Clean storm window, door hardware

Q: I just switched out my storm windows for screens, and now I need to clean the grime — dirt, old paint and so on — from the nooks and crannies of those storm windows. It’s a pain. Do you have a faster way to clean this stuff? — A Reader, via e-mail

A: Cleaning handles, hinges and the grooves inside storm windows is a real pain at any time. But cleaning and storing them properly each spring will ensure smooth-functioning storm windows that last for many years.

One way to ease the amount of work involved is to create your own soaking and cleaning solution for storm windows (and any grimy window or door hardware that needs it).

First, remove hinges, screws and handles from the storm windows. Place the windows themselves in an open area where you can spray water on them.

Fill an old saucepan with about a quart of water and add four tablespoons of baking soda. Heat the water to a simmer and make sure the baking soda has dissolved fully. Place all the small hardware into the saucepan and continue simmering for 20 minutes or so. Remove the hardware using a slotted spoon or mesh scoop, let cool and scrub with steel wool.

Let the reserved water-baking soda mixture cool until you can touch it, then take the saucepan out to where the storm windows are waiting. Lay them out on a clean, dry surface (or even on an old tarp). Ladle the mixture over the grooved sides and let sit for a few minutes; then scrub with steel wool or a wire brush and rinse with clear water (for a faster rinse, spray them down with the garden hose). Stand upright to dry, reattach the hardware and store in a safe place until next fall.

Home Tip: Because the metal frames and hardware for storm windows usually are made of aluminum, avoid using acidic solutions — like lemon juice or vinegar — to clean them.