During the repair process, many surfaces become dirty, which will surprise few people. The main thing is to promptly and correctly remove drops of cement from the stained surface in order not to spoil it.
It is almost impossible to destroy or remove high-quality cement from the working surface; moreover, the material can be combined with various substances and surfaces. Cement mortar is used during the repair process. It is impossible to prevent cement from getting on windows or expensive linoleum, so the question becomes quite obvious: how and how to wash cement?
- Method number 1. Clean windows with vinegar and soda
- Mechanical method of cleaning a concrete mixer
- Chemical method for cleaning bricks
Proper care of plastic frames and double-glazed windows
With proper care, a plastic window lasts for 40 years. To do this, it is enough to carry out several simple procedures 1-2 times a year.
Double-glazed window maintenance
Glass must be washed at least once a year. It is not recommended to carry out this procedure in winter. This is explained by the fact that upon contact with warm water, the glass may crack.
Window sill and slope care
It is recommended to wash window sills and slopes with the products recommended by the seller. This is due to the fact that these parts are made from different types of plastic. If the window sill is used as a place for growing plants, then the surface should be covered with film. Otherwise, irremovable yellow spots will appear on the plastic over time. In addition, every few years you need to change the sealant that fills the cavities between the slopes and the window frame.
How to care for rubber seals
It is recommended to wash the rubber seals at the same time as the glass and window frame, wiping the latter dry after each procedure. These products must then be treated with silicone lubricant.
Plastic windows are washed using the same products that are recommended for cleaning any glass. However, when cleaning PVC products, it is prohibited to use acetone, gasoline and other aggressive substances.
Tips and tricks
In order to clean glass, it is better to use foaming detergents. In this case, the foam penetrates the dust particles, destroying them. After cleaning the cement, you need to polish the cleaned surface using a soft, dry rag. If there are previously undetected contaminants, they can now be removed. Do not use metal objects when cleaning - they will scratch plastic and glass.
When scratches appear, they can sometimes be masked by treating the surface with polish.
Source: hozzi.ru
Glass cleaning products
During construction work, cement may get on plastic windows. Once contaminants have dried, it is difficult to clean the surface of them.
In such a situation, it is important to know how you can wash cement from plastic windows without damaging them. It can be done, but you need to act carefully and in accordance with the rules
Glass surfaces are difficult to clean. The difficulty is to choose a product that will not only clean, but also will not leave streaks and scratches on the surface. So, let's look at the list of products for washing car windows, frosted shower walls, windows and other things.
You need to take a container, dissolve half a bar of soap there, and fill it with hot water. For quick dilution, you can stir the solution until
foam formation. There should be approximately 3–5 liters of water, but if there are many windows, then you can dilute a larger volume at once or periodically change the soapy water. It is better to take laundry soap.
This option is not only simple, but also economical.
Dishwashing detergents
Dishwashing detergents are also suitable for glass, especially those in the kitchen. This could be an oven or stove door, as well as a table, kettle, or microwave. Here the stains are more complex than on windows: they consist not only of dust, but also of stains from food, grease, drinks and waste products. Therefore, dishwashing detergents are great due to their grease-removing properties.
Add a couple of drops of detergent to a container of water and stir until light foam appears. Next, use a rag, sponge or spray bottle to wet the surface. You can clean shower walls, even matte ones.
In the household chemicals department, buy a product specifically for glass. But they are not always universal, since what is suitable for a car will not always fit a microwave or glass kettle. In addition, it is more expensive in monetary terms.
Mix 1 liter of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. All this is stirred. If desired, you can add 1 more spoon. Vinegar is sometimes replaced with alcohol, you can also add glycerin or dissolve an aspirin tablet. Vinegar has a low concentration and it takes a lot of effort to clean something with it. But the result will be good.
If vinegar is mixed with water to clean a glass table, you can add essential oil to make it easier to clean without streaks. By the way, essential oil smells nice and will provide a pleasant smell in the room. Glycerin is added to repel particles of dust and dirt from the table. After cleaning, it is better to wipe the surface dry so that dust and dirt do not settle from the air and onto the wet surface. Also, if you remove moisture immediately, streaks will not form later.
Potassium permanganate is one of the oldest folk remedies. It really cleans perfectly, but, alas, it is powerless against grease stains. Potassium permanganate is added to the water in a small volume - a few drops will be enough. It is also convenient for cleaning shower walls. You can add a few drops of lemon juice to potassium permanganate - it will create an atmosphere of freshness, as it cleans the air.
Instead of lemon, it is forbidden to add citric acid - it is difficult to dissolve and grains can leave scratches.
