How to Clean Between the Glass on Thermal Pane Windows
Well-built and properly installed windows will not have debris, stains or condensation between the two panes. When you see this it indicates that the seal of the window is broken. If this is the case you will not only have dirty windows, but will be losing money on the heating or cooling bill.
A DIY solution for cleaning the windows is not difficult but will not solve the energy loss problems with your thermal windows.
Things You Will Need
- Drill with a 1/8 inch metal bit
- Two lengths of plastic tubing less than 1/8 inch in diameter.
- Funnel to fit in the tubing
- Gallon milk jug, empty
- Window cleaning solution in container with lip for pouring liquid into funnel
- Clear packing tape
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Attach a 1/8 inch metal bit to drill two tiny holes in the window frame very close to the inside pane. Keep a cup of cool water at hand and dip the bit whenever it heats up. Drill the two holes on the inside of the window frame opposite each other, one at the bottom of the frame and one at the top.
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Cut two lengths of plastic tubing small enough to fit through the holes you drilled. Insert one of the tubes through the hole in the top of the frame. Place the other in the hole at the bottom. Use enough tubing to extend to the middle of both panes in the area beneath the two panes.
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Insert a small funnel into the top tube. Pour window cleaner into the tube while holding the tube and aiming the flow at the dirty windows. Continue this process until the windows are clean. As the water flow has only gravity as the force behind it, it may take a lot of solution to dissolve the dirt.
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Extend the tube on the bottom of the frame into a plastic gallon milk jug that is placed below the window frame. Siphon the dirty liquid out of the space between the two window panes in to the jug. Discard. Remove the tubing. Let the window dry. Cover the holes with clear packing tape.
Tip
Check the installation agreement with the window company to see if the windows are still under warranty. If so, ask the company to replace the windows because they are not properly sealed. If a previous homeowner had the windows installed, find out when and if there is a warranty on the windows.
Warning
Research the make and model of your thermal windows to make sure they are not constructed with the non-toxic gas argon. It is sometimes placed between the panes to increase heat efficiency. If they have argon between the panes, contact a professional to replace or clean the windows. If not you may wish to proceed with the cleaning by yourself.
The Drip Cap
- Well-built and properly installed windows will not have debris, stains or condensation between the two panes.
- If this is the case you will not only have dirty windows, but will be losing money on the heating or cooling bill.
- A DIY solution for cleaning the windows is not difficult but will not solve the energy loss problems with your thermal windows.
- Extend the tube on the bottom of the frame into a plastic gallon milk jug that is placed below the window frame.
References
Writer Bio
Roz Calvert was a contributing writer for the award-winning ezine Urban Desires where her travel writing and fiction appeared. Writing professionally since 1980, she has penned promotional collateral for Music Magnet Media and various musicians. The "Now Jazz Consortium" published her jazz educational fiction. She published a juvenile book about Zora Neale Hurston and attended West Virginia University and the New School.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
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