Caring For Your New Windows & Doors
At Clearview Sussex, we want your new installation to look stunning and perform flawlessly for decades. Every complete installation comes with our comprehensive 10-year guarantee, and all moving hardware components carry a dedicated 5-year guarantee. Please note that replacement glass units provided as part of a repair service carry a 5-year guarantee activated from the date of installation.
To maintain your guarantees and keep your home improvements in pristine condition, we recommend following our simple, expert maintenance and cleaning schedule below.
Expert Glass Cleaning Advice
Any standard household glass cleaner may be used with a soft cloth. For heavy external grime, we recommend washing the pane down with mild soap and warm water first.
Important Note: Take extra care when cleaning glass sections fitted with traditional lead or astragal bars. Excessive rubbing or pressure might dislodge the bars from the glass surface. For these styles, stick strictly to a soft cloth with gentle soap and water.
Window Hinges & Locking Rods
At least once a year, open your windows fully and clear away any trapped dirt, leaves, or debris from around the aperture. Pay close attention to the rubber weather seals to ensure no debris is being compressed when the window or door closes.
Apply a light, oil-based lubricant or grease to the hinges. To lubricate the locking mechanism, open the window or door and operate the handle to identify the moving parts of the locking rod, then apply your lubricant directly to those moving parts. Windows in high-moisture rooms like bathrooms, or windows left open for extended periods, will require lubrication more frequently.
Cleaning Composite & PVCu Door Slabs
To prolong the life and vibrance of your door's surface finish, clean the main door slab regularly. We recommend doing this at least once a month, though doors in highly exposed areas may require more frequent attention.
Simply wash the door down using warm water and a soft cloth or Chamois leather, then wipe completely dry with a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth.
⚠️ Crucial Maintenance Warning: What NOT to Do
To protect your woodgrain or composite finish, please NEVER:
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Do NOT use abrasive chemical cleaners, scouring powders, or rough pads on any part of the door surface.
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Do NOT use high-pressure jet washers or steam cleaners.
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Do NOT use harsh solvents or chemicals (e.g., White Spirit, Methylated Spirit, Cellulose thinners, or Nail Varnish remover).
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Do NOT use sticky tape, Blu-Tack, or aggressive adhesives for temporary fixtures, seasonal wreaths, or Christmas decorations.
Door Locking Systems & Key Cylinders
To ensure an airtight seal and eliminate any chance of drafts or water ingress, always lift the door handle fully upward whenever the door is closed to engage the top and bottom hooking lock points.
We recommend applying a light spray-type grease into the mechanical apertures of the hooks, deadbolts, and latches annually. For the key cylinder itself, only use Graphite Powder inserted directly into the keyhole. Never spray wet oils or WD-40 inside the key cylinder, as this attracts dust and clogs the internal pins.
Clean the external surface of the hinges with warm, soapy water. While modern hinges rarely require lubrication, doors that have been installed for a long time can benefit from a very light spray of an oil-based lubricant.
Premium Door Furniture & Handles
Periodically—ideally on a monthly basis—all handles, letterboxes, and knockers should be wiped down with warm, soapy water to remove atmospheric salt, grime, and environmental deposits. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth to protect the pristine metal finish from pitting or corrosion.
Drainage Channels & Thresholds
Clearview composite and PVCu doors feature an engineered, built-in slot drainage system hidden within the bottom threshold. This allows any driving rainwater to escape safely outside.
To keep this system running efficiently, the drainage slots must remain completely clear. Once a year, clear away any trapped dirt and test the operation by flushing a cup of water through the channel. During this process, check that the rubber weather seals remain securely seated in their grooves. If they have shifted, simply slide them back into position to prevent pinching when the door shuts.