Chalk mixture and bleach solution
Using a spray bottle, apply the mixture to contaminated areas. You cannot use rags and sponges for this; you need to moisten it generously. Then leave it for a while and let it dry. Remove dried residues with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Necessary equipment
To protect your skin from drying out during work, and your respiratory tract from exposure to harmful fumes, you will need gloves and a respirator.
From your inventory it will be enough to have:
- at least 3 soft cloths;
- plastic spatula;
- scraper for ceramic tiles.
After the “arsenal” has been assembled, you need to decide on the order of actions.
Removing paint
Any paint that gets on the profile or glass is removed with a rag soaked in solvent. Removing dried paint depends on its composition.
Oil paint
Remains of oil paint from the frame are removed with a special solvent. "Solvent" and "White Spirit" cope with fresh traces.
Cleaning process for heavy stains
Dried marks are carefully scraped off with a blade. Attempting to clean windows and frames with acidic or alkaline substances is prohibited due to possible damage to the surface. Abrasive substances and sharp tools will have a bad effect on the outer coating of the frame.
Water-based paint
- Fresh traces are washed with clean water or soap solution.
- Dried drops are removed with a spatula.
- Dried water-based or acrylic paint is wiped off with soap and a brush.
How to remove foil from a window
A glass-ceramic hob scraper is best for removing foil.
You can remove the foil from the glass using a glass ceramic hob scraper. This tool copes with the problem without the use of household chemicals.
If the scraper fails to remove everything, then continue to clean the window with the hard side of the sponge using the following mixture: soda or Comet powder is mixed with alcohol or solvent. It will not be possible to wipe the foil off the glass immediately using this method. When, after painstaking work, the result is achieved, the glass surface must be put in order by polishing it with felt with diamond paste.
Another option is Amway Oven Cleaner Gel. It is distributed over the entire surface to be treated and left for half an hour. Dilute a small amount of vinegar in water. Soak a rag or sponge with this liquid and wash the glass. If the first time it was not possible to wash the sun film from plastic windows, then repeat the procedure.
A drill with a soft attachment for grinding glass together with powder for the same procedure helps to get rid of the problem.
What not to do when cleaning windows
When trying to tidy up window structures on their own, owners sometimes damage them. To prevent this from happening, before cleaning the windows from cement, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most common mistakes. When cleaning window openings, it is strongly recommended not to:
- Use aggressive means. Most likely they will remove dirt, but there is a high probability of damaging the plastic.
- Apply cleaning agents to seals and other elements made of rubber. The structure of the latter may be damaged, as a result the window structure will lose its tightness, and damaged components will have to be replaced.
- Use cleaning chemicals that are not suitable for plastic surfaces. It may not dissolve the cement composition, but it will damage the window. It is unlikely that it will be restored after this.
- Use household chemicals without first studying the instructions. You should make sure that it is completely harmless to PVC windows. Most products indicate the ratios in which they need to be diluted. If such information is available, you should follow the recommendations and do not apply the composition in concentrated form.
- Use sharp, metal tools. They can leave deep scratches that are visible to prying eyes.
The above useful tips will help you complete the job efficiently and quickly, and prevent damage to PVC windows. Subsequently, they will look beautiful and last a long time.
How to clean cement from windows
The main problem with cleaning cement from windows is the delicacy of the glass surface. You cannot use hard brushes or scrapers to remove stains. This greatly complicates the procedure, since old dirt practically eats into the glass.
First of all, try folk remedies that do not require special expenses. If they do not help, use gentle chemical substances designed specifically for dissolving and removing cement as assistants. For mechanical action, if necessary, use plastic or rubber scrapers or soft brushes.
What should you not do when trying to clean windows?
To really clean the glass and not render it unusable, do not:
- use of aggressive detergents;
- the use of metal brushes and scrapers;
- contact of any, even gentle, chemicals on the rubber parts of the windows, as they may deteriorate.
Before purchasing the product, carefully study the composition
It is important that the substance does not harm either glass or plastic
Special products and solvents
If you decide to use a store-bought cleaner for cleaning, pay attention to the most popular ones. The principle of their action is based on the disruption of the chemical bonds of cement with the surface and with each other.
Subsequently, the solution becomes loose and can be easily removed with a wet cloth.
Comet
Cream-gel for bathrooms perfectly softens cement.
Using a rag, apply the substance to the stains and wait until the mixture softens. After this, wash off the dirt with a wet cloth or running water. At the last stage, wipe the surface with glass cleaner and dry with a towel.
Atlas Szop
The product works on the basis of caustic alkali in its composition, which dissolves building mixtures.
To remove dirt, moisten the stains generously with the product and wait until the cement softens. Wipe off dirt with a rag and then polish the surface with glass cleaner.
Cement N Concrete Remover
The product is designed specifically for removing cement mixtures.
To clean windows without much effort, apply the product to the stains and wait at least 30 minutes. After you see that the stains have become loose, the cement can be washed off with water.
