When glazing apartments and houses, the only option is increasingly the use of plastic windows.
Since this type of product is made with double-glazed windows that have several chambers, such windows are prone to fogging.
To get rid of the problem, it is recommended that you become more familiar with the means that eliminate condensation, and also find out what substances and recipes will help eliminate fogging of window products.
Is it possible to rub window panes to prevent them from sweating?
The problem of fogging and condensation collecting on windows is not new. Such difficulties are often encountered by apartment owners where window products are installed incorrectly . Another cause of fogging is poor ventilation.
This also includes the difference in temperatures outside and in the room, and high humidity in the room.
Windows are often covered with condensation only in the lower part of the glass unit, which indicates that condensation accumulates around the entire perimeter and flows down.
When faced with the problem of fogging, owners are looking for quick solutions, but without eliminating the original cause, it will be difficult to solve this problem .
One of the most common options is to rub the window product with soapy water. Dirty and greasy glass, especially in rooms where smoke accumulates, holds condensation very well. If you remove dirt and grease from the glass, there is a chance that drops of moisture will not linger on the surface of the glass unit.
Note! For the technique to work, it is important to carefully check the quality of ventilation, as well as normalize the temperature and humidity in the room where double-glazed windows are installed.
How to treat the seal
Lubrication of the rubber band should be carried out in dry, sunny weather. It is located inside the frame and is easily visible when the sash is opened.
The rubber band can be located on the following structural elements:
- along the perimeter of the frame;
- along the inner perimeter of the sash;
- along the inner or outer perimeter of the glass unit.
The processing procedure is the same, regardless of the product used:
- Remove dirt from the seal with a rag moistened with soapy water.
- Wipe the rubber bands dry with a clean cloth. Then you need to open the window to dry the structure by ventilation.
- Apply the material over the entire surface on both sides. To lubricate with Vaseline or silicone, it is better to use a soft brush, and liquid formulations should be applied with a cotton pad. First you need to process the inner coating, then the outer one.
- Wait for the protective layer to dry.
Suitable substances
There are several substances and folk remedies that will help eliminate fogging of a window indoors:
- glycerol;
- alcohol or vodka;
- saline solution;
- newspapers;
- chemicals with weak acids and surfactants;
- shaving cream.
Each of the proposed methods has its own principle of influencing condensate.
Glycerol
This is a trihydric alcohol that can be found in any home, because it is added to almost all detergents and cleaning products.
This substance dissolves well in water and alcohol, so glycerin is often mixed with alcohol to eliminate condensation on windows.
Glycerin cleans glass and creates a barely noticeable film on the surface of the glass, which prevents drops of moisture from accumulating on the surface.
Alcohol solutions
Vodka or alcohol have a cleansing effect and remove all debris and dirt from the surface of the glass unit.
Thanks to this, glass treated with such substances will not attract condensation, and if it does appear, it will not linger for long.
If you make an anti-fog agent based on glycerin and alcohol, the effect will be more expressive. This is due to the fact that glycerin reduces the surface tension of water droplets and, in combination with alcohol, gives a better result , whereas when using the substance separately, a greasy film forms on the surface of the glass.
Salt based
It is known that salt is a substance that can draw water. This is why a saline solution can prevent moisture from appearing on windows.
Important! When using a saline solution, all the salt must be dissolved in water, otherwise there is a risk of abrasive damage to the glass unit.
Use of newspapers
The use of newspapers is important not only for simply cleaning glass from dirt, since newspapers do not leave streaks, but also for removing fogging.
The newspaper ink used to print text contains a substance that can rub the glass unit and protect it from the accumulation of moisture droplets. It is recommended to try this option first: if it turns out to be ineffective, you should move on to using chemistry.
Store-bought defoggers
To remove the formation of ice and moisture on windows, use purchased products. They are available in aerosols and liquid form. Aerosols are consumed much more economically , while liquid formulations are more expensive, but more of them are needed.
