Cleaning a Foggy/Hazy Window Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) from the Inside, Without Replacing the Glass

This is a DIY method I used to clean my hazy windows with failed seals. The total cost is small (under $100 in tools and supplies) for many windows. The method may be more difficult for some windows than it was for mine. See CORRECTIONS below.

ATTENTION: Windows may still temporarily fog up after this is done, especially on cold mornings. The primary goal is to remove the dry haze that makes the glass opaque.

Every time I walk past my picture window I'm amazed that I can see the outside (it was hazy when I moved in some years ago). Both windows I cleaned are perfectly clear (though they may seem fuzzy in photos) during the day. Replacement cost for the glass would have been very high (4-digit).

CORRECTIONS: (see Instructable below): An aquarium air pump is much better and safer than a compressor. Thinner needles are probably better. I did seal the holes with caulk eventually, on a very dry, cold day, and it fogged up in a few months, so I don't recommend this. I have since uncovered the holes and it's doing well - it fogs up a little but clears up on its own.

00:00 Intro
00:24 How Windows Become Foggy
01:25 Repair Process Overview
02:10 Tools and Supplies
10:30 Repair Process
12:08 Optional Compressor Drying (UNSAFE!)
13:00 Window Reassembly
13:35 Side-By-Side

Full Instructable here:

[Jorgetrader]

I just want to chime in and say that this video saved me 22 thousand dollars. You literally bought me a car. THANK YOU.

[RustyTheGeek]

Definitely worth a try! Be careful using the air compressor air, most compressors have condensate water in the tank that has oil and/or rust in it and you will ruin the window as you aerosolize all that nastiness into the freshly cleaned window.

[graemesinclair]

Probably the best educational video presentation for cleaning DG glass I have seen so far

[Asian_Connection]

YouTube is great. Allows people to call out the contractor BS. Great job. Thanks for sharing

[godsgirl]

👍 you are a natural teacher! I enjoyed watching this even though I could never do it!😂

[darrylday]

Thanks for skipping the music. Excellent work.

[littlespinycactus]

Worth every effort to fix those superb arched windows.

[chrisbogue]

Thanks for putting in all that work and sharing with us... when they say that it can't be done I get very skeptical

[Frey]

You're awesome! thanks for the effort to showing everyone how this is done. Zero resources for DIY as folks want to charts 1k$ per window replacement.

[CaltheScot]

I am so glad I found this film. I have the same problem at my house and have done a lot of research. If you want to look at more of the same try searching 'get the mist out' or crystal clear window works. Both professional firms but the same end result. Using this set up will save me a huge amount of money. Many thanks.

[BobRenihan]

To connect the chain of decreasing diameter hoses an adhesive like GOOP will aid joining as it will act like a lubricant and when set should give you a strong seal in the join. Great video, I will try on my cottage windows this coming summer.

[gerryleb]

I am going to pay someone to do this because I am not handy and I do not have nor do I wish to obtain all the equipment you have around your workshop, but it has been an invaluable education on how this is done. I will understand the process when I hire the company who does this.

[frankconley]

Dude that was frickin awesome. Only 74 likes with 3k views? What's wrong with people. I hit like 2 minutes in.

[mrchips]

Great vid mate. I have followed your instructions, the drilling the seal. Top tip.👍. I found normal strength white vinegar did the trick. VERY carefully drilling a 10 mm hole in the seal made the job easier..

[kirkwilson]

Glad people like this... Hope your effort was worth it as you will need to do this fairly often as the seals are still broken and now you also have holes through them. Just being realistic....

[chadwilliams]

Great video. I have 5 large windows similar to the dome window with the same hazing. Quite to “Replace and not repair” the issue were mind boggling. I saw kits such as your going for $360.00. I will follow your procedure and comment upon completion. I will likely usa C02 to blow out the alcohol. Thanks for the video, great stuff!!!!

[rodrickwimberly]

As many said, this is the best video presentation I have seen on this topic. Will try it out and reply back-thanks so much!

[deenibeeniable]

Great video. Yes, the argon doesn't add much. When you buy windows to install at high altitude they can install capillary tubes to equalize the pressure anyway, so there's no argon. Better to do it in a controlled way than to have them break as you get to higher altitude. I've lived at high altitude for a long time & you can always tell when people haven't used the capillary tubes - they get them at a home depot at low altitude & drive them up the mountain & pop! goes the window. Theirs are always fogged.

[nheng]

Fantastic video. Thank you for your time and efforts to produce it.

[planesandbikes]

Amazing. I had no idea. Had 4 of our picture window (6ft x 4 ft) glass inserts replaced for $1, 500. I bet I could have done this instead for $100. Will try it when the other 3 picture windows fail eventually. thanks