To remove stubborn stains, repeat the procedure until you are satisfied with the result.
Bio Decap
The substance is developed on the basis of organic compounds. Absolutely harmless to humans and gentle on sensitive surfaces.
Apply the product first and wait until the cement softens. Afterwards, wash off any remaining dirt with water and polish the surface.
Blitz
An acidic cleaner used to clean toilets and sinks works great on cement stains.
Perform the procedure wearing gloves. Dampen the cement stains with the substance and wait until it softens. Then wipe off the residue with a sponge and polish the glass with a soft cloth.
Clean windows with vinegar and soda
If you have vinegar and soda at home, don't run to the store for a cleaning product. First, try removing traces of cement from windows with a homemade product. To avoid burns, protect your hands with rubber gloves. For the procedure you will need acetic acid (70%), soda, two rags, a sponge, and water.
Procedure:
- Soak one rag with acetic acid.
- Wipe off any dirt on the glass.
- Lightly moisten the second rag with water and sprinkle with baking soda.
- Rub the stains thoroughly for 1-2 minutes.
- Rinse off any remaining mixture with water.
- Polish the window with detergent or vinegar diluted in water in a ratio of 1:50.
Clean windows with lemon juice
If there are few traces of cement and they are very fresh, try removing them with lemon juice. For this:
- Cut the lemon in half.
- Use one half to thoroughly wipe away dirt.
- Wait until the solution softens.
- Rinse off any remaining mixture with a wet cloth and polish the glass.
If the cement is completely fresh, it can be easily washed off with plain water. Older marks can also be removed with water. In addition to water, you will need a rubber or plastic spatula for the procedure. Wet the dirt and wait until the mixture softens a little. Then scrape off the residue with a putty knife and polish the glass.
What tools will you need?
To remove cement stains, you need more than just chemicals. Since the mixture can dry strongly to the surface, you will need to somehow act on the stain mechanically.
You will need:
- bucket;
- towels;
- fleece and cotton rags;
- sponges of varying hardness;
- plastic scrapers and spatulas;
- latex gloves.
Please note that the use of metal scrapers may have a detrimental effect on the quality of the surface after cleaning. Tools can damage plastic, glass and other coatings.
Frame and glass cleaners
You can wash the window after all remaining building materials have been removed. To clean the frame, you can use soap or regular dishwashing detergent. The first should be grated and dissolved in 3 liters of water. Only 1 tbsp of detergent is required. l. You can also use other household chemicals: Mr. Proper, Cillit Bang, Sanita, Domestos. Ammonia helps remove stubborn construction dust. It is necessary to dissolve 25 ml of the substance in 1 liter of warm water.
To wash glass, you can use the following products: Mister Muscle, Help, Wedge, Sif, Ecover, Second for Glass. The solution can also be prepared from improvised means. For example, you can mix 50 ml of alcohol and table vinegar, then add 1 tbsp. l. starch. Dissolve all this in 0.5 liters of water. The products must be sprayed from a spray bottle onto the windows and then rubbed with a rag. The fabric should be lint-free.
First you need to wash the outside, and then the inside. It is better to carry out the procedure in the morning or evening so that direct sunlight does not hit the windows after using chemicals.
General recommendations for cleaning windows
Before choosing a suitable method for cleaning window structures, it is recommended to consider some important points. They will significantly facilitate the process of cleaning double-glazed windows, saving time and labor costs.
Helpful Tips:
- Before starting repair work, it is necessary to reliably protect the windows from the penetration of soil, cement, paint, plaster, and other building materials. It would not be superfluous to protect the PVC structure from accidental mechanical damage: cover it with polyethylene.
- After successful completion of repairs in the room, it is important to remove all protective coatings within several days. Otherwise, there is a possibility that the polyethylene or construction tape will stick strongly. Over time, it will be difficult to remove them; sticky dirt will remain on plastic and glass surfaces.
- If, when carrying out repair work, safety measures were accidentally violated (regarding window structures), or traces of contamination appeared on the profile, then it is prohibited to use sharp, metal tools to remove them. With a high probability, the latter will lead to a violation of the integrity of the plastic. Only special safe devices with a rubber or plastic base are allowed to be used. You can purchase them in construction supermarkets.
- When choosing convenient and effective materials for washing dirty windows, it is better to prefer soft cotton, synthetic fabrics (containing polyester), and flannel. After use, they should not leave fibers on surfaces. Additionally, thick paper napkins and towels are suitable. You cannot use toilet paper or other thin paper.
- If the use of gentle methods for cleaning PVC windows does not bring the desired result, a decision is made to resort to more effective chemicals; safety precautions must be strictly observed: protect the skin, mucous membranes, and avoid inhaling toxic fumes. After using special chemicals, the room must be well ventilated. In addition, the preparation of solutions and the cleaning procedure must be carried out according to the attached instructions.
