Plastic windows are no longer a luxury or rarity. They have numerous advantages over simple wooden window frames: not only do plastic windows look much more aesthetic, but they also block out noise and dust and provide reliable insulation from the cold. With plastic windows, you can forget about insulating window frames! Overall, plastic windows are superior in many ways. However, they require careful maintenance; it’s necessary to clean not only the glass but also the plastic frame. So, how can you clean plastic windows?
Common causes of plastic window stains include:
- Building materials (used during window installation) such as foam sealant, silicone
- Rain marks
- Tape residue
- Smog or soot
- Paint
- And, of course, accidental handprints
Let’s look at each type of stain and learn how to remove them effectively.
Removing Foam Sealant Residue
Often, installers may not be careful, using abundant foam sealant to securely install the windows without worrying about the foam that may get on the frame or even the glass. However, removing foam (if you know a few tricks) from the frame isn’t too difficult, as long as the window is installed correctly.
Foam sealant is resistant to alcohol, soda, and even many cleaning agents. Scraping it off with something hard or sharp risks damaging the plastic. So, what can you do? Visit a hardware store and purchase a specialized cleaning product designed to remove foam sealant residue. This is the best solution for this type of stain.
If the foam hasn’t hardened yet, you can remove it with almost any solvent.
Removing Tape Residue
Often, plastic windows are taped during transport or decorated with tape, such as when adding garlands or paper snowflakes for the holidays. Once the festivities are over, unsightly tape marks remain. In this case, try applying a fresh piece of tape to the residue and then peeling it off quickly. This “like removes like” method isn’t perfect, but it may remove most of the residue. After that, wipe the area with cotton dipped in alcohol or cologne. If you don’t have either, you can use fir essential oil (or any essential oil), applying it for 10-15 minutes before wiping with a dry cloth.
Removing Smog and Soot Stains
If you’re a heavy smoker, over time, unattractive gray and yellow stains may appear on the plastic frames. They can also appear in areas where there has been smoke damage. It’s best to tackle these stains as soon as they appear, as they may become ingrained and difficult to remove. Regular baking soda works well for removing smog and soot from plastic windows, but alcohol-dampened cotton pads can only remove fresh, small stains.
Important! Do not attempt to remove stains from plastic windows using hydrogen peroxide! This will damage the frame surface.
Removing Paint Stains
If you forgot to cover your plastic windows with cloth or at least paper while painting walls or ceilings, you may have to use a solvent to remove the paint. You can be generous with the solvent on the glass, but with the plastic frame, be very cautious — excessive rubbing with a solvent may damage it. You can try using baking soda or a cleaning product for small paint spots.
Rain marks and handprints are usually easy to remove with regular soapy water. Just choose a rough sponge and remember to clean plastic windows regularly.
By taking care of your plastic windows, you can keep them looking new for many years!