If you have aluminum windows installed in your house and they have become hazy with white residue on the window frames, then you are being haunted by the natural process of oxidization. 

While getting rid of dirt and grime from windows is pretty easy with your everyday cleaning solutions, restoring oxidized windows may seem impossible. But that doesn’t mean that you have to replace your frames or glass. All you need is a change of approach.

Can you fix your oxidized windows with a DIY (do-it-yourself) method at home? Sure you can! Keep reading to find out the easiest methods of getting your windows back in shape and allow the beautiful sunlight to come in.

What Causes Oxidization in Windows?

First, let’s understand the process of “oxidization.” It’s when something reacts with oxygen, primarily exchanging electrons. Oxidization in windows is primarily seen in the ones with aluminum frames, as oxygen reacts with aluminum, forming aluminum oxide. 

This is a natural process, meaning it will happen no matter what. While oxidization helps prevent the corrosion of aluminum, sometimes the process can happen way too quickly at an accelerated pace. That’s when it becomes a bad thing for your windows, causing deterioration. 

Here are some reasons why you may be facing oxidization in your windows: 

Humidity and Moisture

If you are living in Chicago, the summers can be pretty humid, and there is a lot of moisture in the air. When water comes into contact with your window’s metal, it can cause chemical reactions under the aluminum oxide layer. This results in corrosion. 

Salt Air

If you’re living in coastal areas like San Francisco, you will notice that your windows are getting oxidized pretty often. The salt-laden air from the coast can create chloride ions that can penetrate the protective oxide layer, causing corrosion. 

Other Factors

Things like the UV rays from sunlight, pollutants in the air and temperature fluctuations can contribute to oxidization. As you can see, oxidization is a natural process that can happen frequently based on where you live. 

Cleaning Oxidized Windows – DIY Method

Just because you are failing to fix your oxidized windows with regular cleaning methods does not mean that you need to replace them. Here is an easy DIY method of restoring your windows and getting rid of excessive oxidization. First up, make sure you have the right materials. 

Materials Needed

  • Clean rag or microfiber cloth
  • Water
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda or fine pumice (for stubborn spots)
  • Nylon scrub brush
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Microfiber cloth or sponge
  • Squeegee
  • Gloves
  • Commercial glass cleaner (optional) 
  • Stainless steel wire brush (optional)
  • Commercial aluminum or citrus cleaner (optional)
  • Lemon juice or cream of tartar (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, we will focus on the frames and then move on to cleaning the glass. You will be using the same water and vinegar solution for both. So make sure that after making the solution, you put them in two separate buckets.

1. Start by Cleaning Off Dust and Debris

Use the nylon scrub brush to clean off any dust or debris from the window frames. It will remove the outer layer, allowing you to clean the oxidization. You can be a little rough if there are some spots with heavy oxidation. 

Then use the soft bristle brush to focus on the glass surface. This time you should not apply too much pressure. 

2. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bucket. This will work as your homemade cleaning solution for the window frames and glasses. 

As mentioned before, put them into two separate buckets. One for the frames and one for the glasses. Sometimes white vinegar may not do the job. In that case, you will be using alternatives that we mentioned in the following steps. 

3. Scrub the Frames

Dip the nylon scrub brush into the vinegar solution and scrub the aluminum frames thoroughly. For stubborn oxidation spots, use a stainless steel wire brush to remove the remaining residue. Remember that if your aluminum frames have a protective layer of wax, this cleaning process will remove that. 

4. Apply Cleaning Solution to Glass

Use the cleaning solution of water and vinegar and apply it to the glass using a sponge or microfiber cloth. Gently scrub the glass using circular motions. It may be tempting to apply a lot of pressure if some of the spots are not being cleaned. However, instead of being rough, it’s better to switch to a different solution. 

5. Clean Stubborn Oxidation

Some spots may not be easily cleaned using the water and vinegar solution. In that case, sprinkle some baking soda or pumice onto the wet glass and scrub gently with a sponge. The baking soda can be a bit corrosive, which will help you remove tough oxidization. However, this also means that you need to be gentler to prevent any scratches. You can also opt for a commercial oxidation remover. 

6. Rinse and Dry

Use clean water to rinse the glass and the frame. Use a squeegee to dry the windows, making sure to avoid streaks. Use a microfiber cloth to dry the frames and the glass. There should be no leftover moisture that can cause oxidation again. 

Cleaning Tips

  • If vinegar does not work, then use cream of tartar or lemon juice.
  • Use commercial cleaners if the case is severe. 
  • Apply gentle pressure when cleaning the glass.
  • Regularly clean to prevent oxidation.
  • Add a protective coating of car wax to your window frames to stop future oxidation.

Hiring Professionals

In some severe cases of oxidization, it may be wiser to hire a professional who can do the job better. Professional window cleaners use high-grade commercial materials that you may not easily find. As a result, they can get rid of oxidation without harming the integrity of your windows. Therefore, if the DIY approach is not working or seems like too much of a hassle, then consider handing the tasks to an expert.