If you’ve got aluminium joinery at home, the good news is it’s low maintenance. But low maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. A quick clean now and then keeps your aluminium windows and doors looking sharp and helps them last longer.
When it comes to cleaning aluminium joinery, plenty of people make simple mistakes without realising it. For example, using rough sponges, blasting them with a high-pressure hose, or spraying on random cleaning products they find under the sink. That stuff can actually damage your joinery.
At Window Factory, we’ve been making quality aluminium windows and doors in Auckland since 1976. In this guide, we cover exactly how to clean your aluminium joinery the right way.
The Do’s of Cleaning Aluminium Joinery
- Do clean it regularly: Give your aluminium joinery a good clean every 3 to 6 months. If you live near the beach or on a dusty road, do it more often because salt and grime can build up fast.
- Do use mild soap and warm water: A small squirt of dishwashing liquid in a bucket of warm water is all you need. Stay away from anything too strong or full of chemicals.
- Do use a soft cloth or sponge: Use a soft cloth, sponge, or one of those microfibre towels. Anything rough can scratch the surface or dull the finish.
- Do rinse thoroughly with clean water: Once you’ve washed everything, rinse it all down with clean water. Make sure no soap or muck is left sitting in the corners.
- Do check drainage holes: Down the bottom of your frames, you’ll see little holes. That’s where water drains out. If they’re blocked, water can back up and cause damage. Clear them out with a cotton bud or soft brush
The Don’ts of Cleaning Aluminium Joinery
- Don’t use steel wool, abrasive pads, or scrubbing brushes: These are way too rough. They’ll scratch your aluminium joinery and wreck the surface coating.
- Don’t use harsh cleaners or solvents: No turps, no bleach, no heavy-duty spray cleaners. These can ruin the powder coating or strip off anodised finishes.
- Don’t forget the frames and tracks: Most people just clean the glass and forget the rest. But the tracks and frames collect dust, bugs, and gunk. And that can mess with how your windows open and close.
- Don’t pressure wash too close or too hard: Water blasters might seem like a quick fix, but they can do more harm than good. The pressure can force water into the seals or damage the finish if you’re too close.
- Don’t leave salt or grime sitting on the surface too long: This one’s key if you’re in a coastal area. Salt is harsh and corrosive. The longer it sits, the more damage it can do, especially around fixings and seals.
Extra Tips for Coastal or High-Exposure Areas
If you live near the coast, your aluminium joinery works extra hard. Salt, wind, moisture, and sun all speed up wear and tear. Even the best aluminium windows and doors need a bit more love in these conditions.
Salt can sit on the surface and start to corrode fittings and finishes over time. You might notice white powdery spots, pitting, or rust marks if it’s left too long. So, it’s best to act before you notice those signs. The sooner you clean it off, the better. Catch it early and you’ll avoid expensive damage later.
For coastal or high-wind areas, we recommend giving your aluminium joinery a full clean every 2–3 months. Don’t wait until you see grime building up. Because by then, the damage could already be starting. A regular wash down with warm soapy water and a rinse can do wonders. Check the seals, hinges, and drainage holes too, while you’re at it.
Stick to a solid cleaning routine and your joinery will stay in great shape, no matter how wild the weather gets.
Quality Aluminium Joinery Auckland
Cleaning your joinery properly is one of the easiest ways to protect your home. It keeps everything working like it should, and it helps your aluminium windows and doors last longer. No one wants windows that stick, rust, or look vintage after five years.
At Window Factory, we’ve been designing, building, and installing quality aluminium joinery in Auckland for over 45 years. Every frame is made right here in our Penrose Wiri factory using top-grade materials. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t ship anything in from overseas.
We work on residential and commercial joinery, new homes, renovations, you name it. Our full range of aluminium windows and doors are all made to measure and built to last.
If you’re replacing old timber windows, building from scratch, or just want something that’s easier to look after, aluminium is a smart choice. It’s strong, it looks great, and it’s built for tough New Zealand weather.
Need help choosing the right fit? Want a hand with installation? Get in touch with us! We’ll sort you out with a free quote and straight-up advice.
