Clean window frames: quick and effective (home) remedies

plastic or wood?
Clean window frames: How to effectively remove dust and dirt

Whether plastic or wood: window frames require regular care

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Although plastic is easier to maintain than wood, they attract dirt and grime equally. Once the window frames are yellowed, sooty, sticky or dusty, it’s time for a thorough cleaning.

Whereas wooden frames were predominantly used in old buildings, most new buildings have plastic window frames. The material is not only more durable, but also easier to clean – but it also has a major disadvantage: due to its static charge, it almost magically attracts dirt particles. That doesn’t look nice, nor does it benefit the material. You should therefore not only clean the windows, but also the frames, for example during the next spring cleaning. However, before you start cleaning, there are a few important tips to keep in mind: Depending on whether your window frames are made of plastic or wood, you can use different cleaning agents or household products. You can find out what these are here.

Clean plastic window frames

Although plastic is very robust, the material can become porous if you use the wrong or too aggressive cleaning agents. Therefore, you should consider the following tips:

  • The fine grains of dust that have accumulated on the plastic frame should first be removed with a soft hand brush. Never use dry cloths – they would scratch the material when wiping off the dirt particles.
  • If the frames are only slightly soiled, you can remove the dirt with a soft cloth, lukewarm water and ordinary washing-up liquid or a neutral detergent. However, before cleaning the window frame, moisten the material first.
  • Are the plastic frames heavily soiled or yellowed?, can you make a special plastic cleaner (also with biodegradable surfactants available) use. It eliminates unsightly discolouration caused by nicotine or car exhaust fumes.

  • If the window frames have not been cleaned for many years, they often get one yellow cast.Here you can try using oven spray: Simply spray onto the plastic, leave to work for a short time and wipe off. However, only use the aggressive spray very sparingly.

  • If there are still paint or varnish residues on the frame, for example from previous renovation work, you can remove the remains using spirit or a turpentine substitute. Apply the aggressive solution to a cloth and only let it work for a short time.

Important: Do not use under any circumstancesChlorine bleach – while the results may look good at first, the bleach can oxidize onto the plastic frames, causing them to turn yellow over time.

Clean wooden window frames

Even if wood attracts less dust than plastic, the frames still need to be cleaned regularly. However, only mild cleaning agents may be used here:

  • Only clean wooden window frames with a cloth, water and a little washing-up liquid. Let the rinsing water soak in for a short time, then wipe it off again and dry the frame thoroughly.

  • You can also use a special one for heavier soiling wood cleaner including UV protection for sensitive wooden surfaces.

  • Alternatively, there are also complete ones care sets (including cleaner, balm and care cloths) for coated wooden windows, which are intended to protect the material from the weather.

  • It also makes sense to care for the rubber seals on the windows afterwards so that they do not become porous. There are special ones here rubber conditioner.

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