- It is important to remember: first, windows should be washed from the outside, and then from the inside. Washing window structures is carried out in the following sequence: glass, frames, fittings, window sill. Moreover, it is advisable to first clean the profile with a vacuum cleaner. This will allow you to completely get rid of small particles, dust, and plaster.
- When using any strong chemical, you must ensure that it does not come into contact with the rubber elements or remain on the profile for a long time. This will protect window structures from cracks.
- Acetone should not be applied to PVC surfaces in large volumes or left on them for a long period. Gels containing abrasive components and powders are also undesirable for plastic windows: they can damage the frames and window sill. In addition, you should not use very hot water or heated liquid formulations.
- It is better to wash PVC windows during the day when they are not exposed to direct sunlight. If possible, it is better to perform this manipulation in cloudy weather, early in the morning or in the evening.
The above recommendations are easy to follow. The main thing is to plan in advance the sequence of all work, prepare the necessary tools and equipment. In this way, it is possible to quickly and efficiently put plastic windows in proper order after completing renovations in the room.
Removing cement from various surfaces
To clean marble, travertine, granite, and most painted items, do not use strong acids. It is necessary to use an acid-free product (approximately 500 ml per 2.5 liters of water). Moisten the surface of the stone with the solution
You can scrub off dirt with a brush, but be very careful.
Cleaning the concrete mixer
You can remove concrete residues from a concrete mixer quickly and safely. There are special means for this. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when using them. They will also help clean your cast iron cauldron.
Cleaning the walls of a concrete mixer used to prepare cement mortar will be speeded up by the use of crushed stone (small stones) poured inside.
You can clean the outside of the concrete mixer with water and suitable cleaning agents and tools.
Removing Cement from Clothes
There are several ways to remove cement from clothes.
It is best to remove contamination while it is fresh:
Scrape off the cement layer. Remove any remaining traces with a suitable solvent.
In both cases, be careful not to damage your clothing. First test the fabric's reaction to the chemical in an inconspicuous area. Cover the stain with a piece of paper or cloth and clean with a solvent. Wash your clothes.
How to wash cement mortar after it has dried:
- An old dried stain on pants or another item of clothing must first be softened. Vinegar is best suited for this purpose.
- Cover the stain with paper and apply vinegar so that it does not spread.
- Clean any remaining stain with solvent.
- Traces left after softening can be easily removed by washing.
Shoe cleaning:
Apply vinegar to your shoes to soften the concrete. If the stain on your boots is large, carefully remove it with a knife. Clean the dirt with a rag or brush and soap. Dry your shoes and apply shoe polish if necessary.
Removing cement from a machine
You can try to wash cement from your car by moistening it with vinegar, which softens mineral-based materials without damaging the paint on the car. Apply it several times and wash it off after a while.
Expert opinion Natalya Osadchaya
To clean the car body, it is better to use cement solvent
But when using it, it is important to be careful with metal parts (possible damage from acid).
Cleaning the floor
Before mopping the floor, it should be vacuumed or swept.
First, mechanically remove any remaining mortar using a spatula. Treat cleaned areas with a suitable solvent and rinse with water.
Removing cement from tiles
You can clean cement from tiles as follows:
- Remove any remaining solution with a spatula.
- Rinse with water. If residues cannot be removed, use solvents.
- Pour vinegar directly onto the surface.
- Leave it to act (you can periodically remove particles of the solution from the tiles with a brush).
- Rinse.
- Repeat the procedure until you can completely clear the tiles of cement.
Cleaning the toilet and bathtub
The best product that can clean a bathtub and toilet without damaging the ceramic coating or chrome faucet is vinegar. Treat concrete stains with it and leave for 30 minutes.
Then carefully remove with a scraper (ideally a plastic or wooden one that will not damage the surface)
You can also clean the bathtub and toilet with special solvents. The Barracuda product is most suitable for the bathroom; it is also recommended for cleaning natural stone from cement (for example, granite parts), plastic products, and glass surfaces.
Removing cement from metal
Using a scraper may damage the metal surface. Therefore, it is recommended to wet the hardened cement with water. After soaking, you can wash the iron with a solution of water and car shampoo in double concentration. Do not use acidic cleaners to clean metal.
Dissolving cement in the sewer
Drain the water from the drain and add vinegar. Leave for 3 days, then try cleaning with a pipe cleaner. Reapply vinegar if necessary.
Problems with washing
During repair work, even with maximum care and precision, cement will stain the finished surface, which will immediately ruin the entire positive result. If you remove the grout from the tiles immediately before it hardens, you can avoid further cleaning work. But the constant elimination of emerging cement stains greatly extends the duration of the work. Therefore, as a rule, they are removed at the final stage of repair. The most difficult task is to clean tools or contaminated surfaces from old dried concrete. However, it is possible.
