How to clean plastic windows from yellowness and dirt

Without special devices

Experienced housewives know that washing a window does not mean polishing the glass until it shines; all parts of the structure deserve attention. You should start with preparation: remove curtains, nets, clear the window sill. Then proceed to the main part.

Step-by-step instruction:

Cleaning frames with soapy water. In case of severe contamination, it is necessary to use professional liquids.

Removing dirt and stains from double-glazed windows. You can use a sponge with a special product, moving from top to bottom (repeat twice).
Processing of glass and profile joints. The greatest amount of dirt accumulates there. Do not allow alcohol-based solution to come into contact with the seal.
Rubbing glass. To avoid the formation of streaks on the glass, you must use a dry cloth or microfiber cloth.
The final stage is the window sill. Even stubborn stains should not be removed with household chemicals with an aggressive composition.

Precautionary measures

Most of the compounds used are highly aggressive. Therefore, the process requires ensuring maximum safety for the skin and mucous membranes. If substances come into contact with certain parts of the body, significant irritation or allergies may occur. During work, be sure to use protective rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator. Provide a constant supply of fresh air.

If the substance gets on the mucous membrane, rinse it with plenty of water. If necessary, consult a doctor.

If the yellowness on the plastic is not due to poor-quality material, then you can get rid of it in different ways. The effectiveness of each product will vary, but they can help with cleaning. Be sure to follow safety precautions when working. Otherwise, allergic reactions on the skin and mucous membranes are possible. There is no way to bleach plastic quickly. In most cases you will have to clean it several times.

From yellow plaque or fat

A competent choice of solution for cleaning plastic products from yellowness and greasy stains will make the procedure easier.

It must be remembered that to wash this material you cannot use powdered products, brushes, or scrapers, as they can damage the surface.

You can remove greasy stains using:

Apply detergent to a soft cloth, wipe the desired area, leave for 10 minutes, and rinse.
Melamine sponge. They wipe away yellow plaque or fat.
Windshield wipers contain alcohol, which corrodes greasy areas

Why does plastic turn yellow?

In order for window frames to always remain snow-white, you need to know what causes them to turn yellow, and, as far as possible, avoid aggressive exposure to harmful factors on the plastic.

The following effects lead to the appearance of yellowness:

weather conditions: temperature fluctuations, sunlight, high humidity;
using products with abrasive additives to clean windows;
washing frames with products that destroy the structure of plastic;
plastic absorbs nicotine, soot, fat, so a yellow coating appears and the color fades;
the surface of the frame was contaminated with plaster or foam.

Often, to reduce costs, a manufacturer uses cheap polymers that do not contain light stabilizers. Therefore, you should choose an installation company after carefully checking its reputation and studying customer reviews.

Home remedies

To safely clean plastic windows, you can use budget funds

Unlike glass, plastic under the influence of the external environment (mainly sunlight) acquires a yellow tint over time. Help to whiten PVC frames and window sills:

Vinegar

Eliminates stains and repels insects. 50 g of the substance must be mixed with 200 g of warm water. Apply to the glass surface using a spray bottle and wipe dry.

Hydrogen peroxide

This liquid is cheap and accessible to everyone and is sold in all pharmacies. It has good bleaching properties, so it is often used to remove yellowness from plastic.

Stages of work:

Open the bottle and pour a little product onto the sponge.
It rubs against yellow spots.
The remaining substance is wiped off with a napkin.
Repeat the procedure until the yellowed surface turns into white plastic (at least 3 times).

Glycerol

Use a solution (60 ml added to 40 ml water) to wipe the glass. Suitable for preventing contamination; to combat stains, add 2-3 drops of ammonia to the liquid.

Ammonia

Effective in the fight against nicotine plaque, cleans and disinfects the surface. You need to mix 2 tbsp. l of ammonia and 400 ml of water, apply to the surface and wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth.

Lemon juice. Ammonia and vinegar have a pungent odor that not everyone likes. In this case, you can prepare a solution of lemon juice (50 ml) and water (200 ml). The processing principle is the same.

When cleaning glass with a solution of vinegar and ammonia, it is necessary to avoid getting the liquid on the rubber seal and profile; the aggressive composition of the substances can damage them.

You can quickly and safely remove yellowness using various available means. Most of them are easy to make yourself or buy at the store.

Laundry soap

To bleach plastic at home, you need to use laundry soap. It is suitable for material of any quality and does not harm its surface.

