How To Clean and Maintain PVC Windows, Doors And Conservatories
Although the grained foiled finishes are available on the interior as well, customers would generally opt for white UPVC interiors as they are easier to clean and give a much cleaner feel to the home.
The foils can come in a few finishes such as Oak, Mahogany, Rosewood and now in bespoke colours which are new to the market. Colours ranging from Irish oak, rustic cherry and even various shades of grey, reds and blues.
Depending on which sort of finish the customer chooses there will be a different way that you should treat the window frame when cleaning. But the maintenance of the product concerning functioning parts and general rules will stay the same no matter what PVC products are fitted.
The age of the windows may affect the aesthetics also, as customers were having PVC fitted up to 18 years ago. The PVC part of the window and door should still be able to be brought back as good as near to new as possible with the right products.
Although there are a few tips on bringing old windows back to life, it’s important to realise that the performance of the glass wont be anywhere near as effective as the new heat efficient windows and doors being fitted at the moment. There is also the problem of malfunctions on working parts such as handles and locking systems that need maintaining on at least 3 to 6 month periods to provide you with less problems.
General cleaning.
First open the windows and you will see a channel revealed where the hinges and locking keeps sit. Use a small brush and loosen the dirt, then take a vacuum cleaner to suck out the loose dirt.
We would advise anyone seeking advice on general cleaning of PVC windows to use a non abrasive cloth and soapy water. Use soapy water (standard none bleach detergent) to wash over the entire window internally and externally. Wipe down the whole frame afterwards and dry with a different cloth. Use the soapy cloth to wipe down inside the channel and giving the rubbers a clean whilst it’s open.
If you look on the opener where it closes on to the window frame there will be a 5 mm dirt line which is all around this needs to be removed with the soapy cloth.
Along the top and sides of the window opener will need a wipe too. If you fully extend the opener as far as it will go you will see at the top of the opener reveal itself and you will access it easily.
If there are any tacky markings on the PVC frames or glass that you can’t remove the glass cleaner or solvent we advise lower down will bring it off.
Sometimes when decorating you can accidentally splash glass and leave tiny speckles, use a Stanley knife blade which is a flat sharp blade or similar. Ventanas Termopanel PVC Osorno This technique of removing any really stubborn marks off the glass with a blade should be used with absolute care as you don’t want to scratch the glass by accident. Use it as flat as you can and take your time. If you’re not confident about this technique avoid it or get a professional in.
Solvents, cream cleaners and sprays
Depending on what type of colour and age of the PVC window or door will depend on what to use. The level of dirt and ground in dirt will also make a difference as to what cleaning product you will need to use.
If the window is white PVC and is relatively new the above general cleaning will be enough.
Always use a purpose made industrial paper roll that can be bought from your local PVC outlet to apply anything other than soapy water. Alternatively you can use good grade kitchen roll for the window frames, but not to be advised for the glass.(mentioned further down)
Older windows and doors
If the window is ageing and needs a bit more poke, then opt for a PVC cream cleaner that is non abrasive from a respected DIY supplier. Don’t use the cream on the glass or anything other than the white PVC. Remember to buff off the excess with another piece of the roll. This can then be finished off with some solvent for a great finish.
It is always useful to have a bottle of top grade purpose made solvent PVC cleaner from the DIY / PVC outlet. Have them advise you on what products to use and what you require. This can be used to finish off the PVC white window frame and will even bring out dirt from very minor scratches. Be careful not to wipe away any silicone. Use small amounts of the solvent on the silicone as it can begin to remove it. This is a great way of removing yellow stains on silicone from smoking or cooking.