[mediscience]

While most homes that are built today have standard glass or plexiglass windows, some are built with plastic windows. Plastic has a number of advantages over glass; it can be easier and cheaper to build to a custom size and shape, it can oftentimes be sturdier than glass, and it will hold its shape much better over time. As a homeowner of a building with plastic windows, however, it's likely that you've noticed that these types of windows tend to be much more difficult to clean completely than glass windows. Read on for a brief guide on how to keep your plastic windows sparkling and clean.

[darich]

There are many other commercially available solutions that are also effective. Many specialized plastic cleaning solutions will help to do the same thing just as effectively. However, these solutions do tend to also be somewhat more caustic and may pose a health risk to you, your family, or your pets. more

[jinnyh345]

After allowing the specialized solution to soak into the windows a bit, rub it down with a clean rag. The key to keeping your windows as clean as possible is to use an appropriate cloth to clean them. Cloths that have small particles that tend to rub off may actually make the plastic windows even dirtier than they were before you attempted to wash them. Use a rag that you'd use to clean a pair of eyeglasses instead. more

[Stickboy]

This article was co-authored by Susan Stocker. Susan Stocker runs and owns Susan’s Green Cleaning, the #1 Green Cleaning Company in Seattle. She is well known in the region for outstanding customer service protocols — winning the 2017 Better Business Torch Award for Ethics & Integrity —and her energetic support of green cleaning practices. more

[erbauer]

This article has been viewed 64,016 times.

[yvethwarren]

Clear plastic always seems to turn cloudy or yellow over time, which doesn’t look great. The good news is that it’s not hard to clean with a little elbow grease (and maybe something abrasive if it’s really bad—more on that below). This article will walk you through three different methods you can use to get your plastic clean and clear again. We'll also show you how you can prevent clear plastic from getting dingy-looking in the first place. here

[pj]

For fixed windows that are difficult to reach, use a stepladder, step stool or long-handled, soft mop -- use only as much pressure as needed to remove dirt or smudges with a mop. Pushed on or distorted plastic should return to its original shape within a few minutes. Replace torn panels; refer to the manufacturer's manual for replacement instructions and purchase suggestions. Outdoors, clean hard-to-reach panes, such as a slanted plastic-paned "roof," using a hose with a spray nozzle on a gentle setting, and a ladder, if needed. Never climb on top of a plastic -- or glass – sunroom to clean it or for any other reason. [links]

[Siegmund]

Cleaning vinyl windows in a sunroom on a hot, sunny day causes the sudsy water to dry quickly, likely before you have a chance to wipe it off to reduce water spots. Wait for an overcast day so you can properly clean and shine the panes, ridding them almost completely of any residue for better results. Again, a long-handled, dry mop comes in handy for hard-to-reach areas. [links]

[kathlemith24]

If the windows come out easily, take out the uppermost pane, starting on the sunroom’s far right side, for cleaning. Working from the top down helps you avoid splashing or smudging previously cleaned panes below, while working in one direction helps you stay organized. Depending on the window style, you may have to grasp the sides of the pane's frame, and then lift it out of its lower track, tilt the bottom forward and lower it out of its upper track. Clean both sides of the plastic and the aluminum or vinyl frame. Vacuum the dry track, and replace the panes, working one at a time. [links]

[wirher]

When it’s time to clean your sunroom's plastic windows, skip glass cleaner, bleach, ammonia or any other harsh, chemical-based cleaner, especially if your windows are made out of Lexan (harsh chemicals destroy the glazing of this resin material). Sunroom Solutions suggests using either a bucket of warm water and small squirt of mild eco-friendly dish soap or a gentle wool-laundering liquid detergent as your plastic window cleaner. These soaps give you a safer, less corrosive alternative for cleaning plastic. Use a soft cloth for washing, and a clean, dry chamois to mop up drips or excess water. When cleaning overhead, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from splashes.

[AStephen2011]

Plastic sunroom windows look like glass, but if you clean them like glass, you risk damaging them. The composition or structure of these windows resembles thick, clear-plastic food wrap, but they're much more durable and somewhat more elastic. When cleaned the right way, they return to a smooth, glass-like appearance, even after being slightly pushed on during the cleaning process. [links]

[Sofox]

When cleaning vinyl windows outside using a ladder, it's important that you use caution when deciding where to place the ladder. Maids by Trade warns that leaning the ladder on the window could cause the window to break or become damaged.

[farmer_boy]

There are several commercial cleaners on the market that are made to remove hard water stains such as CLR and all the related products. Depending on what caused the windows to be stained, they may work well too. [links]

[rmelanimek]

Sometimes even oven cleaner cannot get rid of the hardest stains such as rust. Try using a scraper equipped with a brand new blade to gently scrape off the stain. This is a very time consuming task but it will work at last. Once the stain is gone, do a last cleaning with water and vinegar. [links]

[MrFlibble]

Once you remove the water stains, there are some ways to keep your windows from getting stained again. If the cause is the outside sprinkler system splashing water onto the house, make sure you re-adjust it before cleaning your windows. Otherwise your work will be in vain. [links]

[otiffanipacey]

This is a little trade secret from window cleaning people. If oven cleaner can clean old baked food stains inside an oven, it certainly can clean old hard water stains. You need to spray it on a piece of cloth, not directly on the window and then rinse it with warm water. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when using this product. It is known to remove almost anything. Be careful not to spray it around on painted areas or on plastic.

[chrisdbc]

The good old water and vinegar trick can work on relatively recent hard water stains. Pour a mix of 1/3 water and 2/3 vinegar in a spray bottle and just spray it all over the window. Let it soak for 1 minute and wipe it off with a dry cloth. You may have to repeat once or twice to completely get it off. If the stains have been there for a while and won’t come off, you may have to try something else. [links]

[shiraroberts112]

Are you wondering how to remove hard water stains from windows? Depending on what caused them, some water stains can be very stubborn and difficult to remove. Try to identify what is the cause of the stains in the first place. This may help you choose the right product to get rid of them. Here some things that you can use and that are known to give good results. You may not have to go through all the steps, but if the first does not get rid of the stains, move on the the next one.