Maintenance & Cleaning Guide for Aluminium Louvre Windows

Want to know the best way to clean louvre windows so they stay smooth, clear, and long-lasting? This simple guide will help you keep your aluminium louvres looking great and working perfectly all year round.

Benefits of Keeping Louvre Windows Clean

Longer Lifespan for Aluminium Frames

Dust, salt spray, and pollutants can eat away at powder-coated finishes over time. Regular cleaning washes away these contaminants, protecting the aluminium from corrosion. This simple habit extends the life of your louvre windows and keeps them looking newer for longer.

Better Indoor Airflow & Ventilation

Louvres are designed to maximise airflow, but clogged tracks and dirty blades can restrict smooth operation. Clean windows open and close more easily, allowing you to enjoy fresh breezes and better natural ventilation without sticking or resistance.

Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal

Nothing makes a home look tired faster than streaky or grimy windows. Keeping your louvres spotless means more light, clearer views, and an overall boost in curb appeal, especially important for coastal homes where salt haze is common.

Reduced Risk of Costly Repairs

Blocked weep holes, stiff hardware, and dirt build-up often lead to service calls that could have been avoided with routine cleaning. Staying on top of maintenance reduces the chance of leaks or component failure, saving you money in the long run.

Best Times of Year to Clean Louvre Windows

Pre-Winter Preparation in Perth & Coastal Areas

Perth’s wettest months are June through August, when winter storms bring heavy rainfall. Cleaning your louvres before winter ensures drainage holes are clear and frames are free from dirt, so water can escape properly during downpours.

Post-Summer Salt and Dust Removal

The Fremantle sea breeze is refreshing in summer, but it also carries salt and sand inland. A good clean at the end of summer helps remove that build-up, protecting your aluminium frames from corrosion and your glass from streaking.

After Renovations or Landscaping

Construction dust, paint residue, and garden debris often find their way into window tracks. If you’ve recently renovated or completed outdoor landscaping, give your louvres a thorough clean to prevent grit from scratching glass or clogging hardware.

What You’ll Need

• Warm water + pH-neutral detergent
• Microfibre cloths (one for frames, one for glass)
• Soft sponge or brush
• Bucket
• Hose with gentle spray setting
• Optional: isopropyl alcohol or methylated spirits for stubborn marks on aluminium
• 1:10 vinegar: water mix for glass only

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Aluminium Louvre Windows

1) Clear Tracks & Weep Holes

• Open the window and vacuum or brush away dust, sand, and cobwebs.
• Locate the small drainage slots (weep holes) and clear them with a soft brush or pipe cleaner.
• Test by spraying a gentle stream of water from about 2 metres away—water should flow out easily.

2) Wash the Aluminium Frame

• Wipe with warm soapy water using a soft sponge.
• Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
• For stubborn marks, spot clean with a small amount of IPA or methylated spirits, then rinse immediately.

3) Clean the Glass Blades

• Open blades to horizontal and wipe each side with a damp microfibre cloth and mild detergent.
• For streaks or fingerprints, use the 1:10 vinegar: water mix on glass only, then dry edges to prevent drips.

4) Rinse & Dry

• Use a gentle spray to rinse away soap and dirt.
• Avoid pressure jets, which can force water past seals.

5) Operate & Inspect

• Cycle blades fully to check for smooth movement.
• Wipe visible hardware and make sure all fittings are secure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Louvre Windows

• No pressure washers — they can damage seals.
• Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners — they can scratch or dull finishes.
• Don’t use vinegar or strong detergents on plastics — keep them for glass only.
• Avoid cleaning hot glass — sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.

How Often Should You Clean Louvre Windows?

Environment	Frequency
Inland/urban	Every 3–6 months
Coastal or industrial	Every 1–3 months
Beachfront/heavy industrial	Monthly

Bonus Tip: If you have motorised louvres, operate it at least once a month to keep everything moving smoothly.

Quick Tips for Easier Cleaning

• “Glove” a microfibre cloth over your hand to clean both sides of each blade in one pass.
• Clean on an overcast day to reduce streaks.
• Add a pre-winter and post-summer check to your home maintenance routine.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Cleaning Louvre Windows

• Water in the track after rain: This is normal while it drains; if it overflows inside, your weep holes may be blocked.
• Streaks on glass: Use a lint-free cloth and a vinegar-water mix for glass only.
• Stiff operation: Clear tracks, clean frames, and cycle blades—if one bay stays stiff, call your installer. 

How Do I Clean Louvre Windows in 5 Easy Steps?

1. Clear tracks and weep holes.
2. Wash frames with warm water + mild detergent.
3. Clean blades with microfibre cloths.
4. Rinse gently.
5. Operate and inspect.

Keep Your Louvre Windows Clean with Confidence

Regular maintenance is the easiest way to enjoy clear views, smooth airflow, and long-lasting aluminium finishes. With just a little care, your louvres will keep performing beautifully for years.

At By GOBO, we manufacture and install aluminium louvre windows made for Perth's conditions - durable, stylish, and easy to maintain. If you’re planning a renovation or building project, now is the perfect time to choose windows that look great and stand the test of time.
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