Do I need someone to tell me not to do this ....

Careful_with_that_Axe

Clean my double glazed windows with my steam cleaner?

Will it risk cracking the glass? I can't get the idea of trying out of my head

TimBuckTeeth

Could maybe crack the glass, I don't think it is worth risking it.
I think you would get cleaner windows using conventional cleaning - small squirt of washing up liquid in a bucket of water, clean using a sponge then use a squeegee to dry.
I tend to rinse the soap off the windows before using the squeegee, but probably use too much washing up liquid, outside is easy with a hosepipe.

littlesos

I steam clean mine all the time. I have a special attachment that looks like a long bar with holes in it and a rubber squeegee. It makes a fantastic job and no chemicals.

aliasojo

I've often seen glass shower doors being steam cleaned in those adverts you see on the likes of the QVC channel etc, but that glass used in shower screens as far as I know is toughened.

Is all double glazing glass toughened too or just the glass that's low down (on big full length windows or fully glazed doors etc)?

I think I might be more worried at perishing the rubber sealing gasket tbh. Would high temps in the steam not cause the rubber to perish or harden and crack?

Phone one of the window manufacturers or glass manufacturers like Pilkington. They'll soon tell you I would think.

toffeegirl

You could always check your house insurance first......

alibo

As littlesos, I also steam clean my windows in preference to any other way, the only time you have to be careful regarding cracking is when the glass is cold i.e. winter time, just as you wouldn't use hot water on the car windscreen to clear ice. If you slowly warm the glass up with the steam first then it should be okay.

andrew-b

I'd be very cautious about using a steam cleaner for that. Even if it doesn't show up as visible cracks it might physically weaken the glass. Is it really worth the risk of having to replace windows if they crack or replacing seals should they perish?
I use a clean sponge and bucket of hot water with washing up liquid to get the worst of the dirt off, followed by a squirt of Mr Muscle Window Cleaner and polish with a soft cloth. I'd think it would take longer with a steam cleaner with the added hassle of waiting for it to reach heat, constant refills and plugging/unplugging the cleaner. So it may not be the labour saving device you think it is! Being a moneysaving forum, it will cost you more too in electricity bills (not much i grant you but it all adds up!) to keep what is basically a kettle on for a prolonged period of time.

Andy

Careful_with_that_Axe

Thanks for all the responses! So still mixed reviews then

BillScarab

Are the frames PVC-U frames? This site says "Don't: Steam clean, some manufacturers will declare their guarantee invalid if their PVC-U has been steam cleaned - be warned!"

They're referring to the frame rather than the glass but I would think it would be hard to just steam the glass.

DianneB

Hi, I am just going out to do mine, I use a very soft long handled brush and a bucket of warm water with a squirt of washing up liquid, it cleans the frames and glass and means I don't get my dainty paws wet, follow with a quick hose down, when dry squirt with water and white vinegar and polish with kitchen roll - they gleam! What relevance this has I have no idea but its my day off and I have way too much time on my hands!

toffeegirl

Careful_with_that_Axe wrote: »

Thanks for all the responses! So still mixed reviews then

If nothing else, you've reminded me that its about time I cleaned the inside of my windows!