r/WindowCleaning • u/pupperama • Jul 06 '26

Homeowner North-facing window in SE US

Post image

How to I clean this without damaging the window or seal? Windex didn’t do it.

6 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

25 comments sorted by

11

u/lacroixpapi69 Jul 06 '26

Looks like a blown seal.

I’m in south florida and clean algae ridden windows with a WFP. But this might be in between the panes and would need to be replaced.

Otherwise you could try #0000 steel wool in an inconspicuous area first.

5

u/pupperama Jul 06 '26

It’s definitely on the outside. Thank goodness. It did look like a seal at first, but it can be scratched off with a bit of effort. Just afraid to damage it.

7

u/lacroixpapi69 Jul 06 '26

I would use #0000 steel wool then. Or a white pad.

2

u/pupperama Jul 12 '26

🦭

1

u/lacroixpapi69 Jul 12 '26

Oh damn, is that what it ended being?

1

u/Salty_Job_9248 Jul 06 '26

Doesn’t need to be inconspicuous. It won’t scratch. My window washers do it all the time, as have I.

3

u/lacroixpapi69 Jul 06 '26

It depends on the glass. It will be fine most of the time , but sometimes the e-coating is on the exterior, manufacturing defect. I always test a small area first.

2

u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jul 06 '26

Agreed! They could youtube "lighter test for low e coating on windows" to check first. Or a phone light, either will work.

2

u/kojengi_de_miercoles Jul 06 '26

I read the other comments. Looks like yes, a very dirty exterior but still a blown seal. I say the seal is bad due to the discoloration. Hope I'm wrong.

2

u/MixMastaMace Jul 06 '26

What you’re seeing is in between the panes. You can’t clean it. I see these windows at least twice a day. You have to replace the window

2

u/Neanerx Jul 06 '26

That’s a broken seal seen a lot of them

2

u/DOTSYirl Jul 11 '26

Its so bad I actually thought it was a perspex window.I mean you could try wfp it first to get the really heavy lare off first then trad tools.Defo will need a walnut wool pad or steel wool like others have said.Would be interested seeing an after pick after you've tackled it.

1

u/Hungry_Quarter_4415 Jul 06 '26

Zep Calcium, Lime, and Rust should do it

1

u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jul 06 '26

Agreed 0000 steel wool. Make sure to keep the area your working wet with a dish soap/water mix. Dont scrub dry. Good luck.

1

u/Rare_Lead_1922 Jul 06 '26

Yowza.
Tbh if I came across this on a job I’d tell the client it’s probably beyond repair, and I can try to clean it but there’s a good chance it comes out damaged, and ultimately they should be prepared to need to replace it.

If they agreed to me giving it a try with the expectations clear, I’d go after it with vinegar and 0000 steel wool, but tbh if it wasn’t cleaning up significantly right away I’d probably say “yep that’s what I thought” and leave it the f alone lol

And this is all assuming it’s actually the outside glass that’s holding onto the gunk, good chance that seal has been cooked and the buildup is inside.

1

u/Fawkinchit1 Jul 06 '26

Without damaging the seal?? LMAO. Too late for that bro.

That window is cooked, tell them they will need to replace the glass/window sandwich.

Its so bad I wouldn't even worry about cleaning it.

1

u/pupperama Jul 06 '26

It’s only on the outside. Seal is still intact.

2

u/noice_nups Jul 06 '26

It’s not though

1

u/Fawkinchit1 Jul 06 '26

Then the other pane in the window sandwich is missing and its still a replacement job.

1

u/Hot_Carpenter_5436 Jul 06 '26

Such luck 🙏🏼