In Australia, a heritage home is one that has some degree of cultural or historical significance due to its age, architecture or association with notable individuals or events. Given the unique nature of these homes, living in them can be a charming experience but often also comes with numerous cleaning and maintenance challenges. In this post, we take a closer look at some of the unique challenges when it comes to cleaning windows in heritage homes as well as some of the steps you can take to ensure that you don’t damage any old or significant windows.
Unique Challenges of Window Cleaning for Heritage Homes
Some of the unique challenges that you might encounter when cleaning windows in a heritage home that you would otherwise not face in a modern house include:
Delicate Materials
The windows in heritage homes are more often than not made from delicate materials that are usually very old as well. These might include sensitive window frames or leaded windows, which often cannot be cleaned using modern window cleaning supplies due to sensitivity to chemicals.
Painted Surfaces
Older windows may also have frames that have been painted multiple times. This paint might contribute to its aesthetic appeal but at the same time, may also be more susceptible to peeling. As such, additional care must also be taken when cleaning windows in heritage homes to avoid damaging such painted surfaces.
Preservation Guidelines
In many Australian states, there are also certain restrictions and guidelines on window cleaning in heritage homes. These restrictions and guidelines are in place to protect the home’s infrastructure and may sometimes limit the types of cleaning methods or products that can be used.
How to Clean and Maintain Heritage Home Windows
Here are some tips to help you get around the challenges of cleaning heritage home windows:
Doing Your Research
Before starting to clean the windows in a heritage home, it is crucial for you to do some research to find out more about the window’s cleaning requirements. For instance, you can do research on the specific materials used in the window’s construction in order to accidentally using any window cleaning solutions or tools that might damage those materials. You should also find out if there are any applicable guidelines or restrictions so that you don’t accidentally break the law.
Adopting Gentler Cleaning Techniques
As a general rule of thumb when cleaning heritage home windows, it can be beneficial to adopt gentler window cleaning techniques. For instance, using non-abrasive window cleaners and using mild cleaning solutions with soft materials can all contribute to ensuring that you don’t accidentally damage the windows.
Window Cleaning Supplies for Heritage Homes
Whether you live in a heritage home or not, Window Cleaning Online has you covered for all your window cleaning needs. We are the number one supplier of window cleaning supplies and equipment in Australia and we have an extensive catalogue of products to suit different needs and preferences. Visit our website and contact us today for more information!
