Expert: Robert Lamb - 11/22/2006

Question
Yes, we have a 1989 manufacured home with vinyl pane windows on the sunporch.  We already used regular window cleaner and paper towels, then bought ZEP vinyl window cleaner and used cloths for cleaning and buffing.  When the sun goes down, they look nice and clean, but when the sun shines through, you can see every wipe from the cloth or paper towel--you can tell the direction you used when you were cleaning them, up and down or circular lines.  Is there any hope for them?
Thanks,
Rosemary
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
We recently bought a house that has  a sun room with vinyl windows which darken with the sun.  We cleaned them with window cleaner, but when the sun shines in, all we see is smears from the paper towels and it looks awful!!
Could you recommend something that will make the windows look clean and not worse than when we started?
Thank you,
Rosemary
-----Answer-----
Rosemary,

I need to know more about your windows. You say they are vinyl? Do you mean the window pane is vinyl? If so, you have to be VERY careful that you do not scratch them. Even paper towels might damage them. Have you asked the manufacturer for a recommendation? I have some ideas, but need more information before I proceed.

Answer
    I'm afraid these windows are VERY prone to scratches although the manufacturer probably won't acknowledge it. Some of these windows have a 10 year warranty.

    First and foremost, DO NOT USE paper towels on this kind of window. The wood fibers are prone to scratch them. If they are already scratched, I have some ideas about that too, just email me at the address below.

    I spoke with someone at the PGT Corporate office in Florida, I don't know if they are the ones who make your windows, but they gave me the following information.
   
   They recommend to clean them with a mild dish soap and rags (I would suggest a microfiber cloth).  If water spots or hard water mineral deposits from are present, use a mixture of warm water and Woolite or Murphy Oil Soap, (one capful to a gallon water) is to be used.  Or when necessary, apply a small amount of kerosene on a clean cloth and rub it lightly in a circular motion over the affected area.
   
   They also say that for best results a final cleaning with the Vinyl Cleaner, they sell, will prolong the life of the vinyl.  They also offer a product called Alumalube for the tracks. Lastly they recommend a minimal cleaning of three times a year when not much of anything is present to get them dirty.

   Hope this helps, I know I learned a lot.  The phone number for PGT Visibly Better is 1-877-550-6006.

   I also would recommend calling a professional window cleaner. I have some ideas for that too. You can email me at robswindowcleaning@yahoo.com for more information.