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Trade Guide

Window & Door Care and Maintenance

Simple, manufacturer-backed care steps that keep UPVC and aluminium windows and doors performing well for years — based on Liniar's and the wider industry's own published maintenance guidance, not generic advice.

Manufacturer-Backed GuidanceWorks for UPVC & AluminiumTakes Minutes, Not Hours
Cleaning a UPVC window frame with a soft cloth

Both UPVC and aluminium windows and doors are designed to be low-maintenance — but "low" isn't "none". A few minutes a few times a year keeps frames, seals and hardware working properly and looking right for decades.

UPVC frames (Liniar)

Liniar's own published maintenance guidance for UPVC windows and doors:

  • Cleaning: a soft cloth with warm soapy water every few months for non-foiled frames; a non-abrasive cream or solvent cleaner for stubborn marks.
  • Foiled (woodgrain) frames: don't polish or sand them like timber, and don't use any cleaning fluid or solvent-based cleaner on them.
  • Glass: remove atmospheric grime with a warm soapy solution; never use abrasive or solvent-based cleaners on self-cleaning glass.
  • Hardware: clean handles and hinges at the same time as the frame, using the same warm soapy water — never abrasive cleaners on the hardware itself.
  • Gaskets: if a gasket comes loose, simply push it back into its original position.

Aluminium frames (Smart)

Powder-coated aluminium follows the same general principle as UPVC — regular gentle cleaning, nothing abrasive:

  • Cleaning: warm water with a mild, non-abrasive detergent and a soft cloth or sponge.
  • Avoid: abrasive pads, scouring cleaners, and strong solvents, which can dull or damage the powder-coat finish over time.
  • Coastal locations: salt air (relevant here on the North Wales coast) makes regular rinsing more useful, not less — a quick hose-down after a spell of onshore weather helps keep salt deposits from building up on the finish.

Hardware and drainage — both materials

TaskWhat to doHow often
Lubricate hinges & locksSilicone-based spray or light machine oil (Liniar recommends 3-in-1 oil)Periodically, or if stiff to operate
Check weep holes / drainage slotsClear leaves and debris so water drains freelyA couple of times a year
Check mastic sealsMake sure the seal is intact around the frame to avoid draughtsPeriodically
Clean hardwareWarm soapy water, same as the frame — never abrasive cleanersSame time as frame cleaning

Remove jewellery before cleaning. Liniar's own guidance specifically notes removing hand and wrist jewellery before cleaning frames, to avoid scratching the finish.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean my windows and doors?

Liniar recommends cleaning non-foiled UPVC frames every few months with warm soapy water. There's no need for anything more frequent for either UPVC or aluminium under normal conditions — regular gentle cleaning is enough.

Can I use bleach or solvent-based cleaners?

No. Liniar is explicit that foiled UPVC products shouldn't be cleaned with any cleaning fluid or solvent-based cleaner, and abrasive cleaners shouldn't be used on hardware or self-cleaning glass. The same non-abrasive approach applies to powder-coated aluminium.

Do I need to do anything to the hardware (hinges, locks, handles)?

Yes — clean hardware at the same time as the frames, and lubricate moving parts periodically with a silicone-based spray or a light machine oil (Liniar specifically recommends 3-in-1 oil).

What are weep holes and do they need maintenance?

Weep holes (drainage slots) let rainwater that gets into the frame drain back out. Liniar's guidance is to check periodically that they're free of blockages — leaves and debris are the usual culprit.

Something not opening or closing smoothly?

If cleaning and lubrication doesn’t fix it, it may be a hinge or lock adjustment issue — give the trade counter a call and we’ll talk you through it.