For most Clopay garage door windows, it is perfectly fine to clean the surface using a mild dishwashing soap and a soft cloth or chamois to prevent water-spotting. However, ammonia-based, abrasive or solvent-based cleaners WILL damage your impact, lexan, polygal, and polycarbonate windows. DO NOT brush, scrub or scrape these windows.

Some doors have decorative inserts designed to snap-in and out of the window frame for easy cleaning. To clean these windows, remove the four tabs of the insert from under the edge of the window frame and pull the insert out of the window. There is one tab on each side and one on the top and bottom of the insert.  

Replacing the insert is the reverse of the process for removal. The four tabs must be pressed under the lip in the window frame.

You can also view the below video to show you How To Remove Your Snap-In Inserts.

Special Cases

Clopay Studio Series Windows

Use a quality grade automotive paste wax and buff with a soft cloth a minimum of once a year.

Clopay Impact-Resistant Windows made of Polycarbonate

Using a clean sponge or a soft cloth, wash the surface with a mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water. Rinse well with clean water, and dry thoroughly with a chamois or moist cellulose sponge to prevent water spots. Do not scrub or use brushes on this product. The following products can be used to clean Polycarbonate: Joy, Top Job, and Palmolive Liquid.

Minimizing Scratches

The appearance of hairline scratches and minor abrasions can be minimized by using a mild automobile polish such as Johnson Paste Wax, Novus Plastic Polish #1 & #2 (Novus, Inc., Minneapolis, MN) , Mirror Glaze Plastic Polish (M.G. M10) (Mirror Bright Polish Co., Pasadena, CA). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test a small area of the window with the product prior to use.

Polycarbonate Cleaning “Don’ts”

• DO NOT use abrasive or highly alkaline cleaners, such as ammonia
• Never scrape Polycarbonate with squeegees, razor blades or other sharp instruments
• Benzene, gasoline, acetone or carbon tetrachloride should never be used
• DO NOT clean Polycarbonate in hot sun or at elevated temperatures
• If you are unsure about cleaning procedures, contact our professionals for help.

Now that you know how to clean your garage door windows, make sure you're performing the proper garage door maintenance to keep your door running smoothly. Read our Garage Door Maintenance Guide for more information on what you can do to keep your garage door in tip top shape.

Need service now? Contact your local garage door dealer to get help ASAP!

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