cleaning your double-hung windows:

• A small screwdriver, preferably a flat head.
• A pair of gloves for securing your hand during the cleaning job.
• Vinegar
• Water
• Paper towels or lint-free cloth

These are the only things you will need to detach the non-tiling double-hung windows and make the cleaning approach. When you have them all, you can move on to the next step.

Step 2: Prepare Double-Hung Window for Cleaning

1. You need to lower down the interior sash on the bottom end. Also, you need to lower it down to your closest possible position.
2. The small flathead screwdriver will be helpful in popping out the clips that are holding the sash. Do the same for both sides of that sash. Remove these clips that are around 4-inches down from the top portion of the window frame.
3. Take out the clips for the interior sash as well, which are just 2 inches away from the frame top. The role of these take-out clips is to hold the sash and limit it from exceeding beyond the channel.
4. Place one hand on the top of that sash, while the other at the bottom. Now, you have to either pull or push the frame, depending upon your comfortability.
5. If you are pushing the sash towards the rail, you have to hinge that opposite side of the sash inward. This pull will be towards your house interior.
6. Repeat this process for both upper and lower sash.
7. Now, both the upper and lower sashes are free from the frame and are ready for you to carry out the cleaning process.

Step 3: Clean Exterior Glass, Jamb-Liner, and Frame of Upper Sash

1. Prepare a solution of vinegar and water for the process.
2. You will need 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 gallon of water.
3. Mix it up in a big bucket, and stir it well to mix vinegar adequately with water.
4. Use a soft lint-free cloth to wipe out the exterior glass surface of the upper sash.
5. Moving on, you should also clean the jamb-liner and frame to complete the cleaning of the upper sash.
6. Prepare a solution of mild detergent and water for the purpose.
7. Use a lint-free cloth to apply the solution over the frame and jamb-liner, and wipe them.
8. Now, make use of paper towels or squeegee to dry out the windows or upper sash parts.

Step 4: Set Back the Upper Sash to Its Assembly

1. Lift up the upper sash and rotate it till the time it clicks to its respective place.
2. While you do that, you will also need to push tilt lashes along with it.
3. You should avoid putting in a lot of force. It is because, if you do so, then you might force the sash to go past its actual position over the frame.
4. Now, push the upper sash a bit down by few inches. Then you can lift it back to the actual position. The down push is recommendable to ensure re-engagement of the sash balance. It is crucial because, without this lower push, there is a chance that the upper sash might fall. Hence, it is vital to re-engage the sash balance.

Step 5: Clean Exterior Glass, Jamb-Liner, and Frame of Lower Sash

1. You can clean the exterior glass surface of the lower sash with the use of vinegar and water solution.
2. Mix 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar with around 1 gallon of water. Store it in a bucket and stir it well to get the ideal solution for cleaning.
3. Now make use of a lint-free and clean cloth to wipe the exterior glass with this solution.
4. You can use the mild detergent and water solution to clean out the jamb-liner and frame of the lower sash.
5. After all the cleaning process is over, it is important for you to dry out the lower sash. And for that, you will either need a squeegee or some paper towels. Use them to wipe and dry the lower sash, jamb-liner, and frame.

Step 6: Set Back the Lower Sash to Its Assembly

You need to set back the lower sash, just like you did with the upper sash. You have to lift & rotate the sash until it clicks on its place.

Now, you just have to push it back to the position without putting any additional force on it. While you are implementing the same, you need to push along the tilt-lashes as well.

Carry out the ‘Step 2’ instructions in reverse order so as to complete the entire restructuring of the double-hung windows.

Step 7: Clean the Interior Side of the Hung Windows

1. As the significant sash cleaning is over, it is better to give a sparkling cleaning session to the interior side of the glass as well.
2. And for that, you will just need around 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 gallon of water.
3. Mix them up well, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe the interior side of the windows.
4. When you are over with it, just use paper towels or squeegee to dry the glasses.
5. And now, you can just take a glance at your sparkling double-hung windows.

Here is a detailed video that will explain to you the approach you must take to clean your double-hung windows!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Purpose of Using Double-Hung Windows at Home?

The double-hung windows allow you to open both the sashes halfway at the same time. This, in turn, allows more airflow than that of a single-hung window.

In fact, the top sash allows the stale air to escape your house, while the lower sash allows fresh and cool air to enter.

Are Double-Hung Windows Expensive in Comparison to Single-Hung Windows?

The double-hung windows are pretty much expensive in comparison to the single-hung windows. It is because they are more efficient in terms of airflow and have options to provide UV protection. Moreover, the installation is pretty much complex with double-hung windows, which contributes to the price hike.

The frame materials are also expensive in the case of double-hung windows. Therefore, you need to make up your mind to bring quality window types at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

So, if you have bought a double-hung window for your house, but are missing out on its tilt feature, then do not worry at all. You can still efficiently clean the window with just a minimal hassle.

As of now, you are well-versed with the steps that you need to adapt.

Next, you just need to make sure to have sufficient time and patience to carry out the cleaning procedure. But remember, while dealing with glass window sashes, you need to be patient enough to avoid accidental damages.