How to Clean uPVC Windows and Doors?

uPVC is a great material for windows and doors and it’s easy to see why it’s a favoured option over timber, uPVC is very low maintenance, another benefit for many property owners. It’s hard-wearing and will last in the many years to come, it quite often will last a lot longer than other materials that are used for windows and doors such as aluminium or timber, and more and more people are choosing to replace their old windows with new uPVC windows.

However, dirt does always find a way and it’s important to keep on top of cleaning your uPVC windows and door frames, this will ensure they last and you can get as long as possible out of them before needing replacement windows. Dirt may not be immediately visible due to the colour of your windows, white frames and surfaces are more likely to show up dirt and grime, but either way, no matter what colour it is, it’s still important to keep the frames clean.

Cleaning them won’t take long, all you need is 10 to 15 minutes, your UPVC door and windows will be looking like new again, here we take a look at how to clean uPVC doors.

What you will need:

• Vacuum cleaner
• A bucket of hot, soapy water
• Clean water for afterwards
• A brush

We recommend that you stay clear of the following and DON’T use these products to clean your windows and doors: glass cleaner, abrasive cleaners like cream cleaners or scouring powders, ammonia-based cleaning products, scouring pads or steel-based wool, kitchen roll or toilet paper, they can leave residue or other elements behind them.

Cleaning a uPVC Door

When it comes to cleaning your uPVC door, we recommend that you always start with the frame first. You can use a vacuum cleaner and gently vacuum around the edges of the frame, this includes the grooves and hinges. This will remove dirt or dust as well as prevent the dirt from getting onto the frame after you have finished cleaning. If you’re happy that all the dirt has been removed, you should then use a handheld brush and give the surface a good once over, brushing away the build-up.

Next use warm and soapy water, washing up liquid works too. Use a soft cloth and gently wipe down the door frame. You should follow a pattern that will make sure that all areas are covered, for example, start from top to bottom and work your way downwards, this can prevent the dirt from being moved around the frame.

Once the frame has been wiped down, you can use clean water and a separate cloth to help wipe down the frame again, this will help remove any solution or bubbles that are leftover. You can finish off the door frame by using a dry cloth and gently drying the frame down in circular motions, this will make sure that there’s no streak leftover and that your door is completely dry.

Cleaning the door handle

Your door handle will be the most touched and used area of your door, so it can play host to a range of unwanted germs and bacteria. When it comes to a uPVC door handle, they are easy to keep clean and are germ-free, all you will need to do is use an antibacterial solution that can be wiped down, a lot of household antibacterial products will be suitable for this.

We recommend that you clean the door handle down regularly, a lot more than you would clean the door and door frame. This is just because people will come into contact with the handle a lot more often.

Cleaning uPVC windows

Firstly you should open your window as far as it will go, vacuum about the frame and remove any debris, we recommend that you use a soft nozzle attachment as this will help to avoid scratching the uPVC. Use the warm soapy water and a sponge or cloth to wipe down the window, you can then use a dry cloth to remove the excess water.

When it comes to cleaning the window glass, it’s a similar process, you will need to make sure that all of the dirt and debris has been removed. Use a glass cleaner and spray it onto the window generously, if your window is very dirty, use cleaner than recommended, it will make the dirt easier to remove. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the windows down, you can use circular motions as this will help to reduce the chances of streaks, you should also make sure that the window can dry naturally or you dry it yourself, this is to reduce a streaky look.

These cleaning tips can also be applied to uPVC conservatories and uPVC porches.

As professional door and window fitters, at Swish Home Improvements our team provides a full window installation and door installation service. We are experts and can always be on hand to help and answer any questions that you may have regarding the uPVC windows and doors that we provide. For more information, contact us today.