uPVC windows are low maintenance due to their energy efficiency, soundproofing capabilities, and security features. They are also relatively easy to clean.
Luckily, uPVC window frames and sills will never rust like aluminium or wood. However, over time, they will usually get dirty, dusty and there will be a build-up of grime.
Here are a few things to keep in mind before you clean your uPVC.
How to Clean Inside uPVC Window Frames
Keeping up to date with the cleaning of your window frames will keep them in great condition and help towards preventing any damage. It is recommended to clean them around 4 times a year.
Begin by cleaning the hinges and inside of the frames. Open the window as far as it will go – do not push it past resistance.
To remove any build-up of dust, use a vacuum attachment to suck it up. To get into the corners of the frame, consider using a soft brush vacuum attachment.
To clean the inside of the uPVC window frames, use a soft cloth and warm water with a mild soap solution. Lubricate your hinges with a few drops of multi-purpose oil.
Be mindful that using any cleaner on your silicone seals may cause them to peel away.
How to Clean uPVC Window Frames
To keep your uPVC window frames in the best condition, use warm soapy water regularly. Use a soft vacuum brush to remove any dust and debris and rinse the windows with a soapy solution, such as washing-up liquid. Wash down the frames with the solution.
Avoid using a scouring pad, wire wool, or any sponge with a scouring surface.
Rinse your frames again with clean water. If you find that your window frames are still dirty or discoloured, consider using a safe and effective product like HG uPVC Cleaner or No-Nonsense uPVC Cleaner.
Only use white cloths when cleaning as any brightly coloured clothes could cause staining to the uPVC window frame.
Be mindful that the glass is different from uPVC, so avoid using the same cleaner on the glass as you would on uPVC.
How to Clean uPVC Window Sills
Every once in a while, consider opening your windows and removing any dust from hidden areas such as around the hinges.
Using a soft duster or microfibre cloth should be fine. Once you’ve done this, use a mild detergent diluted in lukewarm water, such as washing up liquid, and a cloth. Using a mild cleaning product, you will retain a shiny and smooth finish.
To dry the frame and to remove any excess water, use a clean, dry, and non-abrasive cloth.
Consider soaking the sill by leaving the solution for five minutes before cleaning again to remove any stubborn dirt.
How to Clean uPVC Doors
Firstly, fully open the door. Use the brush attachment from your vacuum to remove any dust and debris from the exterior of the door and within the hinges and door frame.
Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar solution and add it to a spray bottle. Spray the door and avoid any windows. Leave this to soak for 10 minutes before wiping it down with a clean, soft cloth.
Once you’ve done this clean, keep on top of cleaning regularly using a mixture of washing up liquid and water with a soft sponge.
How to Clean Mould Off uPVC Window Frames
Use hot water and a soap solution with a soft cloth to clean mould and black mould off of your uPVC window frames.
If you come to realise that this doesn’t work, you can also try white vinegar.
Mix 1 cup of vinegar to 4 cups of hot water and use a spray bottle to spray the solution onto the uPVC. Leave it for approximately 10 minutes and wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.
Be mindful not to use any white spirits or bleach as this can turn the uPVC from white to brown.
How Can I get My uPVC White Again?
Your uPVC might turn yellow due to exposure to UV light from the sun. The composition of the uPVC is broken down by the UV light which triggers a chemical reaction.
This then yellows the white plastic at the surface, not affecting the beneath. If your frames are dull and discoloured from years of using an abrasive product, scouring pad, or cream cleaner, it is unlikely to restore them to be white and shiny again.
However, if the frames are discoloured through years of grime and dirt, then you can try using white vinegar. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 4 cups of hot water and use a spray bottle to spray the solution onto the uPVC.
Leave for approximately 10 minutes and wipe down with a clean and dry cloth.
How to Clean uPVC Fascia Boards
If you notice that you have dirty fascias, then you’ve come to realise that it can bring the appearance of a building down.
The fascia board is a longboard that holds up your guttering and runs along the underneath edge of the roof.
You could consider using a pressure washer to clean your fascia boards. Soap them up, to begin with using clean water. This will help to remove debris and dirt.
Use a low-pressure nozzle to start. Once you’ve completed your initial rinse, dilute a detergent according to the instruction on the bottle. Use the spray tip and ensure that all detergent and solution are removed.
If you don’t have access to a pressure washer, you can use a hose. Use the same method of using a soft sponge to scrub your fascia, and then use the trigger nozzle onto your hose.
Using the highest pressure, rinse your fascia until all detergent and solution have gone.
How to Clean uPVC Cladding
uPVC cladding is a low maintenance product, which makes cleaning it very simple. Fill a bucket of hot, soapy water and gather two soft cloths.
Use one cloth to soak up some of the hot, soapy water and lightly scrub your cladding. Leave it for 10 minutes to dry and reapply your soapy solution. Wait for 15 minutes before buffing with a different dry cloth.
This cleaning solution should remove the surface dirt. However, consider using a uPVC cream cleaner to remove the ingrained dirt. If you notice your cladding is extremely dirty, you may need to clean your cladding twice, using the same method.
What to Use to Clean uPVC windows
Using warm water and soap solution such as washing-up liquid is one of the best ways to clean your uPVC windows. Be mindful not to use a scouring cloth. This simple solution should remove the build-up of dirt.
However, there are a few dedicated uPVC cleaning products on the market that you can choose from. Consider using a squeegee to remove any excess liquid on your window and to avoid streaks.
What to Avoid When Cleaning uPVC
Stay away from harsh chemicals such as bleach and white spirits. They will only damage your uPVC frames and pose a risk to your window sills, as well as surrounding wallpaper or paintwork.
Thoroughly check your cleaning products for dyes before using them on your uPVC. Some dish soap can even contain dyes that you’re unaware of, hence the brighter colours. They could end up staining your white frames.
Try not to apply too much pressure when you’re cleaning your uPVC, this can cause damage and scratching.
As previously stated, soft clothes are perfect for wiping down your windows, but if you don’t have one to hand, don’t be tempted to use an abrasive sponge or scourer. This will scratch your uPVC.