How to Clean a Window Well
All that is well ends well
- Power drill
- Small shovel
- Leaf rake
- Broom
- Hard-bristle brush
- Rugs
- Dish soap
- Vinegar
Window wells provide more clearance around basement windows. They also serve as emergency exits out of the basement in the case of fire or hazard. However, dirt and debris will sooner or later pile up in the well. Water and snow can also taint or damage the well and the window it surrounds. Therefore, it’s important to clean your window wells regularly. This guide will teach you how to properly clean your window wells and look for necessary repairs.
If digging, measuring, anchoring, and leveling isn’t how you tend to spend your Saturday, this job is best left to the pros.
Remove the Cover
If your window wells have covers, start by removing them following the manufacturer’s instructions. Most covers are secured down to the barrier using screws and can be removed easily using a power tool.
Remove Leaves and Debris
Remove leaves, broken branches, and large debris first. Use a leaf rake to get rid of branches and leaves. Then, use a small shovel to remove any existing gravel and large rocks. Finally, use an outdoor broom to do a final sweep. Put everything into a large trash bag for removal. Consider having a helper so they can lift the trash out of the well so you don’t have to climb up and down repeatedly.
Clean Stains and Marks
Now that your window well is emptied, it’s time to clean stains off the window and the barrier. Mix one part of dish detergent with one part of warm water. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spray an ample amount onto the barrier and the window. Scrub any stains with a hard-bristle brush. Use a rag to wipe any stains and grease away. Then, use a dry rug to soak up any excessive moisture. For more stubborn stains, try an industrial degreaser. You can find those at your local hardware stores. While you are cleaning the well, also consider cleaning the exterior of your windows and applying new caulking for weatherproofing.
Remove Rust Off Window Wells
Photo: CatLane / iStock / Getty Images PlusIf you have a metal window well, rust could build up on the surface. You might spray a little white vinegar on it to help remove any long-standing buildup. Once done, cover the area with galvanized metal etching primer, which promotes adhesion and prevents leaks in the future. Let it dry, then apply a layer of acrylic latex paint. This helps provide additional protection and gives everything a uniform color.
Clean the Drain
Next, attach a short high-pressure nozzle to your garden hose and give the well drain a good rinse. If you don’t have a nozzle, a handheld vacuum and a stick might also do the job. Break up any larger clumps you feel with the stick through the drain and vacuum debris out. If that doesn’t do the job, you might need to hire a plumber or drain expert.
Lay New Gravel
Fresh, new gravel will provide additional drainage ability for your window well, thus also extending your well drain’s lifespan. Make sure the gravel is at least 6 to 12” deep before reaching the window for sufficient draining. If more dirt has filled the well, you might want to dig more out before laying the new gravel.
Clean the Cover
Photo: Melissa Kopka / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesFinally, you can clean the cover you removed earlier using the same steps above. Look for stains and rust, and recoat with galvanized metal etching primer and acrylic latex paint for some additional protection. Be sure to clean the screw holes as well.
Mistakes to Avoid
Water hosing the well down is not a valid way of cleaning window wells. The water will leave more stains on your window, rot any leaves and organic matter that wasn’t properly removed in the well, and lead to worse issues like blocked drains and harder-to-remove stains.
When to Clean Your Window Well
Clean your window wells on a quarterly basis (4 times a year) to prevent major buildup of debris, leaves, and branches. Usually, you can gauge visually whether it’s time to clean the well. If you’ve had many severe storms in a row, you may also want to clean the window well and check the drain to ensure proper functionality.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Window well cleaning is an easy job as long as you use the correct cleaning solutions. Plus, most homes already have the necessary cleaning tools lying around. However, if your window well needs repair, you should pass the baton to a pro. Hire a window contractor if the window well looks damaged or if it’s been more than a year since you last cleaned your window wells.
Mix one part dish soap and one part warm water in a spray bottle. Regular glass cleaners are sometimes not strong enough to clean window wells and the exterior of windows. For stubborn stains, try an industrial degreaser. For rust, mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water. Spray a sufficient amount and use a hard-bristle brush to scrub off the stains.
Well water can leave ugly marks on your window. A vinegar-water spray will remove most well water stains from your windows. However, you can also use a baking soda paste if the stain is too stubborn. Consider applying waterproofing protection to the glass surface after cleaning for long-term protection. A protective film or spray layer also makes it easier to remove the water stains next time.
A common mistake is you can let snow melt naturally in a window well. However, snow buildup in the well can damage your window frames and walls. The melting snow also poses risks of water damage as it may leak through into the basement. It’s important to shovel snow out of your window wells before too much snow is piled in there.