How to clean a window sill after renovation
All of the above recommendations are good if you need to remove stains that have arisen during the cooking process in the kitchen. But what if the problem is more serious than ordinary household pollution?
Repair work leaves a lot of stains on the windowsill.
For example, if you need to wash a plastic window sill after repair work. Proceed as follows:
Remove all plugs, as a lot of different dust usually accumulates under them
To begin, thoroughly vacuum the window structure, then wipe the surfaces with a damp sponge, paying special attention to the dirty areas.
If there is any primer, putty or plaster left on the window sill, remove the residue with abrasives. You can use a special detergent from the hardware store or use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar - both methods will be quite effective if not a lot of time has passed.
But after a few days, only professional solvents will help you, which are not cheap - keep this in mind. Apply the selected product for half an hour, then remove with a rubber spatula or just a wooden spatula. Rinse off any remaining residue thoroughly with warm water.
If there is foam left on the window sill, use a stiff brush - with its help you can easily remove dirt. Remains of construction dirt can be easily washed off with a solution of laundry soap.
Types of cement contamination
Depending on how long ago the cement mark was left, cleaning methods differ.
Fresh cement
Such stains must be removed within 24 hours after they were placed. This is the simplest and most effective option, since the cement does not yet have time to harden and dry. It is not necessary to clean everything thoroughly, just wash off the main dirt, and there will be fewer problems in the future.
You can remove dirt with plain water and a sponge. Please note that too strong movements can lead to damage to the surface, so wash off marks as carefully and effortlessly as possible. It is better to add more water, which will dissolve the drying cement more strongly.
Pollution not older than a month
It will be easier to remove cement stains if they are less than 28 days old. The fact is that complete drying and maximum adhesion of the construction mixture occur precisely during this period. If this deadline is missed, it will be extremely difficult to clean up the contamination.
First, try washing the surface with plain or soapy water, generously wetting the dirt. If this does not help, arm yourself with a soft brush and gentle detergents. Let the cement soak thoroughly and only then scrub mechanically.
Old pollution
If the cement stains are more than a few months or even years old, the fight will be difficult. Over time, the substance is able to penetrate the surface of the material, destroying its structure. You may be able to remove the remnants, but dark traces may remain.
Use concentrated substances and acids, as well as scrapers and spatulas as assistants.
Cleaning immediately after installation
Do not think that immediately after the specialists arrive and dismantle the old window structures, your new plastic products will look like new. Upon completion of installation, a film remains on the surface of the profile, and on the glass there are various stains from adhesive tape, polyurethane foam and other materials that were used during the work. Don't put off general window cleaning until the weekend or free time. The glue that holds the protective film on the windows can turn yellow and dry when exposed to direct sunlight, and such stains will be extremely difficult to remove after a week. In addition, during this time dust from the street will stick to it. And if glass can be cleaned using any alcohol-containing spray, then profiles in this matter are more demanding and capricious.
How to clean tape from a plastic window?
The solution to this issue lies on the surface. Traces of tape, that is, its remains, of course, must be removed. Then glue stains will remain on the surface of the glass or profile, which can be easily removed with a thin blade or stationery knife. Do not rush to use thicker tools such as a spatula. They can scratch the surface.
The same applies to all kinds of glass stickers. If they have a paper base, but you can’t carefully tear them off with your fingers, take a spray bottle and spray the sticker with water. After a few minutes, the paper base will spread, and the glue can be easily removed using the method described above.
You'll have to work hard with tape-type labels. Sometimes such “applications” stick to the plastic so strongly that it is almost impossible to remove them. Take the thinnest and sharpest kitchen knife in your hands and pick up the corners of the sticker. Carefully lower the knife, with each movement of which the sticker will slowly come off. Residues of glue can be removed with any glass chemical.
How to clean polyurethane foam?
This building material is very difficult to clean off, so it is better to prevent such contamination than to destroy it. While the craftsmen are working, make sure that they wipe away the mounting foam from the plastic windows whenever it gets on the surface of the frame. If it was not possible to monitor the formation of stains, the dried foam will have to be scraped off with a knife.
List of cleaning products that help quickly deal with such stains:
- Phenozol. This name comes from the brand, a global manufacturer of plastic window care products. The product line contains a product that does not contain various solvents that have a detrimental effect on the white color of frames.
- Penosil is a European company engaged in the production of polyurethane foam and special construction adhesives. To remove these products from work surfaces, they have released Premium Foam Cleaner. With this cleaner you can even remove stains from human skin and clothing. The composition contains a small amount of solvent, but due to the presence of softening components, the product does not harm the surface of the window profile.