Mode of application:

½ bar of soap is ground on a grater.
The shavings are transferred to a bowl, where they are mixed with 1 glass of warm water.
The components are mixed until the soap is completely dissolved.
The resulting mass is applied to the surface of the plastic product.
After about 30 minutes, scrub the most contaminated areas with a soft brush.
The foam and remnants of laundry soap are washed off.

Ethanol

Bleaching of plastic with this liquid is carried out if it turns yellow from ultraviolet rays. Before using alcohol, you need to check the reaction of the material to it. If any negative consequences are observed, you will have to look for a more suitable remedy.

Procedure:

A piece of cloth is soaked in ethyl alcohol.
Use a napkin to wipe problem areas, applying a little force.
The product is removed with a sponge or rag.

Washing powder and soda

A mixture of these ingredients will quickly whiten yellowed plastics and plastics. To prepare the product you will need the same amount of powder and soda, as well as 0.5 liters of heated water.

Algorithm of actions:

In a small container mix 1 tbsp. l. washing powder and baking soda.
The mixture is poured with water and stirred.
Impregnate a sponge with the prepared mixture.
Use it to wipe yellowed areas.
After 6 hours, the product is washed off.

How not to clean plastic window surfaces?

To preserve the plastic coating, you need to know what not to use when washing PVC windows.

To wash off stuck dirt, sometimes you want to pick up a metal mesh or a stiff brush. But you should never do this with plastic windows. These abrasive materials may leave scratches on the profile. Dust sticks much more strongly to a damaged rough surface. Cleaning damaged areas clogged with dirt will be very difficult. If the dirt is very strong, it is better to apply detergent and leave it for some time. This will make cleaning problem areas much easier.
For the same reason as stated above, you should not use a melamine sponge. It, of course, does not act as aggressively on the surface as metal mesh, but for plastic windows it is better to use a softer material.
Do not use too hot water when cleaning windows. When exposed to high temperatures, the plastic surface may become cloudy and acquire a yellow tint. The water should be cool or warm.
Do not clean PVC windows with substances such as acetone or solvents marked 647 and 648. They can corrode the plastic surface.
Aggressive acids and alkalis can destroy the glossy layer, so they are also not recommended for use on plastic windows.

Cosmetics for cars

Automotive plastic has the same characteristics as household plastic. Thanks to this, they can be cleaned with the same product. In most cases, such compositions are produced in the form of a spray.

Step-by-step instruction:

The selected substance is sprayed onto the plastic.
It is left to dry for several tens of minutes.
After this, wipe the surface with a cloth soaked in water.

Preparing for whitening

At the preparatory stage, it is important to prepare everything necessary for cleaning and put the surface to be cleaned in order.

Before you start washing, you need to get rid of all unnecessary and interfering elements.

First thing:

remove the tulle from the window, remove flowers, car accessories (if you are cleaning a car dashboard) so that they do not interfere;
prepare a cleaning product;
stock up on rags and a soft sponge;

After this, we proceed to wet cleaning to get rid of debris contaminating work equipment.

Products with chlorine

All chlorine-containing products perfectly bleach and remove any stains. With their help, you can remove yellowness from plastic in just a few minutes. However, chlorine is an aggressive substance, so it must be used carefully.

Sequence of operations:

Wear gloves that will protect the skin of your hands from contact with chlorine.
A few drops of the product are applied to a piece of fabric.
Gently rub off the yellow stains, being careful not to touch the clean surface.
After completing the work, immediately wash off the remaining composition.

What do manufacturers offer?

Factory products work well against yellowing on frames. It all depends on the source of this yellowness. If this is a kitchen window, stronger products such as “Mr. Muscle” and “Proper” are suitable. They contain alcohols. They perfectly dissolve yellow fatty deposits.

However, it is worth remembering that after using the products, you must thoroughly rinse off these compounds with water and wipe the frames dry.

In addition, you can use Domestos. It contains chlorine. It not only removes dirt, but also disinfects surfaces well. And in this case, the product will need to be thoroughly rinsed with water.

Professional products

A huge variety of cleaning products for plastic products are produced by the chemical industry. Manufacturers of special cleaning sprays promise not only high-quality cleaning of surfaces, but also protection of all types of plastic from dirt, thanks to the protective film that forms after application.

The product in the form of various creams does not have abrasive components, so they will carefully clean and disinfect all plastic surfaces. Special pastes will not only clean the surface, but thanks to their polishing properties they will remove small scratches and resulting unevenness or roughness. To do this, it will be enough to apply a sufficient amount of paste onto a clean cotton napkin and rub into the desired surface with intense circular movements for 2-3 minutes.

