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How to Clean Foggy Dirty Double Pane Windows

Dual-pane windows offer better heating and cooling insulation because they capture a pocket of air between two pieces of glass. The inside surfaces of the glass that creates this pocket will prove troublesome to clean. At best, incorrectly cleaning dual-paned windows will leave fog and stains between the two panes of glass untouched. At worst, cleaning them incorrectly could crack the glass, break the window frame or leave holes in the frame that bugs can use to enter your home.

Things You'll Need

  • Bleach
  • 1 gallon bucket
  • Power drill
  • 1/8-inch carbide drill bit
  • Spray bottle filled with water
  • 1/8-inch rubber plug
  • 1/8-inch plastic tubing
  • Cellophane tape
  • Needle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix 8 ounces of bleach with 1 gallon of warm water.

    • 2

      Drill into the upper left corner of the window frame using the power drill fitted with the 1/8-inch carbide drill bit. Allow 1/4-inch margin between the hole and the edge of the metal window frame.

    • 3

      Spray the water onto the drill bit every five seconds to maintain a cool drill bit using the spray bottle filled with water. Although the carbide drill bit can withstand the heat, the water will help maintain a low temperature and a safer work environment.

    • 4

      Drill a hole into the upper right corner of the window frame using the power drill fitted with the 1/8-inch carbide drill bit. Allow 1/4 inch margin between the hole and the edge of the metal window frame.

    • 5

      Drill a third "drain hole" into the lower left-hand corner of the window frame using the power drill fitted with the 1/8-inch carbide drill, making sure to keep the bit cool with the spray bottle.

    • 6

      Insert the 1/8-inch rubber plug into the bottom left-hand drill hole. This hole will serve as your drain hole.

    • 7

      Slide the 1/8-inch plastic tubing through the right drill hole until the inside tip reaches the bottom.

    • 8

      Insert the funnel into outer tip of the 1/8-inch plastic tubing.

    • 9

      Pour the bleach water into the funnel, allowing it to fill the space between the dual panes. Allow the bleach water to soak for 30 minutes. The bleach will get rid of nearly all stains and molds that arise from gathered moisture.

    • 10

      Place the bucket beneath the bottom drain hole.

    • 11

      Pull the plug and allow the water to drain into the bucket.

    • 12

      Apply cellophane tape over the hole. The tape will keep insects from infesting your home.

    • 13

      Poke a hole into the center of the tape using the needle. The hole will allow the moisture that gets captured between the panes of glass to dissipate rather than accumulate.