How to Clean uPVC Windows Safely and Effectively

Posted: 30th November 2022

For half a century, uPVC’s popularity has steadily grown to become one of the materials of choice for windows that we see today.  As well as looking great, one of the main reasons for this increase in demand is the fact that they are relatively maintenance and hassle-free when compared to traditional wooden constructions. 

Anyone with wooden window frames will be quick to tell you how they are susceptible to weathering and need regular treatment to keep them looking and working optimally.  With uPVC windows, however, often years can go by without them needing drastic attention.

While it is true that uPVCs don’t require the same level of upkeep as their wooden equivalents, they do benefit from a regular clean in order to maintain their appearance and to remove any build up of dirt or dust that may have accumulated.

This window grooming procedure isn’t difficult and it doesn’t take long but there are a couple of things you should do to achieve the best results – and a couple that you shouldn’t.  Follow the steps below to keep your windows looking fresh and bright.

How often should uPVC windows be cleaned?

The answer to this very much depends on the location of your property.  If you live in a rural setting that doesn’t experience much traffic and your home isn’t too exposed to the extremes of the weather, you will find that giving your windows a good clean every 6 months will be sufficient. Windows in exposed coastal areas get a build-up of salt residue so it’s important that this is cleaned off regularly. If you live in a more urban area or near the coast then halving the time between cleans is recommended, which would be every 3 months. 

These times are a guide.  As an estimate, they should give you an idea of how often you can expect to have to clean them, but it can vary depending on many factors, like seasonal variation and weather.  It always pays to be vigilant.

The Method

Although cleaning most things is pretty much a variation on a theme, the materials and products you should be using change according to the surface you are trying to clean.  We’ve broken the job down into sections, so you know exactly what to use, and where.

Frames – Inside

• Open the window as far as it will go.  You will notice a change in resistance when it reaches its maximum extension – don’t open it past this point.
• Use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of any obvious bits of dirt and dust from the hinges.  Depending on the shape of the opening and the make of your appliance, the attachment you need here might vary.
• Using the soft brush attachment of your vacuum, run around the frame and suck up any cobwebs or other build ups.  Be sure to get in all the little gaps and corners of the frame.
• Wipe the insides of the frames using a soft, clean cloth and warm water.  Mix in a mild soap solution to the water for best results.
• Apply a few drops of multi-purpose oil to the hinges.  This will help keep them lubricated and squeak-free.  Hold a piece of kitchen towel under the hinge when you apply the drops to catch any run-off.

Frames – Outside

More than the dirt itself, damage can often be caused to the frames of your windows by overzealous cleaning.  This will only ever be a problem if stubborn stains and deposits have been allowed to accumulate.  To avoid this issue, a lighter but more regular clean is advised.

• Close the window

• Brush off any loose bits of dirt with a soft brush or soft cloth. The cloths you use should be soft enough that it won’t leave any scratch marks.
• Rinse the window with a hose, removing any dirt or dust.  If you don’t have a hose, skip this step.
• Either with a small squirt of washing-up liquid or a specific window-cleaning liquid (the type from a bottle, not a spray), make up a soapy solution.  Use warm water for this.
• Wash the window frames and pane.  Start from a top corner and work your way down, finishing with the bottom part of the frame.
• Rinse again with clean water from a hose.  If you don’t have one, as before, skip this step.

Properties with windows featuring surface-mounted Georgian bars, or ‘Astragal Bars’ as they are referred to in the trade, should be approached with more care as they can become dislodged especially if using long-reach window cleaning systems

Notes on Products and Tools

 Squeegee – A sight verging on ubiquity whenever you see a professional window cleaner – and for good reason.  If you have one, use this instead of a cloth to clean the windowpanes.  Using the soft blade side, pass the squeegee across the pane.  Again, start from the top corner, and swipe from side to side, working your way down to the bottom.  Use your finger or a cloth to rid the squeegee of excess water between swipes.

Vinegar – A time-honoured favourite for countless home-cleaning tasks.  Mix up a small batch of solution using a ratio of 1-part vinegar to 4-parts water.  Start with 100ml of vinegar and 400ml of water.  Add a couple of drops of washing-up liquid to the solution.  Use a soft cloth to apply the solution to the window, then rub bits of old newspaper in a circular motion across the pane to polish the surface to a perfect finish.

Window-cleaning spray – Apply and remove in the same way as vinegar, but be careful not to spray any on the frames.  

Sills

• Either with a small squirt of washing-up liquid or a specific window-cleaning liquid (the type from a bottle, not a spray), make up a soapy solution.  Again, use warm water.
• Wash the sills.  You can use a soft cloth or a sponge for this, but make sure the sponge is the type that won’t leave any scratches.
• If there are particularly stubborn patches of dirt, you may need to soak the sill for 5-10 minutes to remove them.  As long as they’ve been attended to regularly enough, this should do the trick. 

Mould and Discolouring

Various moulds can develop on uPVC in the right conditions and over time older and cheaper types have been known to discolour with age.  If it has yellowed due to its inferior quality, there isn’t too much that can be done about it; if it has discoloured because of neglect or there’s a build-up of mould, our good friend vinegar might just save the day.

• Mix a water/vinegar solution with a 4:1 ratio.  Start with 150ml of vinegar and 600ml of hot water.
• Pour the solution into an empty, clean spray bottle.
• Spray the solution onto the uPVC and leave it for 10 minutes.
• Wipe the surface down with a clean, dry, soft cloth.

Important things to remember

• Always use soft cloths and non-scratchy sponges and make sure they are clean.
• Always take care with how much pressure you apply while cleaning uPVC.
• Never use bleach or white spirits.  UPVC is porous; these products will damage its surface.  Many cleaning products also use colouring which can stain your frames permanently.
• Never use wire wool or scouring pads or anything with a rough surface.  UPVC is susceptible to being scratched.
• Never use caustic or ammonia-based products.

The Rub

There’s nothing better than stepping back from a job well done. Following the steps outlined above, you’ll keep your windows and frames looking as good as new for years to come. 

Is it time to replace your windows? Why not view Mercury’s uPVC range today and find out how you can refresh your property’s exterior whilst potentially improving its energy efficiency?

Disclaimer

Please note these are general guidelines and may not be suitable for all window types. In order to protect your installation warranty, please check with your window installer.