When to wash windows

For the first time, plastic windows are washed immediately after installation. Moreover, it is advisable to remove the protective film from the surface of the glass unit. She protected the windows during transportation, but that was the end of her mission. Over time, the film may stick to the windows under the influence of the sun and will be more difficult to remove.

In the future, windows are washed twice a year or when dirty. To do this, it is better to choose a warm, cloudy day. Can be washed in sunny weather. But you will need to act very quickly, as water and detergent dry out in the sun, forming streaks and making cleaning difficult. The ideal time for cleaning is spring and autumn, when the sky is overcast but not raining.

Special products for plastic restoration

You can return white plastic objects to their original appearance using special products that are designed to restore plastic in cars. You can buy them at auto repair shops and spare parts stores.

How to use:

Apply to the problem area following the instructions.
Wait until dry.

Before use, be sure to read the instructions.

What to use to wash plastic

Cleaning plastic windows from dirt is not difficult if you use the following products:

CLIN. An alcohol-containing liquid that can be used to remove old stains.
CIF. Able to clean old stains and get rid of soot.
Synergetic. A natural remedy that is effective on various types of dirt. Helps clean plastic windows without using abrasives.

Eliminating yellowness

It is not difficult to clean a window profile from dirt; it is much more difficult to get rid of yellowness. To do this you will need ammonia, hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Dissolve any product in water, wipe the plastic with it, and then rinse with a clean, damp sponge.

Another homemade recipe involves perhydrol and powdered bleach (such as Vanish). Dissolve a tablespoon of each product in 0.5 liters of cold water and wipe the windowsill, then rinse with water. If you are not satisfied with the result, repeat the procedure.

As a last resort, you can try “Cosmofen 20”, which cleans the PVC profile from yellowness and dirt, but at the same time removes a thin layer of plastic. This aggressive remedy should only be used in extreme cases. White spirit and Defender 30504 have the same effect.

If you can't remove stains

It happens that some stain is too ingrained or old yellowness cannot be removed. In this case, you can save the window sill only by updating it a little.

We do not encourage you to do repairs at all. It is enough to purchase a white PVC film and carefully cover the window sill. The advantage of this method is that you can choose any color - even with a pattern. However, this does not mean that you need to stop washing the window sill and just re-stick the film from time to time.

A wide palette will allow you to update the window sill and refresh the interior. In addition, if you use our recommendations, then you will not need such drastic measures - the window sill will already look impeccable.

Determining the reasons

It should be noted right away that if the cause of yellowing is poor quality plastic, then you should not waste time. In this case, it is impossible to wash off the yellowness. The fact is that the color change is associated with changes in the plastic at the molecular level. Low-quality polymers do not contain light stabilizers that protect plastic from solar radiation. Therefore, after some time, frames made from such a polymer will inevitably turn yellow, and the owners will have only one thing left - to get used to the new look of their windows.

Usually the cause of yellowing is soot and greasy deposits. Therefore, most often, window frames turn yellow in the kitchen, as well as in rooms where candles are lit. In this case, cleaning the frames will be easy.

Another reason for discoloration of frames may be improper care. Using chemicals or abrasives may damage the top layer of plastic and cause scratches. If this happens, it will be difficult to wash the frames, but possible.

Restoration gel “Retrobright”

A video recipe for this gel was found on one of the forums where org repair specialists gather. technicians, thrift store owners and restorers. " Retrobright " is used to whiten consoles, computer cases and set-top boxes, keyboards and other plastic parts that have turned yellow from time to time.

This product is very strong and can hardly be used on new PVC windows. But it will simply be a salvation if you have settled in a rented apartment and the previous tenants left you an old refrigerator, yellowed windows and kitchen furniture stained with grease, everything is not particularly dear to your heart, but very dirty.

To prepare the pasta we will need:

Vanish OXI Action
Hydrogen peroxide 32% – 100 g.
Water – 200 gr.
Potato or corn starch - 4 teaspoons
An unnecessary vessel, a glass jar, a couple of glasses and a plastic spoon (the metal reacts with the product, and we don’t need that), cling film, tape.

Hydrogen peroxide 32% cannot be found in a regular pharmacy, but you can buy it in a specialized store that sells chemical reagents for laboratories or order it on the Internet.

