TOP 15 methods, how and how to clean a plastic window sill at home
The question of how to clean and how to return the whiteness of the plastic surface of the windowsill arises in front of every housewife during daily and general cleaning. Dust settles on the windowsill, streaks of water remain, splatters of grease fall. Removing various types of dirt, while keeping the surface of the window sill white and shiny, is necessary to make the window and the whole room look clean and tidy.
Types of stains
The window sill not only creates a smooth transition from the outer space of the window to the interior of the room, beautifully shading the frame, but is also often used as an additional surface for temporary or permanent storage of various objects . Thus, stains of various origins often appear on the material.
Yellow spots after watering flowers
Window sills are often decorated with flowers, but after watering yellow spots remain on the white surface. This happens if, during imprecise irrigation, water is poured over the edge or the pot leaks, splashes can also reach the surface. In addition, dust from open vents for ventilation settles on flowing water, which is why ugly dirty spots accumulate around the pots.
Primer drops, pieces of polyurethane foam
When decorating the walls of a room or installing plastic windows, remnants of building materials may settle on the window sill. Although it is recommended to cover all surfaces during repairs with a protective film or paper, the window sill can still suffer from dust and building materials.
Glue, masking tape, masking tape after the winter period
In order not to see through the cracks, for the winter it is customary to seal the windows with strips of paper and glue, adhesive tapes, tape.
When the material is peeled off in the spring, sticky glue marks remain. They look messy and dust and dirt clings to them.
Sintepona crumb can stick to fat
Sintepon is used as insulation. It is considered effective because it provides good thermal insulation properties. But if the polyester crumbs from the upholstery get on the greasy stains, you get stubborn dirt.
Dirt from vents
When the windows or air vents are slightly opened for ventilation, dust blows into the apartment with the fresh air, which settles, leaving ugly dark spots. There is especially a lot of pollution if the house is located near a busy highway, or if there is coal production in town.
Greasy stains
Grease stains may appear on the surface if you place dishes or pans with traces of grease on the bottom. Oily traces of food and dishes often remain on the kitchen window sill.
Rust marks
Traces of rust appear on the plastic, which rise to the surface from metal objects. An imperceptible drop of water may remain, and if you put a tin can on it or put a keychain with a metal ring, a rust stain is guaranteed.
Cleaning characteristics of the different materials from which it is made
Slightly different surface cleaning methods are required depending on the material. By using the tools suitable for a specific material, you can not only easily remove dirt, but also keep the surface intact, which will contribute to the long life of the window sill.
Smooth
The easiest way is to take care of plastic that has a smooth surface. Simply wipe it down regularly with a damp sponge or cloth, using a soapy solution once a week.
Porous
Dust, dirt and grease particles accumulate on the porous surface, penetrating the pores, which makes this material more difficult to clean. Stubborn dirt is removed with a stiff sponge or brush.
Finished with a thin PVC film
If the plastic is covered with a thin, especially colored PVC film, then you need to be especially careful with such a surface. The film scratches easily, abrasives and some strong cleaning agents can alter the color.
Wear resistant laminated film
Plastic window sills covered with a wear-resistant laminate film are ideal for use, especially in the kitchen. This surface can be cleaned with harder brushes, as it is resistant to mechanical stress.
Home care rules
To keep the surface of the window sill clean and tidy, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance, without waiting for the accumulation of dirt. In addition, there are several simple rules, following which cleanliness and hygiene can always be maintained at an appropriate level.
Do not put hot pots and pans
Do not place hot dishes on the plastic, this can deform the material and change its color. If you cannot do without the windowsill as a working space, then you need to use special coasters for warm. They will prevent the surface from deforming and the appearance of irreparable stains.
Use special supports for flowers
Decorative napkins are placed under the flowerpots, or the plant is placed in a beautiful planter.This will help to avoid the appearance of yellow spots that form due to the fall of water on the windowsill after watering indoor plants. In addition, decorative elements will give the window and the whole room a cozy look.
Daily wiping with a dry cloth
Even if there are no visible traces of contamination, it is necessary to wipe the plastic with a dry cloth every day. This will help remove fine dust so that it does not clog the pores and give the surface a dirty gray color.
Wash with soap and water weekly
At least once a week, the window sill should be washed with soapy water; ordinary laundry soap is suitable for making it. In this way, accumulated dust and dirt are removed, preventing the appearance of stubborn stains.
Regular window cleaning
To maintain cleanliness, it is necessary to regularly wash the glass and frame, paying special attention to the lower space between the window and the sill. Dust and dirt accumulate in the crevices, which can stain the window sill.
Detergent control
If you plan to use a cleaner that has never been used before, you should test it on an inconspicuous area first. If the surface is not deformed or discolored, the entire window sill can be cleaned.
Careful use of abrasive products
Cleaning powders should be used with great care as they leave scratches where dust and dirt can accumulate. If it is possible to do this with other means, it is better to avoid the use of abrasives altogether.
What cannot be washed
Plastic window sills should not be scrubbed with metal or hard brushes. If a strong alkali, acid or organic solvent is used, the material may deform. A common solvent like acetone can also damage plastic.
