Many modern vinyl windows feature a clever design that allows you to clean the exterior glass from inside your home without needing to fully remove the entire window unit. This is typically done by tilting the window sash inward.
Tilting Vinyl Window Sashes for Easy Cleaning
Cleaning the outside of your vinyl windows, especially upper floors, can be challenging. Fortunately, many double-hung vinyl windows come with a built-in tilt-in feature designed specifically for this purpose. This method involves partially disengaging the sash from its frame to allow it to pivot inward.
Here are the steps to tilt your lower vinyl window sash inward for cleaning, based on common window mechanisms:
Steps to Tilt Your Window Sash Inward
- Unlock your windows. Ensure the window is closed and the sash locks are fully disengaged.
- Find the latches on the top of the lower window frame and slide them inward. These small latches, often found on the top rail of the lower sash, need to be simultaneously slid or pushed towards the center of the window.
- Gently tip the window toward you and hold it in place. While holding the latches inward, carefully pull the top of the sash towards you. It should pivot inward on special pins or hardware located near the bottom of the frame.
- Prop it up with one hand while you clean it with the other. Once the sash is tilted in, you can easily access both the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass for cleaning. Use one hand to steady the tilted sash while you wipe down the glass with the other.
Note: This process is for tilting a standard double-hung vinyl window sash inward. The exact location and type of latches may vary slightly depending on the window manufacturer and model.
This tilt-in functionality simplifies the task of keeping your window exteriors sparkling clean without external ladders or complex tools. Once cleaning is complete, simply pivot the sash back into its upright position and ensure the tilt latches engage correctly before locking the window.