- Dimexide. This drug is sold in pharmacies and is used for muscle pain or joint diseases. Dimethyl sulfoxide contained in the gel or solution helps clear foam from the frame or glass. After applying the composition, you can wash the window with a soft cloth without using chemicals.
The drug can cause allergies, so work should be performed with rubber gloves.
How to remove paint?
This problem of all the above is considered the most difficult to solve. Usually such contaminants can be easily washed off with acetone, which in our case is strictly contraindicated.
First, try scraping off the stains with a razor blade. If you can't use a knife, rub the problem areas with nail polish remover without acetone.
Water-based paint can be removed using a construction or regular household hair dryer. Hold the working device near the stain for several minutes; the paint will soften and can be easily removed with a damp cloth.
Removing adhesive stains
As mentioned earlier, if you do not remove the protective film from the glass and window sill of a plastic window in time, the glue will begin to dry out. To remove such stubborn stains, prepare a solution with 10 parts water and 1 part acetic acid. Use a rag soaked in this liquid to treat the area where glue residues are concentrated and begin rubbing the surface with a dish sponge. The better the sponge, the faster you will see results. On average, the duration of the procedure is 30-40 minutes.
Traditional methods
There are times when it is not possible to use strong chemicals to clean window structures. Then there is nothing left to do but turn to proven folk methods:
- Nail polish remover (acetone-free composition). Helps remove various stains, including any paint or glue.
- Vinegar. On the eve of use, it should be diluted in slightly warmed water (ratio 5:2). This composition will allow you to quickly bring the windows into proper shape.
- Ammonia. Eliminates dirt on PVC frames that appeared after repairs. It is required to dilute 10 g of the substance in 1 liter of water.
- Kerosene. Apply only to contaminated areas and help remove dried paint. Gasoline can be used similarly.
- Acetic acid. After combining with water, it acts like ordinary vinegar and is suitable for cleaning double-glazed windows. It will get rid of yellowed spots on the profile caused by smoke and sun.
- Gel-like detergents (foaming agents). In the process of using them, the plastic is not damaged, and there are no streaks left on the glass afterwards. Preparation of the solution: dissolve 3 tablespoons of gel in 10 liters of water, foam. The prepared liquid should be used to wash the windows.
- A piece of genuine leather (without dyeing). Soak it in vodka or medical alcohol, then wipe the window surfaces with it, removing dirt.
There are often recommendations to wipe double-glazed windows with solutions of soda or table salt. But after using this method, the plastic may be damaged, and over time the window structures will fail. The following tips are considered more effective:
- Tea infusion. It has the useful property of removing dirt. You need to brew strong tea, pour 3 tablespoons of edible vinegar into it. It is recommended to apply the resulting composition to the window with a sprayer, then wipe with a rag. At the last stage, you need to rinse the window surface with clean water, then apply paper towels.
- Glycerol. To prevent the double-glazed windows from becoming dirty too quickly, it is recommended to wipe them with an aqueous solution of ammonia and glycerin. This procedure will protect the glass from fine dirt, dust, and prevent fogging.
- Potassium permanganate. Combine a little potassium permanganate with water: you should get a light pink solution. It is important to ensure that absolutely all crystals dissolve. Use the resulting liquid to thoroughly wipe the glass surfaces.
- Starch. Helps quickly deal with dust on windows and avoid the formation of streaks. In practice, many recipes are used, but the simplest is the following: dissolve a tablespoon of the substance in 1 liter of water. Apply the resulting mixture liberally to the window, wipe it with a sponge, and leave to dry. Then the glass surface must be wiped with a dry cloth to remove any remaining starch.
- Raw potatoes. Cut into pieces, grate the glass. When they dry out over time, remove the remaining starch with microfiber.
By following the above recommendations and choosing the most suitable product for a particular situation, it is possible to put PVC windows in proper order in a few hours.
How to remove stains
To clean window glass efficiently, you don’t have to buy expensive branded products. As practice has shown, it is quite possible to prepare effective and completely safe compositions with your own hands. A detergent made from available ingredients will help remove stains:
- alcohol (medical or technical) – 50 ml;
- food vinegar (9%) – 50 ml;
- water – 0.5 l;
- starch (potato or corn) - 1 large spoon.
Mode of application:
- Connect all components and move well.
- Spray on the window with a spray bottle.
- Wipe the treated window surface thoroughly with a napkin.
Table vinegar can be replaced with citric acid or the juice of three lemons.
Cleaning plastic frames and window sills using improvised means
After completing the repair work, to wash PVC surfaces you will definitely need a double-sided sponge (one side should be hard, the other soft) or rags. If the windows are oily, it is recommended to use dish detergent.
