Spring
- Inspect weatherstripping on all windows and doors. Replace any sections that are cracked,
torn, or no longer creating a tight seal. - Check exterior caulking around window and door frames. Trim loose caulk and reseal gaps
with a high-quality exterior caulk. - Clean window tracks, sills, and door thresholds to remove winter debris.
- Reinstall screens that were removed for the winter months.
- Test all operable windows and doors for smooth operation. Lubricate hinges and hardware as
needed.
Summer
- Wash all window glass (interior and exterior) using a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution.
- Inspect and clean screens. Lay flat and spray gently with a garden hose; let air-dry before
reinstalling. - Examine painted and stained wood surfaces for peeling, cracking, or bubbling. Touch up as
needed. - Check that all hardware screws are tight and locks engage properly.
Fall
- Clean window and door tracks again before winter. Remove leaves, dirt, and debris.
- Apply white lithium grease to casement roto-gear operators and silicone-based spray to
- hinges and locks.
- Verify all windows close and lock tightly to prevent drafts.
- Remove screen doors to prevent snow and ice from stretching the mesh.
Winter
- Monitor for condensation on glass and frames. Address excess humidity with ventilation or a dehumidifier.
- Check interior wood surfaces near windows for signs of mildew from condensation buildup.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives to remove ice from window glass or door thresholds.
General Window Care Tips
- Keep tracks and channels clean. Dirt, dust, and debris are the most common causes of stiff or sticky windows. Wipe down tracks with a damp cloth and mild dish soap at least twice a year.
- Lubricate moving parts annually. Use white lithium grease on crank-operated mechanisms (casement and awning roto-gears) and a silicone-based spray on hinges and locks. Clean off dirt and debris before applying lubricant.
- Inspect weatherstripping. Effective weatherstripping is critical for energy efficiency. If yours is cracked, flattened, or pulling away, contact Hodges for a replacement!
- Check hardware tightness. Tighten any loose screws on locks, handles, and hinges during your annual maintenance routine.
- Don’t over-crank. Excessive cranking on casement and awning windows when the sash is already closed will not improve the seal and may damage the roto-gear operator.
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Caution Never use paint, stain, or varnish on locks, hardware, weatherstripping, or any surface where window parts contact one another. Solvents in finishes can damage plastics and vinyl, causing them to become brittle. |
Casement and Awning Windows
Casement and awning windows use a roto-gear crank operator to open and close. Lubricate the roto-gear once a year with white lithium grease (available at any hardware store). Apply a silicone-based spray to hinge joints and the locking mechanism as needed. Always clean off all dirt, debris, or sand before lubrication.
Be careful: Excessive lubrication may damage the window’s finish. Wipe up any excess immediately.
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Pro Tip Many Marvin Ultimate casement windows have a wash-mode feature that lets you clean the exterior glass from inside your home - no ladder required. Crank the window open fully, then swing the sash inward to access the outside surface. |
Double Hung Windows
Double hung windows slide vertically and feature tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning. Periodically clean the jamb carriers (the channels where the sash slides) to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. Wash with a gentle dish detergent, dry thoroughly, then spray lightly with furniture wax to keep the operation smooth. Wipe off any excess wax.
To clean the exterior glass, tilt the sash inward using the tilt latches at the top of each sash. Once the sash is horizontal, you can safely clean the outside surface from inside your home.
Sliding/Gliding Windows
Sliding and gliding windows operate on a bottom track. Keep this track clean and free of dirt and
grease. Spray lightly with furniture wax to prevent sticking, and wipe off any excess.
Before refinishing the wood on the sash, remove the operator’s sash from the frame to avoid getting paint or varnish in the tracks. Leave the top and bottom edges of the sash unfinished. Do not replace the sash until the finish is thoroughly dry.
Picture, Round Top, and Polygon Windows
These windows are non-operational (they do not open or close), so there are no maintenance
needs for hardware or weatherstripping. Simply clean the glass occasionally and maintain
interior wood and exterior surfaces on the same schedule as your other windows.
General Door Care Tips
- Keep the sill clean. Most door operation problems can be solved by keeping the sill free of dirt, debris, and obstructions. Never let chemicals, solvents, paints, or harsh substances come in contact with the sill.
- Allow wood doors to acclimate. Wood doors need to adjust to the humidity levels in your home and may warp slightly with seasonal changes. Allow one full year after installation for your door to go through this natural stabilization process.
- Clean hardware regularly. Wipe door handles and locks with a damp cloth to remove fingerprints and smudges. Do not use household cleaners, abrasive products, or solvents on hardware.
- Inspect for wear. Regularly check your doors for cracks, gaps, or broken components. Addressing repairs promptly helps you avoid costly fixes and maintain energy efficiency.
- Seal gaps with caulk. If you notice gaps or cracks around your door frame, use a caulk gun to seal them. This prevents drafts and reduces energy costs.
Sliding and Patio Doors
Sliding and patio doors require very little maintenance to operate efficiently. Keep the bottom track clean and free of debris. If roller operation becomes stiff, apply a light spray lubricant to the rollers (visible underneath the operator panel). Lubrication is rarely needed. Remove any paint, grease, or caulk from the sill with isopropyl alcohol.
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️Pro Tip Remove sliding screen doors in the winter. Screen mesh can collect snow and ice, causing it to sag and stretch over time. |
Swinging Entry Doors
Check hinges periodically and tighten any loose screws. If hinges squeak, apply a silicone-based lubricant. Inspect the weatherstripping around the door perimeter for a tight seal, especially along the bottom sweep. Examine the threshold for damage or warping, which can allow drafts and moisture to enter.
For wood entry doors, inspect the exterior finish annually. Touch up any peeling or cracked paint or stain promptly to protect the wood from moisture damage.
