How to Maintain Aluminum Storm Windows

Aluminum storm windows that slide open and closed, after awhile, become harder to open. Often, this is because these window tracks become jammed by dirt, corrosion, and rust that collects and keeps windows from sliding freely. You can make your storm windows slide more freely again, just by cleaning these tracks. Here's how:

Brushing and Vacuuming

Use a stiff-bristle brush to clean the dirt out of window channels. This removes some of the dirt that can become stuck to the sides and bottoms of these window channels. To remove dirt that is loose, use a vacuum cleaner attachment.

Silicone and Penetrating Lubricants

Spray silicone lubricant into window channels. This will not only make channel surfaces less sticky, but will keep rust and corrosion from forming. Spray penetrating oil on window spring locks that penetrate and display moisture.

Detergent Solutions

Use a soft brush and a solution of dish detergent and water to clean window channels. This will help prevent pitting and oxidizing of channel surfaces. When finished cleaning, rinse these channels with clean water.

Automobile Paint Wax

Use auto wax to coat metal window frames and the channels they slide in.