To ensure that you get the best results when cleaning double-glazed windows with PVC joinery, we have created this guide for those who want to clean windows in the most correct and environmentally friendly way, thus increasing the life of the window.
First of all, proper window cleaning includes:
- Cleaning PVC frames and sills
- Cleaning inside the window, in the joint areas
- Cleaning double glazing
The list of products and procedures that permanently damage the double-glazed window and PVC joinery is also very important.
What not to use when cleaning the window with double glazing and PVC joinery
DO NOT use a glass detergent on frames
DO NOT use bleach, sanitary alcohol, isopropyl alcohol (white alcohol) or WD40 on the PVC window frame
DO NOT use cleaning cream, cleaning powder or other abrasive detergents
DO NOT use caustic or ammonia-based cleaners
DO NOT use wire sponges or rough cleaning sponges
And remember that thinner melts plastic.
1. Cleaning PVC frames and sills
Open the windows as far as you can to the point of resistance (do not push over this point) and pass over each side of the gaskets and profiles with the soft brush of the vacuum cleaner to enter all corners of the frame.
This will remove any excess dirt from the double glazed window sills and the PVC frame. Start by cleaning the window hinges and the inside of the frames. Use a soft cloth and warm water with a mild soap solution to clean the inside of the PVC window frames.
For the ecological version you can make a solution of white vinegar and warm water.
Mix the environmentally friendly window cleaning solution using 1 part distilled white vinegar and four parts warm water. Using a non-abrasive sponge or a soft cloth and vinegar solution, start wiping the window frames with PVC joinery and double glazing. Clean any excess water with a microfiber cloth and dry.
Keep the hinges lubricated with a few drops of multifunctional oil.
To avoid damaging the frame, try to regularly clean the window frame to prevent persistent dirt from settling.
PVC window frames should be bright white again!
Important tip! Never use cleaning products that are not suitable for use on PVC, as this can lead to permanent damage to the frame and glass. Eco-friendly solutions, such as these, are the best solution for maintaining a great look for longer, as even the weakest chemical-based mixtures can blunt and irreversibly damage PVC window frames.
2. How to clean the window sill with PVC joinery and double glazing
Make a solution of warm soapy water with a drop of washing liquid or a dedicated liquid window cleaner in a bottle (not the spray type).
Use a non-scratch cloth or sponge to wash the sill.
You may need to soften the sill and leave it on for five minutes before rubbing again to remove stubborn dirt.
NEVER use an abrasive sponge or a cream or powder cleaner, as this will scratch the surface and permanently damage it.
Cleaning the window3. CLEANING THE WINDOW GLASS:
The secret to getting clear windows is to use a quality squeegee with a soft blade (as do window cleaners). Start on one side and either wipe from side to side, or slide from top to bottom, and then use a cloth to wipe off excess water from the squeegee before the next slide. To get a shiny result, you can use a specific spray to clean the windows with a soft cloth and then rub with kitchen roll or old newspaper. But DO NOT spray the glass solution on PVC joinery.
Eco-friendly version: Using a mixture of 1 part distilled white vinegar and 1 part warm water, lightly dip the old newspaper in the vinegar cleaning solution. Eco-friendly version: Using a mixture of 1 part distilled white vinegar and 1 part warm water, lightly dip the old newspaper in the vinegar cleaning solution.
Wipe the double-glazed windows in a circular motion, taking great care to remove any traces and stains of dirt.
This should leave the double glazed windows spotless!
4. How to clean PVC doors
To clean your PVC doors, use the same process as cleaning PVC windows.
Vacuum inside the frame and hinges, remove dirt, use a warm soap solution, rinse with clean water
5. How to clean mold from PVC window frames
To clean the mold on the PVC window frames, you should use a solution of hot water and soap and a soft cloth.
You can also try the eco-friendly version, the vinegar solution. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 4 cups of hot water. Use a spray bottle to spray on the PVC profile. Leave this for 10 minutes. Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe.
Never be tempted to use bleach or white alcohol on the PVC window frame, as it may turn white PVC to brown.
You should periodically wipe the frame with a dry cloth to prevent mold from forming, and you should call a specialist to check the window to see if the mold persists.
6. How can I get a window with a bright white frame again?
Older white PVC joinery and cheap PVC joinery turn yellow. Unfortunately, you can’t do much to restore whiteness if it’s a quality issue. As mentioned above, if the joinery has been damaged by an abrasive product, an abrasive cleaning sponge, or the use of a cream cleaner, the PVC will be full of fine scratches that make the frame look dull and discolored. If this has happened, there is nothing you can do to make the frames white again. You may be tempted to think that a drop of bleach will bring back the white frames, but this is far from true. Do not use bleach to clean window frames or PVC sills. It will damage the surface of the PVC joinery and may discolor it permanently. If you leave bleach on the PVC joinery of the window, it may turn brown. Any type of chemical can react with the chemicals in the PVC profiles and peel off the matte and even stained surface – this effect is irreversible.
Many detergents use dyes and, as PVC is porous, it can react and stain your window frames permanently.
The best product for cleaning PVC window frames
If you want a cleaning product that can clean the persistent dirt from PVC joinery, you can try one of the PVC joinery cleaners on the market. We do not recommend any specific products but we recommend that you always check that the product is compatible with the PVC joinery of your window by testing on a small, less visible area.
IF IT STILL DOESN’T LOOK AS WELL AS YOU WANT …
If windows with PVC windows and PVC profiles still do not look as good as you would like, it may be time to replace them. This is especially true if the windows are very old. Not only will the new windows keep the house warmer and the heating bill lower, but they will be even safer than the old windows.
If you are interested in replacing the windows of your home in Brașov County and the surrounding areas, contact us and a member of the KLARO team will be happy to advise you on choosing the right window.
