How do I make uPVC white again?

jmarko

Like it says in the title!

We have bought a new house (new to us and to the people who built it 120 years ago!). It has (since then!) had white uPVC windows put in. They've not been in long but are looking a bit dirty. How do I make them shine again? I'm talking the uPVC here, not the glass!!!

Thank you!

jmarko

Boohbah

Jiff, or whatever its called know. (Cif?)

newfunk

You can buy a proper UPVC cleaning substance from B&Q or local builders merchants..

waster_2

Be careful not to use anything that contains an abrasive, no matter how mild. it will scratch the surface of the PVCu (note that it has been called PVCu for approx 6 years now and anyone or company still calling it uPVC is to be regarded with some caution).

Any surface scratching, no matter how fine, will attract and retain dirt and be very difficult to clean properly in the future. CIF, I believe, does contain a mild abrasive so should not, IMO, be used. As suggested, there are proper fluid based cleaners on the market. Try one and if no good try a different one.

jmarko

waster wrote:

... it will scratch the surface of the PVCu (note that it has been called PVCu for approx 6 years now and anyone or company still calling it uPVC is to be regarded with some caution)...

that'll just be me!

Rex_Mundi

I was a glasscutter for over twenty years, and we've always used Jif (Cif) for cleaning UPVC. I would say that over 90% of the window fitters I know keep it on their vans to clean up after them. The cream UPVC cleaner you can buy from shops is an overpriced version of Jif. This is why we never bothered with it, because Jif is a lot cheaper and exactly the same.

weekendwarrior

Hi,

I have used this special solvent in the past for cleaning upvc and it works a treat


pvc solvent

Mr_Skint_2

Rex_Mundi wrote:

I was a glasscutter for over twenty years, and we've always used Jif (Cif) for cleaning UPVC. I would say that over 90% of the window fitters I know keep it on their vans to clean up after them. The cream UPVC cleaner you can buy from shops is an overpriced version of Jif. This is why we never bothered with it, because Jif is a lot cheaper and exactly the same.

Yep I was also in the trade and reccomend Jif, the stuff we used to use
was Hodgsons PVC cleaner but its just Jif at a extortionate price.
It has the exact same gritty texture as Jif, See My bottle below.

Rex_Mundi

(note that it has been called PVCu for approx 6 years now and anyone or company still calling it uPVC is to be regarded with some caution).

Nonsense. When you've been calling a product the same name for many years. It's not easy to change your habits just because manufacturers decide on a name change. Most of the older and more experienced people in the glass trade I know, still call it UPVC. There are a few products that have over the years changed names. A few of us still use the old names, it's a habit because that's what we knew them as for years. This doesn't make any of us dodgy, or unreliable, or not knowing what we are talking about. Just a bit old fashioned. If I talked about 32 ounce, or Patchwork, or Cross Reeded, very few youngsters would know what I'm on about, but people with many years experience in the glass trade would know straight away.

Lara

I borrowed a friend's steam cleaner to clean all windows and conservatory. Brilliant..................so if you know someone who has one try it!

vansboy

Cif is one of the few cream cleansers that are supposedly OK on plastic baths - so the windows shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Once you've got the frames back to white, use some Mer car polish (Halfords) this'll give a shine & protection from polution & sunshine UV discolouration - if it's not faded too far!

VB