How To Clean Window Grills? A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by: Kaushik Jethva

Last Updated: May 7, 2024

a person wearing gloves washes the window frame with a cleaning cloth
A person wearing gloves washes the window frame with a cleaning cloth

Window grills serve the purpose of protection for your house and also an aesthetic enhancement to make your home beautiful. Over some time, they get dirty and, because of continuous dirt and grime, they are not able to work well. For these reasons, therefore, keeping your window grills clean is indeed necessary, which means not only keeping them aesthetically pleasing but also long-lasting. In this blog, we shall indicate the simple ways of how to clean window grills so they remain beautiful and serve their purpose.

1 Materials Needed for Cleaning Window Grills

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House cleaning products. Window mop, sponge, bottle of spray, yellow latex gloves, brush on white background.

Before starting the cleaning of your window grills, get all the materials and tools that you would require to make the work easier. Here is a list of what you might require:

  • A soft brush or old toothbrush: These will help take the dirt off, not the surfaces of the grates.
  • Sponge or microfiber cloth – ideal for wiping and polishing the grills.
  • Bucket of warm water: This is supposed to be added to your cleaning solution.
  • Mild detergent or dish soap: Help in cleaning without causing grills to break.
  • Vinegar: Good for really tough stains.
  • Rust Remover: Apply to visible rust on metal grills.
  • Gloves: These are so that you don’t get both the dirt and chemicals on your hands.
  • Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment (optional): You can make use of this to remove any loose dust before you start washing.

2 Preparation Steps for Cleaning Window Grills

Prepare the area before you start cleaning your grills to an acceptable level of cleaning so that you don’t create unnecessary mess afterwards. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Remove curtains and blinds from the windows. This will make access to the grills easier and prevent them from getting wet or dirty during the cleaning exercise.
  2. Place towels or a drop cloth directly under the window on the floor. This will catch any debris falling. This way, your floor will be prevented from staining, and hence an extra activity to clean up the mess.
  3. Wear protective gloves. Always put on your protective gloves to protect your hands from dirt, grime, and cleaning chemicals. The gloves will also protect you from irritations caused by rough surfaces and edges on the grills.

3 Step-by-Step Cleaning Process for Cleaning Window Grills

Cleaning your window grills regularly will keep them looking new and functioning well. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Dusting Off

a dirty finger with dirt showing the need for cleaning the house washing pvc window frames
A dirty finger with dirt showing the need for cleaning the house, washing PVC window frames.
  1. Using a soft brush or vacuum: This process involves the removal of loosely adhered dust and debris using a soft brush or the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. Scouring the grills with a soft brush or using the brush of the vacuum cleaner attached to it to suck up the dust ensures that the grills are not scratched during the wet cleaning.

Step 2: Washing

woman wiping window glass after spraying with water
Woman wiping window glass after spraying with water
  1. Mix warm water and mild detergent in a bucket, and prepare your cleaning solution. It would help if you used that solution in the cleaning to remove any dirt without spoiling the finish on your grill.
  2. Washing the grills: The best is to soak a sponge or microfiber cloth into the solution for washing. Wash the grills lightly, but reach all the corners and joints at the same time. Try removing dirt, but do not be overly aggressive in the process.

Step 3: Addressing Tough Stains and Rust

hand holding blue microfiber cloth for cleaning dust on the glass window rail
Hand holding blue microfiber cloth for cleaning dust on the glass window rail
  1. Using vinegar for stains: For tough stains, apply a small amount of vinegar directly to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a brush. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that helps break down stubborn stains.
  2. Using rust remover: If ever a situation arises where you come across some rust on the metal grills, apply a rust remover following the guidelines indicated in the product. This would help to preserve its quality and look.

Step 4: Rinsing and Drying

woman hand holding cream microfiber cloth for cleaning dust on the glass window rail
Woman hand holding cream microfiber cloth for cleaning dust on the glass window rail
  1. Rinsing: If all grills are cleaned, rinse very carefully with clean water, ensuring that all soap is removed, so no residues may appear that will attract more dirt. This step is very essential not to leave traces that will attract more dirt.
  2. Dry: Dry the grills with a soft cloth. In this way, water spots will be avoided, and the metal will not remain wet, preventing it from getting rusty.

