Renovation is undoubtedly an exciting moment—a refreshed interior, new colors, modern finishes. However, every renovation also has its less pleasant side. Most often, it is the ubiquitous dust, paint splatters, and stubborn dirt on windows and doors. After the work finishes, it often turns out that protective tape left glue marks, paint dripped on the glass, and unigrunt dried on window frames, forming a hard-to-remove coating.

Many homeowners make the mistake of reaching for random cleaning products or sharp tools that may cause damage. Too aggressive chemicals can dull the glass surface, and scrubbing with a knife or abrasive sponge often ends with permanent scratches. Therefore, it is key to know which methods will be effective yet safe for windows and doors.

Are there home remedies to remove these stubborn stains? Which chemical agents are most effective yet gentle on delicate surfaces? It is worth knowing that regular cooking oil can be used to remove tape glue, and unigrunt can be dissolved with proper alcohol- or citric acid-based preparations. When it comes to paint, selecting the method depends on its type—oil paint requires different treatment than acrylic or latex paint.

Below we discuss proven ways to safely and effectively clean windows and doors after renovation. With a few tips, you’ll learn step-by-step how to remove glue, paint, and unigrunt, all while avoiding damage and unnecessary effort. We also highlight which tools and products are recommended, and those to avoid. If you just finished renovating and wonder how to restore your windows and doors, read on.

Before you start cleaning windows and doors after renovation…

Before beginning to clean windows and doors after renovation, it is worth preparing properly to ease stubborn stain removal and prevent accidental surface damage. First, start by removing dry dust and construction debris—ideally using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or a gentle duster. This helps to avoid rubbing plaster or cement particles onto the glass, which could cause scratches.

Next, check the types of stains you face—paint, glue, or unigrunt require specific products that dissolve them effectively without harming window and door surfaces. It is also advisable to equip yourself with soft microfiber cloths to avoid streaks and a rubber squeegee to facilitate final polishing of the glass. Proper preparation speeds up cleaning and helps windows and doors regain an immaculate look without damage.

Why is paint removal so difficult?

During renovation, doors, windows, and their frames often suffer from unwanted dirt—dust, plaster, or glue specks. The greatest challenge is removing dried paint, which strongly adheres to surfaces and resists ordinary washing. This problem arises due to several factors. Most importantly, the variety of materials used for window frames requires tailored cleaning methods. Wooden frames are more prone to damage and cannot tolerate aggressive chemicals or sharp tools that could damage their structure. Plastic or aluminum windows offer more flexibility but still require avoidance of agents that could dull or discolor surfaces.

An additional difficulty is often the complex construction of window frames—with recesses, decorative profiles, or corners requiring more precision and time. Dried paint can also seep into microscopic pores of materials, complicating stain removal without traces. Hence, before cleaning, choose methods matched to window types and contamination degrees.

How to clean latex paint from window frames?

Latex paint is a type of acrylic paint that, due to its high resin content, forms a durable, flexible coating resistant to moisture and scrubbing. Its water base eases application and cleaning of tools but can be hard to remove once dried on unintended surfaces. Because latex paints are popular in home renovations—used for walls, ceilings, and finishing details—they frequently end up on window or door frames.

If latex paint gets on frames or doors, acting quickly helps significantly. Fresh stains can usually be wiped off with a damp cloth and mild detergent like dish soap. The problem arises if paint dries, requiring appropriate removal methods and tools. Improper chemicals or aggressive scrubbing can damage frame surfaces, so selecting the right approach is crucial.

If home remedies and basic cleaners fail, more advanced methods are available. Removal success depends on the product used, cleaning technique, and surface type. For PVC and aluminum frames, special paint removers that safely dissolve dried layers without damaging frame structure are a good choice. Always test cleaners on an inconspicuous spot to ensure no discoloration or dulling occurs.

For larger or very stubborn paint areas, carefully use a soft scraper or plastic spatula to remove softened paint without scratching. For stubborn stains, especially on wooden frames, gentle sanding with fine-grit sandpaper or steel wool can help—but take great care not to damage wood grain or protective finish.

Regardless of method, protect window or door frames after cleaning. Rinse surfaces with clean water, dry them with a soft cloth, and for wooden frames, apply an impregnator or protective varnish. This restores aesthetics and guards against future dirt and moisture.

How to handle facade paint on windows and doors?

When building a new house or performing a major renovation, exterior facade painting often risks accidental staining of window and door joinery with facade paint. Unlike interior paints, facade paint is highly weather-resistant and strongly adheres to multiple surfaces. If stains are not removed promptly, they become difficult to clean and can permanently damage window and door appearance.

The best solution is immediate action—fresh paint can be washed off with warm water and detergent such as dish soap or mild soap. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid frame scratches. Dried paint may require special paint removers available in hardware stores. For PVC windows, isopropyl alcohol-based products or mild solvents work well, but avoid contact with rubber seals, which can be damaged.

With wooden window or door frames, cleaning must be handled more delicately. Strong solvents can damage varnish or protective paint layers, so milder solutions such as rubbing alcohol, kerosene, or very fine steel wool are preferred. For paint on glass, a razor scraper may be cautiously used, keeping the blade at a suitable angle to prevent scratches.

How to remove glue from doors and windows after renovation?

Glue residue from painter’s tape, protective film, or window installation is a common problem after renovation. Depending on the glue type and surface, removal may require different methods. Key is acting carefully to avoid damaging frames, glass, or door surfaces.

For fresh spots, warm water with mild detergent such as dish soap or soap often suffices. Apply the solution to the stain, wait a few minutes to soften the glue, then gently wipe with a soft cloth. For stubborn residues, vinegar or isopropyl alcohol effectively dissolve glue; soak a cotton pad or cloth and hold it on the stain for minutes, then gently wipe off.

For stronger mounting adhesives, use specialized glue removers from hardware stores, ensuring they are safe for the surface—e.g., harsh solvents can damage PVC windows. If glue is on glass, carefully scrape it off with a plastic scraper, taking care not to scratch. To prevent future problems, use high-quality painter’s tape that doesn’t leave residue, and thoroughly protect joinery before renovation. This avoids lengthy cleaning and potential surface damage.

How to deal with unigrunt stains?

Unigrunt is an extremely effective primer that improves paint and plaster adhesion but can be challenging to remove if it accidentally contacts windows or doors. Once dried, it forms a hard, slightly shiny layer that resists water dissolution and can leave difficult stains.

Timely action is crucial. If the stain is noticed immediately, try wiping with a cloth or sponge soaked in warm soapy water. For dried spots, vinegar or isopropyl alcohol solutions usually soften the layer and facilitate removal.

If unigrunt has fully dried and standard methods fail, specialized removers for dried primers or paints may be needed. As with other removal methods, ensure the product is safe for PVC, wood, or aluminum surfaces. For glass, cautiously scrape off unigrunt with a plastic scraper or dedicated glass cleaner, to avoid scratches.