Keep uPVC window hinges and locks moving smoothly by cleaning off grit and applying a light PTFE lubricant.
WL-01Get your tools and lubricant readyBuy a PTFE-based lubricant spray, not a general oil like WD-40, which attracts dirt and can dry out rubber seals over time. Get a soft cloth and a small brush for clearing grit out of hinges and tracks. Lay an old towel on the sill if you're worried about drips landing on paintwork.
WL-02Open the window fully and check it overOpen the window as wide as it will go. Look closely at the hinges, the locking strip running along the opening edge, and the keeps on the frame that the locks click into. Check for rust, built-up dirt, or any point where the window feels stiff or catches.
WL-03Clean off grit and old lubricantBrush out dust, grit and any old dried lubricant from the hinges and the locking track. Wipe everything down with a dry cloth. Starting clean stops the new lubricant trapping dirt and turning gritty.
WL-04Lubricate the hingesSpray a small amount of PTFE lubricant directly onto each hinge pivot. Open and close the window a few times to work the lubricant into the joint. Wipe away any excess so it doesn't drip onto the sill or pick up dust.
WL-05Lubricate the locking mechanismFind the locking cams along the edge of the opening sash — small mushroom or hook-shaped metal pieces. Spray lubricant onto each one and along the strip they slide in. Turn the handle a few times to move the locks in and out, spreading the lubricant through the mechanism.
WL-06Lubricate the keeps and handleSpray a light amount onto the keeps — the fixed metal parts on the frame the locks engage with — and into the handle where it meets the frame. Move the handle up and down a few times to spread the lubricant through the moving parts.
WL-07Run the window through its full motionOpen, close, lock and unlock the window at least five times. This spreads the lubricant evenly and lets you check the window moves smoothly and the locks engage properly.
WL-08Wipe down and tidy upWipe off any excess lubricant from the frame, sill and glass with a clean cloth so it doesn't attract dust. Bin the used cloth if it's heavily soiled, and store the lubricant somewhere out of reach of children.
Some links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.