In addition to the front door and facade, the windows are the business card of a residential building. It's all the more annoying when they look dirty and unsightly even though you actually clean them regularly. With a home remedy you can clean yellowed window frames without chemicals and the results are impressive.
What are the most common causes of yellowed window frames?
Window frames are exposed to many influences: in summer there is direct sunlight, in winter there is dust and dirt. They also have to be patient indoors: the fumes from cooking and the cigarette smoke leave their mark. Fortunately, most discoloration can be removed from PVC. The rule of thumb when cleaning is: It's better to act as quickly as possible and clean the windows as soon as possible. In winter this is not always possible as the weather simply does not allow it. Spring is the right time to clean the window frames.
Windows are yellowed inside? Nicotine and kitchen fumes are to blame
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to completely avoid yellowing, no matter how hard you try.
Nicotine stains, for example, are particularly stubborn. They accumulate gradually and are then very difficult to remove. Regular burst ventilation can help. However, it is important that you ventilate for about 10 minutes after each cigarette.
The situation is different with grease stains - there is only one thing that helps - regular cleaning with soapy water. By the way, you can also use oven spray if theGrease stains too stubbornare.
However, the first step to white window frames is always to wipe off dust or vacuum. Only after you have completely cleaned the dust from the frames can you
Removing discoloration caused by nicotine: What helps and what doesn't help?
The PVC windows actually look easy to clean and robust. A common mistake is to clean them with bleach. However, the cleaning agent is too aggressive and attacks the surface of the plastic windows. Bleach is also unsuitable for wood and will cause more damage than help. What really helps is a mix of:
- 90 ml vinegar essence, which contains 24% acid,
- 120ml water
- 30 ml lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Simply pour all the ingredients into an empty spray bottle, spray the window frames and then let it work for about 20 minutes. Then soak a microfiber cloth in lukewarm water and wipe down the frames.
Remove grease stains and kitchen fumes and get the window frames white again
Kitchen fumes can also leave unsightly stains. In contrast to nicotine, which can penetrate the material, kitchen vapor is stored on the surface. A sticky film is created that contains fat.
Abrasive cleaning agents should help? Actually, that's not true, as they will only scratch the PVC surface and make the material more susceptible to mold.
Instead, you can use the home remedy (see above). To remove the grease stains, you can first dissolve soap residue in the water and then clean the window frames with a kitchen sponge. Wipe clean and then apply the cleaner.
This is how yellowing caused by the sun can be eliminated
The windows can yellow not only on the inside but also on the outside. Strong sunlight can cause discoloration. You can remedy the effects of UV rays to some extent, but you have to clean the windows on a cloudy day. There should be no direct sunlight falling on the window frames.
Clean them first with soapy water and then with the solution of vinegar essence, lemon juice and water (see above). To prevent new yellowing from direct sunlight, you can prepare a cleaning paste using baking soda and olive oil. Simply add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 teaspoon of olive oil and mix well until a thick paste forms. Then put the paste on a clean cleaning cloth and rub it into the window frames using circular movements and very light pressure. Wait 5 to 7 minutes, wipe with a wet cloth and then wipe dry.
Quickly clean yellowed window frames with baby wipes and glycerin
You don't always have time to clean the window frames. If it's really quick, you can wipe the inside of the window frame with baby wipes. Add a drop of glycerin to the cleaning cloths. It is dirt-repellent and will prevent new deposits. The wet wipes can also clean grease and are not harmful to the skin. Of course you should firstWipe off dust, because otherwise you will just smear the dirt and not clean it.
Yellowed window frames are not a pretty sight. Fortunately, you can at least make them somewhat white again. However, they may change color again after some time. Regular cleaning and possibly sun protection can keep this to a minimum. Some home remedies can also work wonders when it comes to cleaningWindow frames shine back to their former glorylet.