A more difficult problem is removing protective film from windows. As practice shows, when fresh it can be easily removed, but after a while it strongly sticks to the PVC window sill. Then the polyethylene needs to be heated with a hair dryer and lightly pulled at the edge so that it does not rupture. Additionally, you can try sticking wide tape on top, then tear it off.
Another fairly persistent stain on plastic windows is old primer stains. Soap solutions and all kinds of solvents cannot cope with them. Under such circumstances, (to the surprise of many) fresh soil will help out. It should be carefully applied to the stain, wait a few minutes, then wash off the dirt with a rag.
Considerable difficulties are caused by attempts to free a PVC window sill from old traces of liquid nails. If they are water-based, heating with a hairdryer will help. Additionally, you will have to work with a rubberized spatula or sponge.
It is quite possible to remove limescale from window surfaces with salt water or an aqueous solution of vinegar. Residues are removed with a rag.
To clean PVC windows, it is better to use a special scraper designed for working with glass surfaces. It is inexpensive, and you can buy it in hardware and construction stores. This tool will come in handy many times later. You cannot use spatulas or knives to remove dirt from window structures. Their effectiveness is low, and the likelihood of damaging the plastic surface is high.
Safe products and tools
Use only soft cloths and tools, as glass is very easy to damage
You need to take care of frosted glass doors, furniture sets, and sinks using devices that are safe for coating.
Suitable for surface:
- Synthetic suede cloths. It has a multi-layer porous structure, which allows it to absorb moisture well. Another plus is the absence of lint in the composition, so it does not remain on the matte surface.
- Microfiber cloths. They are comfortable, smooth, and do not leave streaks.
- Magnetic sponges. This is a device with a sponge and a scraper, which are located on each side. They have a built-in magnet. Using a magnetic sponge, you can firmly press the soft sponge onto the glass and ensure that there are no streaks and that dirt is removed.
- Melamine sponge. They effectively wash dirty matte surfaces even without using a cleaning agent. Old greasy stains can also be removed with a melamine sponge.
A steam mop is a device that safely removes carbon deposits and grease from matte surfaces, even if the stains are old. The nozzles are made of microfiber, so you don’t have to worry about the condition of the coating.
Safe household chemicals: how to choose
“Mr. Muscle” effectively cleans glass surfaces
You can clean dirty frosted glass on a door at home using household chemicals.
When choosing them, you need to pay attention to the composition
To remove stains, do not use detergents that contain alkali, acids and silicone. Organic solvents and powders are also prohibited. All these substances erase the matte coating.
It is not recommended to use regular soap: it leaves a lot of stains that are difficult to get rid of.
You can wash off water deposits on glass, traces of stickers and grease using the following chemicals:
- Glass liquids: “Mr. Muscle”, “Fratty Cleaner”, “Clin”.
- Dishwashing gels: “Fairy”, “Gala”, “Pril”, “Cinderella”.
- Universal products for cleaning various surfaces. Compositions such as Amway LOC and Profoam 3000 are safe for frosted glass.
- "Ajax" is a special product for adding to a steam cleaner. It will help clean the glass, even if the stains are old.
Folk remedies: their advantages and disadvantages
You can clean surfaces with a matte finish using traditional methods. Their main advantages are the availability and safety of the composition. Although improvised means are inferior to industrial ones in efficiency, they still produce results.
Popular methods:
- Laundry soap shavings. Grate half the bar on a coarse grater and add a little soapy water to obtain a saturated soap solution. Dampen a soft sponge and wash contaminated surfaces. The composition copes with fresh greasy stains, so it is suitable for caring for matte oven doors.
- Liquid soap with glycerin. Combine a few tablespoons of liquid soap with a teaspoon of glycerin. Apply the composition to the surface, wait 10 minutes, then rub gently. The product is suitable for combating old grease stains.
- Vinegar solution. Combine half a glass of vinegar at a concentration of 9% with a liter of water. Place the container on the stove and heat it under a closed lid to 50 degrees. Dampen a napkin or sponge in the solution, wipe the surfaces, then rinse with clean water and wipe the glass dry.
- Solution with citric acid. It is effective in removing limescale that often appears on shower doors. To prepare, dissolve 20 g of acid in 200 ml of warm water and mix. Pour the solution into a spray bottle, spray the composition on the surface and leave for 15 minutes. Afterwards, wipe the door with a soft sponge and rinse with warm water.
- Composition with starch. This product will cope with minor stains. Place a spoonful of 18 g of potato starch in a liter of water and stir thoroughly. Wipe the glass elements, rinse with cold water, and wipe dry.
- Composition with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. The components must be combined in equal proportions. Dip a sponge in the resulting mixture and treat the contaminated areas. This product is suitable for cleaning fireplace glass.
