How do I make uPVC white again?

Mr_Skint_2

waster wrote:

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).

:rotfl:

So is my GFs tub of oil of ulay no use cus its olay now?

jmarko

Thanks for all that advice people!

I will now be cleaning my uPVC windows using Jif and eating a Marathon. When I'm finished, I might have some Opal Fruits! :rotfl:

Seriously, though, that's all great advice. I particularly liked the Mer car polish idea. Does anyone else have a view on this?

Thanks again.

jmarko

newfunk

I today cleaned some upvcwindows on a job, and used glass window cleaner! Mr Muscle i think it was...worked a treat!

uncle_buck_3

I've used all of the products mentioned to clean the pvc frames.

T Cut that you use on your car to remove the road grime works good also, I normaly finish the frames off with car polish to give them a nice shine. I have used MER in the past (good polish) but any polish will do.

innovate

Just tried out Rhodorsil - both, the cream and the solvent cleaner.

The solvent cleaner is pretty powerful, and somewhat dangerous stuff - you need to take care not to go anywhere near the rubber beads. But it is magic - all the grime comes off in one wipe!

The Rhodorsil cream cleaner is definitely streets ahead of the UPVc (or PVCu) cleaners you can get in DIY stores, and it certainly beats the hell out of Jif. But it isn't as effective, and nowhere near as quick to use, as the solvent cleaner.

When you got your frames clean, apply a silicone car wax, to delay new build-up of grime.

I got my Rhodorsil in litre-bottles at £2.64 each from my local Omnico

polybear

Hi,
I've been using "Standard Cellulose Thinners" for the last 15 years without problems. You can buy it from any car paint suppliers (specialist dealers, rather than Halfords etc.) It's about 7 quid for 5 Litres. Absolutely amazing stuff. I've never noticed any ill-effects (try it first though) but use white rag to wipe the frames with it. Coloured rag may bleed colour. Keep it away from rubber beading (or you'll end up with black streaks on the white frames). Don't worry though - any black streaks or colour bleed from rag will simply wipe off with the thinners. Wear rubber gloves, preferably ones rated as chemical resistant. Marigolds tend to split after a while. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ADVICE IS FOR WHITE FRAMES ONLY!!!!! I'd be wary about using it on brown frames etc. Use in a well ventilated area (i.e. outside) and DON'T SMOKE!!! If you spill the thinners on any finished surface (best coffee table etc. it'll spoil it before you get the chance to wipe it off quick).
P.S The thinners makes brilliant paint brush cleaner too, but get it on the handles of your best quality red wooden handled brushes and it'll strip the finish off before your very eyes.

Polybear.

uncle_buck_3

Cellulose Thinners melts most types of plastic so be very careful.

wazza

i heard that vinegar helps. havent tried it myself. has anyone?

TheDink

A vinegar and water solution cleans glass well - haven't thought of trying it on the frames.

TCut does work on PVC frames though I don't know if it causes longer term damange!

Mr_Skint_2

sarahllord wrote:

A vinegar and water solution cleans glass well - haven't thought of trying it on the frames.

TCut does work on PVC frames though I don't know if it causes longer term damange!

It could do as the Amonia in T-Cut could disolve the UV layer on plastic.