Hi All, Can somebody tell me what the best way to clean UPVC window frames when they are quite dirty? I once heard that T-cut and Jif (Not the lemon one) are good. One was to be used for outside and the other for inside ie: T-cut outside, and Jif inside. Grateful for any help. Thanks.
Screwfix used to do a really good slvent vleaner for UPVC but I cant seem to find it on the site now, but they do these: http://www.screwfix.com/search.do?_dyncharset=UTF-8&fhsearch=upvccleaner Dont know how good they are, but cheap enough to give them a go.
If they're anything but nearly new, you'll need a solvent based (and possibly mildly abrasive) cleaner. The s/fix one (haven't tried the nononsense one) isn't particularly effective (being polite there!). Use the search facility 'upvc cleaning' - loads of suggestions come up before. Trial and error (on a less obvious spot). Whatever you use try and keep it off any gaskets and seals.
I done all of my windows last year. Took ages. Tried solvents, very slow and even melted the top layer. Tried scotchbrite and soapy water - still wasn't that good. As a last resort and out of shear desperation, i used Brillo pads with the soap imbedded in them. Still took a long time, but the frames were as good as new. If you look closely you can see very minute scratches - it tends to dull the surface slightly - although i didn't do it on my windows, covering them with some sort of wax sealer afterwards may keep them clean.
This'll make others scream NOOOOOOO! but for years now I've been using (wait for it) "Standard" Cellulose Thinners (as purchased from the car paint specialist in gallon cans for about 12 quid). No - they haven't melted etc. Yes - it works brilliantly, quickly, easily. No - I wouldn't try it on anything other than white frames Yes - wear screwfix chemical resistant rubber gloves. (You'll need several pairs). Just moisten a rag and wipe the frames. Only use white rag though - otherwise the colour comes out and you'll get multicolour frames (which wipes off again though with thinners). Try to avoid rubber seals etc. (especially black) as the colour can get smeared across the white UPVC. I've used this method several times on the same frames over the years without problems. However, I only use it as a restoration method, not for routine cleaning. Try it on an invisible bit first to make sure it's o.k. for your windows. Watch out for the fumes from the thinners...and don't smoke! polybear
i am with acegarp, i've got nicotine stains off upvc with sugar soap and a large dose of elbow grease
i used Brillo pads with the soap imbedded in them. not recommended If you look closely you can see very minute scratches - it tends to dull the surface slightly hardly surprising use a commercial upvc cleaning product, loads of 'em about
Just go to your nearest plastic wholesaler or fascia/soffit place, most do a cream cleaner, approx £2 a bottle, dont use an abrasive, it will scratch the surface and more dirt will ingrain so you'll end up doing it year after year. Its hard work but if you want bright like new PVC its the only way. (In fact as Andy says, I worked for BAC once and they gave me Jif to clean the frames with!) Solvents are for 'just after installation look good give us the cheque' appearance. Not to be used year after year.
Just a note to add to IP65's comments i used Brillo pads with the soap imbedded in them. not recommended - -- I didn't recommend them, after spending money and time using the expensive RECOMMENDED cleaners, and as stated, in shear desperation, i used BRILLO pads. They worked for me. If you look closely you can see very minute scratches - it tends to dull the surface slightly hardly surprising - I'm not surprised - but it looks a darn sight better than the **** that was stuck to them. **** the expensive RECOMMENDED cleaners wouln't remove use a commercial upvc cleaning product, loads of 'em about Yes there are loads of them about. They're not particulary cheap and they didn't work, for me.