- Paste for removing rusty deposits from frosted glass. Mix finely ground table salt and lemon juice (a tablespoon each) in equal proportions and apply to the stained area without rubbing. Leave for 10 minutes, then remove and remove any remaining residue with cool water. This product will also help clean the fireplace glass from soot and burnt marks.
When working with compounds that are aggressive to the skin, such as vinegar and ammonia, you need to protect your hands with rubber gloves.
How to remove dried concrete using home methods
Of course, it is very convenient to use special solvents to get rid of dried cement mortar. But very often there is no opportunity to purchase the products in question, and then you can resort to homemade cleaning products.
Manual/mechanical method
Dried cement mortar can also be removed mechanically: with a chisel, hammer, spatula, sandpaper. These tools can be used to clean, for example, tiles in the event of intended secondary use. To obtain the expected result, it is necessary to fix the tile vertically (elementary - clamp it in a vice) and by placing a chisel at an angle to the place of contamination, you can apply blows of medium intensity. In this way, large fragments of dried concrete will be removed, and final cleaning should be done with sandpaper.
Please note: if you want to get rid of dried concrete faster and easier, then experts recommend soaking the tiles in water first - in this case, you can remove the cement mortar with a spatula.
Very often, to clean surfaces, amateurs use a grinder or a drill with a special “petal” sanding attachment - this is permissible, but only on large areas of the surface to be cleaned and on durable contaminated material.
Chemical method
At home, you can use sulfuric acid - it is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10 and heated in a cast-iron bowl.
Objects that need to be cleaned of cement are dipped into diluted and heated sulfuric acid - they will become clean quickly enough. Important: the method of removing concrete using sulfuric acid is dangerous for humans, so both experts and doctors do not recommend its use.
An alkaline solution from old car batteries will help to perform the described procedure much easier and safer. Using a rag soaked in the solution, wipe the dried concrete and after 15-20 minutes it will be possible to remove the remaining cement mortar. Hydrochloric acid also works.
Remember that when working with such aggressive liquids you only need to wear thick rubber gloves, a respirator and goggles.
Removing concrete from carpets and textiles
It is clear that there is no need to remove dried cement mortar from textiles with vinegar or a grinder/sandpaper - the result will be a damaged item. But you can use the following methods
:
Solvents for cement mortar show excellent results - many have long stopped worrying about “hopelessly” damaged surfaces
It is only important to choose a product that will not spoil the contaminated product.
After completing a long renovation, it’s so nice to be in a perfectly clean apartment. But even such a joyful moment can be ruined, for example, if there are stains or cement residues on the surface of the tile that can spoil such beauty. However, you shouldn’t worry too much, because today there is a special modern tool for removing cement mortar residues. It will be possible to remove, wash, and clean cement residues not only easily, but also quite quickly if you use the tips given in this article.
After laying the tiles and grouting the joints, the appearance of the room and the tiles fades slightly; stains and cement residues remain on the surface of the tiles. However, don’t worry, a special modern product will easily remove cement residues.
Stages of cleaning windows from dried solution
The ideal option is to wipe off cement mortar stains from windows before it hardens. But if the moment is missed, get ready for a more labor-intensive process.
To make your glass shine like new, you need to carry out several cleaning steps:
- Soak the concrete and rub it for about 20 seconds. At this step, detergents of varying degrees of aggressiveness are used.
- Remove stains with baking soda.
- Polish the glass.
Only if these manipulations are performed consistently will the windows shine again.
Washing from clothes
The resin quickly absorbs into clothing, making it difficult to wash off. But small damaged areas can be cleaned using the following means.
Alcohols
You should take a 10 percent solution of ammonia or medical alcohol and wet the stain. Then leave to react for 5 minutes and carefully remove with a spatula.
Turpentine
You can effectively clean clothes using turpentine. To do this, take in equal proportions:
- potato starch;
- ammonia;
- turpentine.
Apply the mixture to the contaminated area and leave until completely dry. Then rub it with a brush and put the item in the washing machine.
Melting
The stain can be removed using heat. To do this, apply a clean sheet of paper to the stain and iron it with a hot iron. After this, it is carefully scraped off with a sharp object.
Store-bought stain removers
Stubborn stains can be removed using professional stain removers. Oxygen-containing bleaches are suitable for white clothes.
Soak clothes in water with bleach and leave for 1-1.5 hours. Then you need to wash the item in the washing machine.
Solvents
Solvents are used to remove stains. To do this, soak the stain with a cotton swab dipped in a solvent. It takes 15-20 minutes to take effect. Then wipe it with a napkin and put it in the wash with conditioner.
It is recommended to dissolve stains in this way on plain clothes.
Carbonated drinks
You can easily remove stains with drinks such as Coca-Cola, Fanta. To do this, soak the stain in the drink and leave for several hours. The clothes are then washed as usual.