4 Maintenance Tips

Other than giving the home a good look, clean and good window grills mean the life of grills. The following are some tips for the purpose:

  1. Set Regular Cleaning: I don’t want to repeat myself, but this is very important. Set a regular cleaning routine for your window grills. Dirt doesn’t get the time to pile up, and grime over some time becomes difficult and also damaged. According to the environment, cleaning every month or every quarter will be effective.
  2. Protective Coating: Some kind of protective coating should be applied to metal grills. This coat would help in preventing possible rust or corrosion, especially in the case of humid or rainy climates. Apply clear lacquer or rust-inhibiting spray on thoroughly cleaned and dried grills.
  3. Check for damage: Always check your grills for any damages, such as rust spots and loose fittings, every time you clean them. Fix any such problem as soon as you see it to prevent the creation of bigger issues later.

5 Common Challenges and Solutions while Cleaning Window Grills

Other times, it may be a hell of a thing to clean the grills with the problems that are prone to some solutions. Some of the common problems and solutions you may be experiencing include:

  • Rust: Rust is a great problem, especially in metal grills. Whenever you identify signs of rust, do not waste time but rather handle them immediately. Select a type of metal made specifically for your type of grill and follow the instructions for application to the letter. Apply a protective coating so that it does not happen again.
  • Paint Chips: The paint of the grills may chip over time. In case you find some of the paint chipped while cleaning, those areas may need to be touched to stop further damage. Use a matching paint and apply gently over the cleaned and dried surface of the grills.
  • Stubborn Stains: Some of the stains are stubborn, for example, bird droppings and dried dirt. So, to clear them easily, splash the affected area with a solution of vinegar before actual cleaning. If vinegar does not work, try using another cleaning agent that you have—but do not forget to check its compatibility with the grill material. Always try a strong cleaner in a little, inconspicuous area first.

6 Safety Precautions while Cleaning Window Grills

Cleaning the grills of your windows could be a safe affair if you are neat and take into concern the old or rusted ones. Always take into consideration the following safety tips:

  • Put on gloves to prevent sharp edges and rust from injuring your hand while cleaning. Use goggles to avoid direct contact with your eyes against splashing from chemical cleaners and a mask, in case you use very strong ones.
  • Always try to select tools which will allow you to clean without risking injury. For example, a soft brush can get into crevices without the danger of getting your hands cut on sharp metal.
  • Be sure to read and follow the instructions that may be relevant for a product issued by the manufacturer: cleaner, rust remover, or paint. These are very critical for your safety and effectiveness.
  • Always ensure good ventilation in the working space just in case any of the chemical cleaners are used. Open windows and doors, and with good circulation of fresh air, will reduce the chances of inhaling vapour that may be harmful in any way.
  • Keep dangerous chemicals away from the reach of kids and pets. Store the remaining product according to the company’s guidelines.

7 Wrapping Up

Cleaning your window grills is more than just a cosmetic process. Regular cleaning not only makes your home look better but also ensures the proper functioning and durability of the grills. The action of dirt and grime, over some time, can damage it, while rust can make a metal grill have compromised structural integrity. Continuing with this blog further, the step-by-step cleaning process along with maintenance tips will help you not to come across such problems at your end and keep your window grills in pink condition.

We would encourage all homeowners to fix up a regular cleaning schedule and take necessary precautions for the safe and effective cleaning of their window grills. This will go a long way not only to save your money in prolonging the grill’s life but also in your home remains at its best. Good maintenance goes a long way in adding to your home’s safety and beauty.

For more helpful tips on keeping your appliances in top shape, check out our other cleaning guides on how to clean a dishwasher and how to clean a vacuum cleaner!

FAQ's about How to Clean Window Grills

How to clean a dirty window grill?

To clean a dirty window grill, follow these steps:

  1. Preparation: Remove any loose dirt or debris by gently brushing the grill with a soft brush or using a handheld vacuum.
  2. Washing: Mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Use a sponge or a soft cloth dipped in the solution to scrub the grill thoroughly. For tougher grime, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water or a non-abrasive cleaner.
  3. Detailing: For hard-to-reach spots, use an old toothbrush or a small paintbrush dipped in the cleaning solution to scrub between the grill slats.
  4. Rinsing: Rinse the grill with clean water to remove any soap residue. This can be done using a hose if the grills are detachable, or by wiping with a damp cloth.
  5. Drying: Dry the grill with a clean cloth or let it air dry completely to prevent rusting if the grills are made of metal.
  6. Protection: Optionally, apply a thin layer of mineral oil or a rust inhibitor to metal grills to help protect them from corrosion and rust.

