How to Care for Andersen Windows in Coastal San Diego

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What Del Mar Homeowners Need to Know to Protect Their Investment

Andersen windows are known for timeless design, energy efficiency, and lasting durability. But in coastal communities like Del Mar and La Jolla, even top-tier windows need the right care to stand up to the elements—and to avoid mistakes that can quietly cost you.

Whether you’ve recently installed Andersen windows or inherited them in a luxury home, this guide will show you how to maintain them safely—and why hiring a professional may be the smartest move you can make.

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Why Coastal San Diego Homeowners Choose Andersen

Andersen’s reputation is built on:

• Premium materials like wood, Fibrex® composite, and aluminum-clad exteriors
  
• Extensive customization for high-end and historic homes
  
• ENERGY STAR-rated performance
  
• Modern options like tilt-wash windows for easier cleaning
  

In neighborhoods like Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, and Solana Beach, Andersen windows are a top choice for homeowners who value beautiful design with lasting function—especially in homes built around views.

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Why the Coast Puts Your Windows to the Test

Andersen windows are built to last, but San Diego’s coastal climate is harsh on glass, seals, and finishes—especially when maintenance is skipped or done incorrectly.

Here’s what our team sees most often in Del Mar homes:

• Salt spray leaves a fine film that slowly etches glass
  
• High humidity and fog corrode frames and hardware—especially wood and metal finishes
  
• Sprinklers and hose water create hard mineral spots that no standard cleaner can remove
  
• UV rays break down finishes and sealants, especially on south- and west-facing windows
  

Regular cleaning isn’t just about the view—it’s about preserving your warranty, resale value, and window performance.

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Coastal Clarity’s Recommended Andersen Cleaning Routine

Following Andersen’s official care guidelines, here’s how we help homeowners protect their investment:

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1. Clean Twice a Year—Spring and Fall

This removes winter salt and summer dust. For oceanfront homes or homes with irrigation near windows, quarterly cleaning is ideal.

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2. Use the Right Solution

Mix 2–3 gallons of water with a light squeeze of mild dish soap. Avoid anything with ammonia, alcohol, or vinegar—especially on Fibrex® frames or Low-E glass.

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3. Use the Right Tools

• Soft microfiber cloths
  
• 14"–18" brass or stainless-steel squeegee
  
• Non-abrasive sponges
  
• Large paintbrush or handheld vacuum to clear tracks and sills
  

Trying to “DIY” with Windex, paper towels, or hard tap water? You could be scratching coatings, voiding warranties, and wasting time.

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Cleaning Inside Andersen Windows (The Safe Way)

• Lay down a towel to catch drips
  
• Gently vacuum or brush away dirt and spiderwebs
  
• Wipe down the sill and frame with a damp cloth
  
• Clean the glass using your solution and squeegee—top to bottom, wiping blade between passes
  

Tip for two-story homes: Andersen’s tilt-wash windows let you clean the outside glass from inside, so you or your spouse never have to risk a ladder again.

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Cleaning the Exterior (What Most Homeowners Miss)

• Remove screens and gently scrub with soap and a soft brush
  
• Clean the frame with a microfiber cloth
  
• Avoid direct sunlight—cleaning in shade prevents streaks
  
• Wash glass top-down with a T-bar scrubber and squeegee
  
• Dry frames thoroughly to prevent moisture damage
  

One of the most common mistakes we see? Hosing down windows with hard San Diego water. Even soft water will leave etching, void warranties, and degrade performance over time.

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Common Mistakes That Can Cost You

• Pressure washing windows (forces water into seals)
  
• Using razor blades or steel wool (scratches protective coatings)
  
• Skipping seasonal cleans (buildup gets harder to remove and more expensive to fix)
  
• Using newspaper (can stain wood frames)
  
• Waiting until the view is cloudy before taking action
  

Andersen windows are built to last—but only when cared for properly.

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How to Know It’s Time to Call a Professional

If you notice:

• Foggy or streaked windows that won’t clean clear
  
• Salt haze or stubborn hard water spots
  
• Rust or stiffness in hinges or hardware
  
• High-up windows you’re not comfortable reaching
  

…it’s time to bring in pros who know how to treat Andersen materials and coastal conditions with care.

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Why Homeowners Trust Coastal Clarity with Their Andersen Windows

We’ve worked with homeowners all over San Diego who:

• Are tired of DIY results that don’t last
  
• Have Andersen windows they want to protect—not ruin
  
• Want their husband off the ladder for good
  
• Know their last cleaner “just stopped showing up,” and want someone who actually shows up and cares

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At Coastal Clarity, we use:

• Purified water only (no hose marks, no spots)
  
• Soft brush systems that protect Fibrex®, Low-E, and wood finishes
  
• Weep hole and track cleaning included
  
• Discreet, respectful service by two local brothers who treat your home like their own
  
  

Learn more about our process
Check if we serve your neighborhood
Book your first clean

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Final Thoughts: Your Windows Weren’t Cheap. Don’t Let a $10 Mistake Cost You a $1,200 Repair.

Whether you’re maintaining your view, preparing to sell, or simply want peace of mind knowing the job is done right—professional window care is the smart choice for any Andersen window owner in San Diego.

New clients get $50 off your first clean.
Because clarity shouldn’t be a chore.

Book now