Be careful when working with reagents, wear rubber gloves, because such peroxide can leave a chemical burn on the skin.

a quarter teaspoon of Vanish OXI Action in 25 ml. warm water. We dilute 4 teaspoons of starch (with a slide) in 100 g. cold water, stir well. Pour the resulting mixture into a ladle with preheated water (75 g). Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, after a while the starch will thicken. We need the consistency of thick semolina porridge. When the desired thickness is achieved, turn off the gas and transfer the paste into a glass jar.

Stirring continuously, add 100 g to the gel. peroxide. When a homogeneous consistency is achieved, pour Vanish and mix thoroughly again. Using a brush, apply the gel to the plastic frame and attach cling film on top with tape so that the composition does not dry out.

Attention : the exposure time of “Retrobright” is 12-24 hours. In the case of windows, this time is reduced. Ultraviolet light should not reach the composition, so the gel is left overnight and washed off early in the morning with a damp cloth. Plastic parts of refrigerators or keyboard buttons can be left wrapped in film for a day or even more.

General cleaning recommendations

Even before starting the whitening procedure, it would be good to take a critical look at the scope of work:

all surfaces should be washed from dust and possible contamination;
Soaking works very well, so if possible, remove the items to be cleaned first;
treat anything that cannot be disconnected on site, but be sure to disconnect the devices from the power supply;
Only soft rags, sponges and napkins are allowed for use: no brushes, do not use a melamine sponge;
the water should be warm, but not hot, because it also provokes yellowing;
Before treating with a cleaner, test it on an inconspicuous area: if no negative effects are identified, then feel free to use it over the entire area;
Don’t forget about safety: some chemicals are quite aggressive, so gloves, a mask and an open window will not hurt.

An interesting tip: you can remove drops of grease, including from plastic, using a regular eraser. Just rub the stain and it will disappear! In the article lifehacks for the home, we have collected a whole selection of successful tips for you.

Washing the window sill after repair

In a room where renovations are planned, the first step is to replace the old windows. Accordingly, throughout the entire renovation, a brand new snow-white window will be subject to absolutely any kind of contamination:

Drops of the primer solution may get on it, which, by the way, are very difficult to remove if you do not wipe them off immediately;
When filling the gaps between the profile and the slope, a small amount of foam can get onto both the frames and the window sill;
If the walls are being plastered indoors, a small amount of gypsum or cement putty, according to all laws, will definitely fall from the spatula onto the snow-white window sill;
In addition, there may be traces of tape, sealant, or, in general, any of the means used in the work.

And although the plastic is covered with a transparent protective film, it often loses its properties before the end of the repair and simply peels off from the surface. Once the edge of the film peels off, dust will instantly settle on it, and it will be impossible to glue it back. Therefore, it is better to try to prevent unpleasant consequences and cover the window sill with the remains of cardboard boxes, old magazines, and thick fabric. This will also protect against scratches and chips due to any tool falling out of your hands.

Unfortunately, such thoughts come to us when it is already too late. Therefore, we will try to cope with various contaminations after the fact.

Before dealing with certain types of stains, you need to assess the general condition of the surface. To do this, you need to remove the protective coating from the window sill and sweep away small dry debris using a brush or brush. If you have an old vacuum cleaner that you don't mind, you can use it;
Before removing debris, it is also recommended to remove the side plugs, if any. Since dust and small grains of dry construction mixtures may remain under them. If this is not done, during washing, these very grains can easily scratch the glossy surface;
Now wash the window sill with warm soapy water. This will remove dirt and dust that has not been embedded into the surface and expose the real problem areas.

Now that you have the full picture in front of you, you need to choose an effective product to remove each stain individually, depending on its origin.

How to remove traces of tape, felt-tip pen, brilliant green, paint, putty

In the fight against traces of strongly colored compounds such as felt-tip pen, plasticine, marker, pen or even brilliant green, the most important thing is speed. The faster you notice the stain and wipe it off, the higher the likelihood that the pigments will not have time to absorb into the surface and stain it irrevocably. But practice shows that it is almost impossible to do this, since there are plenty of other troubles.

