Almost every home has plastic windows. Initially bright and white, after a while they are no longer quite as attractive to look at. The white plastic windows become dirty and yellow. Even if plastic windows appear easy to clean, there are a few things to consider when caring for them. Their biggest enemy is dust, which sticks to them and can even cause scratches when wiped off. In this article, you will find out the best way to clean your vinyl windows and remove dust and dirt.
Remove light soiling
Light soiling can usually be removed with a microfiber cloth and water. Proceed as follows:
- Dust and dirt should be vacuumed or swept off at the beginning.
- Then apply lukewarm water, soapy water or a neutral cleaner to a microfiber cloth and wipe the surface of the frame. Leave the cleaning agent to work for a while and then rub the frame with water. Old toothbrushes or a butter knife wrapped in a cleaning cloth are ideal for corners and edges.
- You should not rub the window frames dry after cleaning, as any remaining dirt particles can scratch the frame. It is sufficient to wipe again with a damp cloth after cleaning.
Tip: If you prefer home remedies, you can try a mixture of vinegar and water.
What to do with stubborn stains?
For stubborn stains, warm water or washing-up liquid is often not enough:
- To Paint or color stains you can use a little turpentine or white spirit. Or you can heat the stains with a hairdryer and try to scrape them off carefully.
- Adhesive residue from fly screens or roller blinds can be removed with cooking oil, acetone-free nail polish remover or carpet adhesive remover.
In general, if plastic windows are very dirty, pre-treat them by soaking them. This makes them easier to remove later.
Stubborn stains can also often be removed with oven spray. However, it should only be used in exceptional cases as it can attack the plastic.
These cleaning agents are prohibited
Although some cleaning agents help very well, they can attack and damage the plastic in the long term. They should therefore not be used when cleaning window frames. To the prohibited cleaners include:
- Bleaching agent with a high chlorine content: they cause the window frames to yellow more quickly.
- Scouring agentThey damage the surface and ensure that dust and dirt can settle more quickly. They can also damage the window panes if they get onto the glass.
- High pressure cleanerThey should also be avoided as they can damage the surface and seals.
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How to clean yellowed windows
Over the years, plastic windows can turn yellow and fade due to high levels of sunlight. The more dirt there is on them, the faster the process progresses. Cigarette smoke, candle smoke and water vapor can also cause the plastic frames on the inward-facing side to change color.
If the frames are already heavily yellowed, it is difficult to get them properly clean again. In such a case, there are only two options: You can carefully sand the yellowed frames with fine (!) sandpaper or polish them until their original color is visible again. If this is not enough, the only other option is to repaint the plastic windows or replace them.
Regular care is the be-all and end-all
Regular window care is essential to prevent heavy soiling and discoloration. This not only prevents stubborn stains, but also extends the service life of the windows. You should clean PVC windows at least twice a year and check them for damage at the same time. The drainage openings also need regular cleaning and should always be checked.
You should also check the seals and hinges once a year. Clean seals ensure good thermal insulation in winter. Dirty seals are susceptible to mold. Wipe them with a damp cloth and then treat them with deer tallow, silicone oil or a grease stick. Lubricate the hinges with acid-free lubricating oil. But make sure that it does not get into the seals.
With increasing age, the plasticizers contained in the plastic make the material brittle. It then requires additional sealing and more care. To keep your window frames beautiful and radiant in the long term, good cleaning is a must. Cleaning at regular intervals also means less work in the end.
Sources: fensterversand, obi