How to Clean Window and Door Glass
Follow these steps for streak-free, scratch-free glass cleaning:
- Soak the glass surface with a clean water and mild soap solution to loosen dirt and debris.
- Apply a mild, non-abrasive window washing solution with a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive applicator.
- Immediately remove all cleaning solution with a squeegee. Take care not to let any metal part of the cleaning equipment touch the glass surface.
- Wipe remaining traces of cleaning solution from the glass, gaskets, sealants, and frame. These components are susceptible to deterioration if left damp.
- Make sure no abrasive particles are trapped between the glass and your cleaning material.
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Caution Never use razor blades, knives, or scrapers to clean glass surfaces. Avoid cleaning glass in direct sunlight to prevent streaking. |
How to Clean Screens
- Remove the screen from the window or door.
- Lay it flat on a clean surface.
- Spray off dust and debris with water from a garden hose (or vacuum with a soft brush
attachment). - Let the screen air-dry completely before reinstalling. Do not dry with a cloth.
How to Clean Interior Wood
Clean wood framing with clear water or a mild household detergent solution. For grease or oily residue, use a stronger cleaning compound, but avoid solvents or abrasive cleaners. Always clean from top to bottom to prevent streaking, and rinse the surface thoroughly; any lingering detergent can damage the finish.
After cleaning, inspect for exposed wood or cracks in the finish. Make sure all surfaces are properly sealed to prevent moisture damage.
Cleaning Exterior Clad Surfaces
For regular cleaning of exterior clad surfaces (as seen on the Marvin Essential and Elevate product lines), use a non-abrasive household cleaner. For best results, mix warm water with mild dish soap, apply with a soft cloth, and wipe gently. Do not use solvents, paint thinner, or other harsh chemicals, as they may affect the integrity and appearance of the coating.
How often you clean exterior clad surfaces depends on your environment. Homes in harsh or coastal climates may need cleaning four to five times a year, while homes in drier environments may only need it once or twice annually.
Painting and Staining
Follow these steps for the best results:
- Prepare the Surface. Confirm that bare wood surfaces are clean and dry. Remove handling marks, debris, or moisture damage by sanding lightly with fine sandpaper (220 or 320 grit) and wiping clean. Pay special attention to sealing corners and bottom edges to prevent air or moisture leaks.
- Remove Sealant Squeeze-Out. Excess silicone sealant sometimes appears around the edge of the glass after installation. Scrape it off safely with a plastic putty knife; this will not affect the weather-tightness of your window or door.
- Mask the Glass. Run a strip of masking tape along the edge of the glass. If painting, leave a 1/16” space between the tape and the wood bead so the paint can seal onto the glass.
- Apply the Finish. Apply paint or stain according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always wear hand and eye protection. Paint with sash or panels open (or removed) and do not close or reinstall until the finish is thoroughly dry.
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Note Elevate Series products must have a finish applied immediately after installation to prevent wood damage. Even primed windows offer no protective qualities on their own and should be painted as soon as possible. Never paint locks, hardware, weatherstripping, or any surface that contacts another window or door surface. Solvents in paints, stains, and varnishes can damage plastic and vinyl weatherstripping, causing it to lose flexibility. |
Refinishing Exterior Surfaces
Before refinishing the exterior (or interior), remove the sash from the frame. This makes it much easier to prevent paint or varnish from contacting the sash tracks. Do not replace the sash until the finish is completely dry.
Interior Mildew Removal
If condensation is a frequent issue, you may notice discoloration along the lower parts of wood windows or doors. This is usually mildew growing in damp areas. Use regular laundry bleach on a sponge to remove it.
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Note Applying a bleach-and-water mixture will likely discolor and/or remove the interior wood finish and sealant. You will need to refinish the wood after bleaching. |
Step-by-step
- Wear protective eyewear and skin protection. Keep the area well ventilated.
- Mix one cup of regular laundry bleach with one gallon of water.
- Dampen a sponge in the solution.
- Stroke lightly on the affected surface. Do not rub.
- Make sure the grain of the wood is penetrated. Reapply if discoloration persists.
Exterior Mildew Removal
To confirm mildew on your exterior surfaces, place a drop of household bleach on the suspected area. If small gas bubbles develop and the area bleaches out, mildew is present.
Use this solution for exterior mildew removal:
- 1/3 cup powder laundry detergent
- 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP)
- 1 quart household bleach
Always wear protective eyewear and skin protection. Apply the solution with a soft-bristle brush using medium pressure. Rinse well.
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Caution A stronger concentration than listed above can damage the coating surface or finish. Always follow the proportions exactly. |
Water Stain Removal
Oxalic acid can bleach bare, unfinished wood that has been water-stained. Oxalic acid is a poisonous, strong organic acid used as a bleaching agent. It can be purchased at hardware, drug, or grocery stores. Always use eye and hand protection and read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- Mix approximately 2 tablespoons of oxalic acid with 8 ounces of water.
- Dampen a sponge in the solution.
- Stroke lightly on the affected surface.
How to Reduce Condensation
When temperatures drop during winter, condensation commonly appears on glass windows and doors. This is not caused by a defect in your window or door; it is simply a sign of elevated humidity levels in your home.
- Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture at the source.
- Run a dehumidifier during the winter months if humidity levels are consistently high.
- Keep interior air circulating with ceiling fans or HVAC systems.
- Open window coverings to allow warm air to reach the glass surface.
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Pro Tip Occasional condensation is normal and not a cause for concern. However, chronic condensation can lead to mold growth, energy loss, or even structural damage. If the issue persists, consult with a professional about your home’s ventilation and insulation. |
Maintenance Resources by Brand
JELD-Wen
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
Clark Hall
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
Marvin
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
ProVia
Upstate Door
| File | Date | Download | |
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8/11/2026 | Download | |