The task of such anti-foggers is to prevent the sudden appearance of condensation. The products contain alcohol, additives and flavorings. When alcohol gets on a glass surface, its adhesion decreases. Because of this, small drops become larger, and under the influence of their own weight they roll down. The glass remains clean.
Anti-foggers for car windows work according to this principle, so if you can’t find a product for home, you can use compounds for cars .
Shaving product
Another unusual, but no less effective method is the use of shaving cream or foam. This method is considered “old-fashioned” but it helps against fogging, including the windows in the car. You can use any shaving foam or cream, even expired ones. The principle of operation is that the product contains glycerin, which prevents fogging.
Note! Some apartment owners with this problem also recommend using toothpaste - it will act on a similar principle.
What happens if you don't lubricate the seals?
The design of plastic windows can be blind or opening. The first one is not equipped with a locking unit, so it does not require maintenance. Windows with folding sashes have a complex mechanism designed to open the sash in different modes.
In the manufacture of windows, durable materials are used that can withstand heavy loads. But it also requires care so that the movement of the sash is not disturbed. The factory lubricant is gradually depleted and needs to be corrected. This simple procedure will avoid damage to the mechanism.
The protective layer requires regular updating. If it is damaged, important structural components wear out, become dirty, and the locking mechanism jams, causing difficulty in opening the valves. It is enough not to lubricate the rubber seals for a year and the sealing of the structure will be broken and gaps will appear.
As a result, cold air will flow into the room. If you do not treat the seals for 4-5 years, you will have to replace the elements of the structural block. This will incur significant costs since hinges are much more expensive than lubricants.
Tools and accessories
In order for the process of eliminating the problem with double-glazed windows to be carried out in a short time, it is recommended to prepare all the tools and devices in advance, namely :
- rags;
- rubber scraper;
- container with water;
- brush with bristles;
- sheets of paper.
This is a standard set for washing glass, but it is also useful for solving the problem of condensation.
It is better to take two types of rags: fleece-based and woolen .
Fleece or viscose rags are very good at cleaning the glass surface from dirt.
A woolen rag is suitable if you need to apply a certain composition to the surface of the glass and rub it in.
also use a microfiber type cloth that does not leave streaks on the window.
A rubber scraper is necessary if there are old stains on the surface of the window that have become embedded in the glass. Most likely, you won’t be able to remove them with a regular rag, so you’ll have to wet the surface and use a scraper. For the same purposes, you also need a brush that will help remove dust that has settled on the windows.
You should choose a container with water that is convenient for washing the window. If the surface is large, it is better to take a bucket and periodically change the water in it. Sheets of paper are also needed if rags still leave marks on the glass.
How often is it recommended to lubricate rubber seals in plastic windows?
The protective layer applied by the manufacturer is of sufficient quality and durable. It can be updated for the first time 3 years after installing the plastic structure. If uncharacteristic noises and squeaks are observed, a preventive inspection should be carried out earlier. In the future, you need to treat the rubber bands before the winter and summer seasons.
Lubrication of seals is carried out at a certain time:
- It is most effective to lubricate windows in spring or autumn.
- The procedure can be performed 1-2 times a year.
The best result is achieved by lubricating the rubber bands both in spring and autumn. This allows for continuous protection and increased durability of the structure. The frequency of lubrication is determined depending on the level of load on the seals. Negative factors are: grease, dust, sand, moisture and other contaminants.
Residential buildings located near roads or in industrial areas are more exposed to pollution. Owners of private buildings or apartments in such conditions need to process seals more often. A large amount of dust will lead to interference with the functioning of the mechanism and subsequent complete wear of the moving elements.
Step by step instructions
To get a positive result, it is recommended that you read the step-by-step instructions for using each of the listed products.
Use of glycerin
First, you need to treat the glass unit with soapy water - this will help remove all dirt and congealed dust on the surface. Next you should follow the instructions :
- Mix glycerin with alcohol in a ratio of 1:10.
- Wipe the window with a microfiber cloth.
- Prepare several cotton swabs.
- Wet the swabs alternately in a solution of glycerin and alcohol and wipe the glass from top to bottom.
