Cleaning old UPVC windows

Janiceatkins

Last year we had our front bay windows replaced but we cannot afford for the rest of the bungalow to be replaced.
My OH and myself are both disabled so cannot attempt the cleaning ourselves. I have seen companies advertise to give a deep clean, clearing all the muck. Just wondered if anyone has used these companies. TIA. Jan.

vansboy

Don't know of companies who do it, but it wouldn't be a big job for anyone with handyman skills, if you have a capable friend.

When I've cleaned ours, I would use Cif on any heavy soiling, then wash everything, glass and frames, with car shampoo, then dry.

Then polish glass with Windoline or similar type glass spray.

The actual frames, use Mer car polish (Halfords).

I also wash all the inside parts of the frame, without getting too much water on the locking mechanism.You'll find a lot of dirt in here, probably.

Then I check the screws are tight on the hinges and locks and give all a light spray of WD40.

Do this on my anual Spring clean and again just before winter.

VB

Janiceatkins

Thank you VB for those ideas. Do you have a black rubber seal around your windows? That is a nightmare, it attracts dirt and a mouldy type layer (although it is not mould). I am always wiping the bits I can but it returns asap.

vansboy

If the seal isn't degraded, you'll find that after cleaning with the shampoo, you can treat it with WD40, or a silicone spray (Mr Sheen type) furniture polish, which will keep it as clean as possible.

Use a separate cloth for this, then you won't smear black marks on to the white frames or glass.


VB

DaftyDuck

Biological washing powder brings the white frames up a treat, silicone polish for the seals, windowlene for the glass. I'd look for a local handyman to do it. Much cheaper at a guess.... Probably better too.

savemoney

I clean my DG frames once a year with barkeepers friend. Its a old product and will remove scuffs made by shoes on doors and grime etc. Fantastic product. Sainsburys sells it last time I bought it.

I know Op said they can't do it isn't there any local place that providers reasonable handyman service. I know my local housing association does and not just for tenants

teddysmum

I find Astonish pan paste to be better than Barkeeper's Friend, as it doesn't leave any powdery residue. I used Barkeeper's for years before discovering Astonish.

Janiceatkins

Thank you for all the ideas. I have been 'told off' well and truly by DD, SIL and DGC for not asking for help with cleaning the windows. We don't like to as they do so much for us already.


So the 'cleaning brigade' are taking all your ideas and giving them a try.


Thanks again. Jan.