plastic or wood
Clean window frames: How to effectively remove dust and dirt
Whether plastic or wood: window frames require regular care
© BakiBG / Getty Images
Although plastic is easier to clean than wood, it attracts dirt and grime equally. Once the window frames are yellowed, sooty, sticky or dusty, it’s time for a thorough cleaning.
While old buildings mainly had wooden frames, 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: its static charge causes it to almost magically attract dirt particles. This doesn’t look nice, nor does it benefit the material. Therefore, you should not only do that 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 consider: Depending on whether your window frames are made of plastic or wood, you can use different cleaning products 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 pay attention to the following tips:
- The fine grains of dust that have accumulated on the plastic frame should first be removed with a soft hand brush. Under no circumstances should you use dry cloths – they will scratch the material when wiping off the dirt particles.
- If the frames are only slightly dirty, you can remove the dirt with a soft cloth, lukewarm water and ordinary dishwashing liquid or a neutral cleaner. However, wet the material first before cleaning the window frame.
Are the plastic frames very dirty or yellowed?, you can have a special one Plastic cleaner (also with biodegradable surfactants available). It removes unsightly discoloration caused by nicotine or car exhaust fumes.
If the window frames haven’t been cleaned for many years, they often get one Yellow tint.Here you can try using oven spray: Simply spray it onto the plastic, let it take effect briefly and wipe it off. However, only use the aggressive spray very sparingly.
If there are still paint or varnish residues on the frames, for example from previous renovation work, you can remove the residues using spirit or a white spirit substitute. Apply the aggressive solution to a cloth and only allow it to take effect briefly.
Important: Do not use under any circumstancesBleach containing chlorine – the result may initially look good, but the bleach can oxidize the plastic frame, causing it to turn yellow over time.
Clean wooden window frames
Even though 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 detergent. Allow the rinse water to take effect briefly, then wipe it off again and dry the frame thoroughly.
For larger dirt, you can also use a special one Wood cleaner including UV protection for sensitive wooden surfaces.
Alternatively, there are also complete ones Care sets (including cleaner, balm and care wipes) for coated wooden windows that are intended to protect the material from the elements.
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 care products.
You might also be interested in:
This article contains so-called affiliate links. Further information are available here.