Important. Much attention should be paid to those places where condensation was usually noticed. It is important not to wash off the applied solution, but to leave it for a couple of hours. If streaks appear on the window, they can be removed with a soft cloth.
How to remove fogging from windows using glycerin:
Alcohol or vodka
Vodka or alcohol can also be used without glycerin. To do this you need to follow the instructions :
- Dissolve the detergent in warm water and mix.
- Use a soft cloth soaked in soapy water to remove dust and dirt from the glass.
- Wipe the glass with a dry, lint-free cloth.
- To completely remove excess moisture, you need to run a scraper along the surface of the glass.
- Soak a foam sponge in alcohol or vodka.
- Gently lubricate the glass with a sponge.
It is important to wait until it dries completely and do not wipe the window with alcohol after treatment.
Newspapers
This method is considered the most accessible, since old newspapers are found in almost every home. To process glass using this technique, you must :
- Take clean newspapers.
- It’s good to crumple them and unfold them.
- Wipe the glass from dust and dirt with soapy water and a microfiber cloth.
- Unfold the crumpled newspapers and wipe the dried glass with them.
Note. Printing ink has a water-repellent effect, so condensation will not form on the surface of the window in the future.
Shaving foam
Few people know that with the help of ordinary foam or cream, shaving gel, you can prevent the appearance of dampness and condensation on the windows. To do this you need :
Wash the glass well with soapy water.- Wipe the glass dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Prepare the foam: it can also be expired - it doesn’t matter.
- Apply a thin layer of foam from the dispenser onto the glass.
- Gently rub the foam into the glass.
- Treat all glass in this manner.
- After 2 minutes, wipe the glass completely dry.
You can use this technique often without fear of damaging the quality of the glass unit.
Liquid saline solution
Salt can draw out moisture, so the use of a saline solution will be justified. To do this, follow the instructions :
- Dissolve an incomplete tablespoon of salt in 4 liters of warm water.
- The solution is mixed well.
- After a couple of minutes, the solution must be filtered through a sieve to remove undissolved grains of salt.
- The glass is first cleaned of dirt and dust and wiped with a cloth.
- A clean rag is soaked in the solution and the glass is wiped with it.
Note! If after treatment with the salt composition a white film appears on the glass, then it is necessary to dilute the solution with water and repeat the procedure again.
Chemical goods from the store
The simplest, but not the most budget-friendly way to save windows from fogging is to use commercial glass anti-foggers. How best to do this :
- purchase a composition made in the form of an aerosol;
- following the instructions, spread the composition on the surface of the glass;
- wait for the product to take effect;
- wipe the glass dry.
The cost of such products starts from 120 rubles; you can also use compositions designed to eliminate fogging of windows in the car interior.
Glycerin for window fogging
Wash the window well and wipe it dry so that there are no stains or streaks left on the glass. Next, you'll need a clean, lint-free rag. Prepare a solution of technical alcohol (denatured alcohol) and glycerin in proportions of 20:1. Soak a rag in the resulting solution, wring it out lightly and start rubbing the glass. If there is a large and powerful battery under your window, achieving the desired effect will be much easier.
Related links: Bedroom layout: overview of the best options
It will warm up the glass and enhance the effect of alcohol, eliminating condensation even in the highest corners. You can buy glycerin at any pharmacy and large supermarket. Denatured alcohol can be easily found in hardware stores and household chemical stores. Both products are affordable and won't break your budget.
Criteria for choosing window lubricants
You need to take care of window structures with high-quality and proven products. Poor lubricant quality will reduce the service life of the mechanisms. When purchasing, be guided by the region of residence, because some products tend to “tan” at low temperatures.
Aerosol for lubricating plastic windows
Consult with the store salesperson which lubricant is suitable for your plastic window model. Choose aerosol products. This is the most convenient type of lubricant with economical consumption. Using spraying you can reach the most inaccessible places in the mechanism. You don't have to buy expensive products. They often contain components found in inexpensive lubricants, and their operating principle is the same.