In this case, perhaps the only effective method would be to use melamine sponge. Outwardly, it is very similar to ordinary dishwashing sponges, but is white in color. It consists of 100% melamine, one might say rubber. Therefore, it is like a stationery eraser, removing various stubborn stains, decreasing in size. Before use, the sponge must be moistened with water and wrung out. Please note that although all manufacturers claim that it is absolutely harmless to health, this is far from the case. It’s not for nothing that the precautionary measures say that you can’t use it to clean objects that come into contact with food. The sponge will crumble during use. Your task is to carefully collect all the grains so that a pet or small child cannot pick them up. If melamine penetrates the esophagus, it will cause nausea, vomiting, and possible poisoning. After cleaning, the window sill is washed very thoroughly, first with a soap solution and then with clean water;
You can also try treating marks from markers or pens with alcohol or acetone. The result will depend on the composition of the pigment itself;
Stains from oil-based markers should be treated with rich hand cream or sunflower oil, and then washed with a sponge and dishwashing detergent;
Traces of tape or glue can be removed by rubbing the area with a cotton pad generously soaked in white spirit or alcohol. Be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly with warm water;
If the protective film does not peel off well, you can warm it up a little with a hair dryer and gently pull the edge so as not to tear it;
Paint marks can be removed using silicate glue. You need to carefully drop enough glue on top of the paint so that it clearly covers the paint and does not go beyond its borders. As it dries, the glue will shrink, pulling the paint along with it. After complete drying, you can easily remove a drop of glue with a scraper;
Acrylic, latex or water-based paint can simply be washed off with ordinary soapy water;
The putty, which has already hardened, must first be soaked with warm water, but there is no need to rub it. After this, you need to fill the stain with a small amount of gel detergent and leave for 20-30 minutes. After this, pick it up with a rubber scraper and wipe with a sponge. The fresh solution is simply washed off with water.

Removing the remaining foam

The easiest way to do this is by first cutting it off to the maximum.

This can be done conveniently using a stationery knife. It must be held at a minimum angle to the surface of the window sill and the foam must be cut off in one smooth motion;
In no case do we recommend making “up and down” movements, otherwise the upper edge of the knife can scratch the window sill;
After cutting, the foam layer will be minimal. It must be treated with White Spirit solvent. But this must be done in such a way as not to pour liquid onto a clean surface. The solvent will not dissolve the remaining foam, but will only soften it. When the foam becomes soft, you need to carefully scrape it off using a rubber spatula or a piece of wood sharpened like a kitchen spatula. Small remaining foam can be wiped off with a cotton pad soaked in the same solvent.
An alternative option would be to use Sanita. It must be left on the stain for 30 minutes;
There is no need to make any effort if the window sill is smooth;
If the surface is rough, you can use a stiff brush. Finally, be sure to rinse the surface with clean water;
A fresh foam stain can be wiped off with slightly warmed sunflower oil or dimexide from a pharmacy.

How to remove primer from a windowsill

Despite the fact that primers become almost transparent after drying, it is very possible to notice their residues on the surface of the plastic. They will lack shine. Deep penetration primers are very difficult to wipe off from surfaces with which they are not designed for contact, so it is easiest to deal with fresh stains that are no more than 1-2 days old. In this case, it is enough to soak the stain and scrape it with a wooden or plastic spatula.

For older traces, use the following methods:

Mechanical impact using soda and vinegar. Sprinkle soda on the stain, and wipe the stains with a sponge dipped in vinegar. In this case, you cannot act on the surface for more than 5 minutes, otherwise you can dissolve the top layer of plastic. Rinse off the reagents with warm water, and while the remaining stains are soft, scrape them off with a wooden spatula;
In addition, you can rub the stain with a cotton pad soaked in the same primer. But you need to have time to wash everything off with warm water before the new portion of primer begins to dry out;
A purely mechanical method is also suitable - using a special scraper, which is usually used to remove dirt from glass-ceramic hobs. Place the scraper at an angle of approximately 30-40 degrees to the surface of the window sill and try to remove the dried mortar. Small residues can already be rubbed with a sponge, after applying a small amount of slurry from any washing powder;
You can try soaking the stains with rubbing alcohol, then use a scraper;
If you have a solvent on hand, for example, acetone, turpentine, gasoline, ethyl acetate, you need to quickly and effortlessly rub the stain and then rinse it with water;
The purchased product “SZOP” is often used to remove stains from primer, as well as rust, old stains, and residues of cement or plaster compositions.

Care and prevention

You can prevent the appearance of yellowness on a plastic surface by observing the following measures:

do not smoke indoors or near windows;
Prevent exposure to direct sunlight by using curtains, blinds or kitchen cloths;
use for processing only those products that are suitable for cleaning plastic;
ventilate the room more often;
Clean the surface from dirt immediately after it appears.

Several times a week, it is recommended to wipe household appliances or window sills with a sponge soaked in a mild soap solution to maintain a neat and tidy appearance.

Purchasing a product made of high-quality material and observing regular care and basic preventive measures for plastic contamination is the key to preventing the formation of yellowness. If plaque does appear, it should be immediately eliminated using folk or ready-made household remedies.