How to wash
You have the choice between different products to remove dirt and stains from the surface. It is best to start with the gentlest methods, washing with a simple soap solution and a sponge, if they do not help, move on to stronger means.
laundry soap
Any soap, both in bar and liquid form, is suitable for cleaning the window sill. But it should be remembered that ordinary laundry soap, despite its unpretentious appearance and smell, is more effective due to its greater concentration. A soapy solution is prepared by rubbing a bar of soap on a grater, but lathering a sponge may suffice. After cleaning, the surface is washed with clean water.
Washing powder
The washing powder will not only clean the surface, but can also restore its whiteness if you choose a powder with a whitening effect. A little cleaning agent is poured on the window sill, wiped off with a damp sponge, starting with more severe dirt, then washed off with clean water. The powder can damage the PVC coated surface if rubbed firmly with the hard side of the sponge.
Window washer
Glass cleaner can be used to clean not only windows, but also window sills, and it can even cope with old greasy stains. The liquid is sprayed with a spray bottle and then washed off with a damp cloth. To remove stubborn dirt, the product is sprayed on and left to act for a few minutes. Use with caution in the kitchen, avoiding splashes on food.
The vinegar
A solution of vinegar and water, diluted in equal proportions, is used to clean and lightly whiten white window sills. On surfaces coated with a colored PVC film, it is better not to use the agent in order to avoid discoloration. The vinegar solution is applied for 10-15 minutes, paying special attention to stains, after which it is washed off with water and wiped off. If from the first time the product did not completely cope with contamination, the treatment is repeated.
Melamine sponge
The advantage of the melamine sponge is that it does not require any detergent, just water is enough. To clean the window sill, the sponge must be moistened and wiped; to remove old stains, it will take some effort, melamine crumbs can be removed with a damp cloth.
PVC paste
To prepare a paste, you must carefully crush the white chalk and mix it with the same amount of toothpowder. The mixture is spread over the surface with a sponge soaked in water and left to remove dirt, then washed off with clean water. Apply carefully so that the chalk crumbs do not scratch the material. If visible contamination persists, repeat the procedure.
A mixture of vinegar and baking soda to remove stubborn stains
A thin layer of soda is applied to the surface, a few drops of vinegar are added to the place of contamination. During the reaction, the visible signs of which are hissing and foaming, dirt is removed. The method should not be overused as it is quite aggressive.
How to clean up after repair
During repair and construction work, substances such as polyurethane foam, whitewash, primer, putty, plaster, putty, liquid nails can get on the window sill. It is best to clean the surface while the dirt is fresh, stubborn stains are harder to wipe away.
Removing plugs
A large amount of dirt accumulates under the plugs installed at the ends of the window sill, so they must be removed before cleaning. The window sill is thoroughly washed, removing all remnants of building materials, dust and dirt, the plugs are washed separately, and then reinstalled.
Abrasives for primers, fillers and other construction residues
First, the surface is washed with a damp cloth and soapy water, some stains can be easily removed, especially if fresh. For example, whitewash, uncured putty and plaster are washed off with clean water. If the gentle method did not help to restore the cleanliness of the window sill, the dirt will have to be scraped off. In this case, it is necessary to act as carefully as possible so as not to damage the surface.
Rigid brush for leftover polyurethane foam
You can try to dissolve polyurethane foam with vinegar, hot vegetable oil, the drug "Dimexid". The dried moss is carefully cut off with a spatula, trying not to scratch the surface, the remnants are carefully scraped off with a stiff brush.
How to whiten yellowness
The window sill can lose its whiteness and acquire an ugly yellowish color. You can often get rid of yellowness, but for this you need to find out why it appeared.If the color change is due to the accumulation of dust, dirt and yellowish grease particles, it is enough to wash the window sill well.
Identify the cause
The reason why the window sill turned yellow may lie in the poor-quality material from which the surface is made. In this case, the yellowness cannot be eliminated. If the color change is caused by exposure to sunlight, temperature changes and humidity, the situation is corrected using proven means.
Use rubbing alcohol
Alcohol is applied to the surface for a quarter of an hour, then washed off with water. If necessary, the procedure is repeated several times. Likewise, hydrogen peroxide and oxygen bleach can be used instead of alcohol.
sodium carbonate with lye
In order to whiten the surface, you can use a mixture of soda ash and lye, for which the substances are taken in equal proportions. The bleaching composition is applied to the material for several hours, after which it is removed with a damp sponge.
Acetone
Acetone is a dangerous product for plastics. Thinner whitens the surface, but can damage it by dissolving the top layer of plastic along with the dirt.
If you can't get rid of stubborn stains
What if you've tried all the remedies, but can't get rid of window sill stains? It remains to hide them by restoring the surface.
To do this, you do not need to change the entire window sill as a whole, you can just glue the PVC film, while it is not necessary to choose white.
The colored film will not only help to forget about stubborn stains on the windowsill, but also bring new notes into the interior.
Returning the plastic window sill to its original whiteness, without damaging the surface, is an important task that must be solved with each cleaning. A lot of purchased funds are ready to help the hostess, but there are also small secrets, knowing which ones, you can maintain the cleanliness of the window sill without putting much effort into it.