White window frames can become unsightly colored over time, which is why they look really uninteresting. However, this is not a reason for their immediate replacement, it is enough to subject the material to proper cleaning and regular maintenance. We will explain to you why window frames turn yellow and how to clean them so that they are white again and shine from afar. Yellowing of plastic windows can be effectively prevented.

Why do window frames turn yellow?

White plastic windows have many advantages, they are universal, cheap and very durable. They look very aesthetic, but it is necessary to clean them regularlyotherwise they may turn yellow over time and the resulting stains will reflect on the appearance of your home. Why do window frames turn yellow? Many different factors are responsible for this, including dirt that settles every day, smoke of various origins, and even strong sunlight hitting the frames directly.

Windows are a structural element that is exposed to various influences – they are constantly exposed to strong wind, rain or snow, as well as sunlight, so they require adequate protection. The most important task and at the same time the basic step in the maintenance of the white material of the frame is cleaning – it is the first step that prevents yellowing and tarnishing of the surface.

Are all plastic windows susceptible to color loss with long-term use? Modern, high-quality products are much better able to withstand the effects of sunlight or contact with common pollutants in the air. However, without proper care, they can also change color. We checked how to clean windows so as not to damage their surface, and how to whiten yellowed window frames – once again home methods proved to be the best.

How to whiten yellowed window frames – home remedies

Due to the type of material used for the window frames and its color, cleaning should be repeated regularly. Don’t wait until your window frames become unsightly stained, because then it won’t be so easy to remove the stains.

Clean the windows first, then wipe the frame with a damp cloth – this way you remove dust, collect condensate and the frame stays nice for longer. However, be careful when choosing cleaning products for the PVC frame, because not all preparations give it.

Avoid:

  • whitening cream,
  • highly corrosive chemicals,
  • rough sponges, brushes, rough means and abrasive products.

None of the above measures will help you get rid of the stains. In addition, they can damage the finish of the frame, lead to further color changes and even completely and irreversibly degrade the plastic.

I wanted to restore my once-white windows to their original color and shine, so I gave up scrubbing and scraping the frames in favor of a tried-and-true home remedy suggested by a neighbor. I used hydrogen peroxide, but with the consistency of a cream, in the places where dust and dirt settled the most, water stains appeared and the frames acquired a slightly yellowish color.

This product is a popular cosmetic used to lighten hair. At first I was not convinced, but on the advice of a neighbor I applied the mixture to the frames. I did it with a soft sponge and protective gloves.

Food foil will also help

Then I covered the whole thing with pre-prepared narrow strips of cling film, the same cling film I use to wrap food in the fridge or to protect second breakfasts. I left the window frames “wrapped” in this way overnight and did not remove the foil until the following afternoon. All I had to do was wash them all over with water and wipe them down with a soft microfiber cloth.

Result after washing “cosmetic” the water surprised me because there was no sign of the yellowish stains and the white plastic was really white again. I wouldn’t call this product natural, but it is certainly gentler and safer than many other ready-made products with complex ingredients.

Due to its properties and its ability to remove dirt in various forms, hydrogen peroxide has become a fixture not only in the home medicine cabinet, but also in the basic equipment of cleaning products. I use a peroxide-based cream to regularly clean window frames, and I use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to remove unsightly rain streaks from windows.

Are you annoyed by yellowed window frames? Use one trick. They will look like new again