To clean the glass inside a grill, first ensure the grill is turned off and completely cool. You may need to remove parts or panels to access the glass more easily. Begin by wiping the glass with a dry cloth or paper towel to remove any loose soot or debris. Then, apply a glass cleaner suitable for high temperatures or a mixture of white vinegar and water directly onto the glass. For stubborn stains, a paste made from baking soda and water can be applied directly to the stained areas; let this sit for 15-20 minutes before wiping. Scrub gently using a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the glass. After scrubbing, remove any cleaner or residue with a clean, damp cloth, and then dry the glass thoroughly with a dry cloth or paper towel. Finally, reassemble any parts or panels that were removed. This method will help maintain the clarity and appearance of your grill’s glass, enhancing visibility and upkeep.

Yes, you can clean the inside of a grill with vinegar, which is an effective natural cleaner due to its acidity. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. For a stronger solution, you can increase the vinegar concentration.
  2. Ensure the grill is cool and all flames are extinguished before cleaning.
  3. Take out the grates to clean them separately.
  4. Spray the vinegar solution generously inside the grill, focusing on areas with grease build up or burnt-on food particles.
  5. Allow the solution to sit for about 10 minutes to break down the grime.
  6. Use a grill brush or a scrubbing pad to scrub the interior surfaces of the grill. For tough spots, you might need to apply more vinegar and scrub again.
  7. Wipe down the inside of the grill with a damp cloth to remove the vinegar and loosened debris.
  8. After cleaning, leave the grill open to air dry completely before you replace the grates.

Yes, lemon can be used to clean grills effectively. The natural acidity of lemon juice works well to break down grease and grime, making it a great eco-friendly cleaning option. Here’s how to use it:

To clean your grill using lemon, start by slightly preheating the grill. This helps to loosen any stuck-on residue, making it easier to clean. Once the grill is warm, slice a lemon in half; you may need more lemons depending on the size of the grill and the level of grime. Next, dip the cut side of the lemon into some salt, which will act as a gentle abrasive. Scrub the warm grates directly with the salted lemon. The combination of salt and the natural acidity of the lemon juice works effectively to break down grease. After scrubbing, wipe the grates with a damp cloth to remove any remaining lemon juice and debris. Finally, rinse the grates with water if necessary and dry them thoroughly to prevent rusting. This method is not only natural and effective but also leaves your grill fresh and free from harsh chemicals.

Using lemon is not only effective but also safe, leaving a fresh scent and avoiding the harsh chemicals found in some commercial cleaners.

When cleaning a grill, it’s important to avoid certain materials and chemicals that can damage the grill or be unsafe. Here are some items you should not use to clean a grill:

  • Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using cleaners that contain harsh chemicals such as bleach or ammonia. These can be harmful if residues are left behind and come into contact with food.
  • Abrasive Scrubbers: Steel wool or metal brushes with very hard bristles can scratch the surface of stainless steel or coated grill grates. This can lead to rust and other damage over time.
  • Flammable Cleaners: Never use flammable or combustible substances like gasoline or alcohol for cleaning your grill, as they pose a serious fire risk.
  • Oven Cleaner: While effective for ovens, these are generally too harsh for grills and can damage their finish or leave harmful residues.
  • Dirty Rags or Sponges: Using dirty or greasy rags and sponges can spread more grime around and won’t effectively clean your grill. Always use clean tools for cleaning.
  • Wire Brushes (with caution): Be cautious with wire brushes. Loose bristles can dislodge and stick to the grates, potentially getting cooked into food, which can be dangerous if ingested.
  • Plastic Utensils: Plastic tools should not be used, especially when the grill is hot, as they can melt and leave residues on the grill surface.

Here are some commonly used chemicals for grill cleaning:

  • Degreasers: Commercial degreasers are specifically formulated to cut through tough grease and burnt-on food. They usually contain ingredients like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which are effective at breaking down fats.
  • Dish Soap: For less intense cleaning, regular dish soap combined with warm water can be very effective. Dish soap is designed to break down grease and is safe for use on many surfaces, including grill grates.
  • Vinegar: White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can help dissolve grease due to its acetic acid content. It’s eco-friendly and non-toxic, making it a preferred choice for many grill owners.
  • Baking Soda: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is another natural cleaner that is mildly abrasive and can be used to scrub and clean grills effectively. It’s often used in combination with vinegar for an enhanced cleaning effect.
  • Ammonia: For very tough grime, some people use ammonia. It’s a strong cleaner that can effectively clean stainless steel grill grates. However, it must be handled with care due to its potent fumes and potential to irritate skin and respiratory passages.

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About This Article

Kaushik Jethva
Written by: Kaushik Jethva author

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Updated: May 7, 2024
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