Caring for plastic windows: some easy ways to do it yourself. Do-it-yourself plastic window care

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Today, many old PVC windows replace old wooden windows, believing that caring for plastic windows (as well as for metal-plastic) is easier than for wooden. But there it was! In order for your plastic windows to serve as much as possible and not lose their beautiful appearance, you need to work hard.

Learn simple PVC window care rules that you must follow.

At first, the optimum temperature in the room is considered plus 22 -25 degrees, and relative humidity - 30-45%. It is necessary twice - even in winter - to air the room for 15-20 minutes. This will reduce the chance of condensation on the plastic windows.

SecondlyAvoid contact with plastic windows with various solvents and solutions, as well as contact with emery materials. Otherwise, the profile surface will be damaged and blow through the window.

Rules for the care of plastic windows

Now they sell special sets for window care, which have tools for all components of the window

The instruction manual for plastic windows is as follows :

Wash windows and frames several times a year. Window care products: ordinary gel for dishes or special - for windows. Do not use alcohol.
Lubricate all fittings at least 2 times a year with special tools that do not contain resin. They must also be included in your home window care kit.
Wash the seal points with warm water, and then lubricate them.
Remove dust and dirt from slopes using wet wipes.
Clean hard-to-reach areas of the frame with cotton swabs.
Remove immediately with clean water the remnants of cleaning products from the sealant, and then wipe it dry.

Profile Care Rules

There are no special rules for profile care. Dirt, dust and streaks from rain are washed off with ordinary detergents. When manufacturing companies recommend using special detergents to care for PVC windows - this is simply an advertising move on their part.

It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive products, as well as gasoline, acetone and another strong solvent. Try not to scratch the surface of the PVC profile. Do not hit hard!

One of the most popular profiles in our latitudes is Rehau. Rehau provides information on the care of plastic windows in their reviews. Read these reviews.

Rubber Seal Care Rules

If the sealant is too late to care for, it is easy to replace.

A rubber seal is located along the entire length of the sash and frame. To maintain the elasticity of the sealing rubber, you need to clean it from dust and dirt with detergents with glycerin at least twice a year.

It's important to know : After installing the PVC window, the rubber seal must be cleaned of dirt, then rinse and grease.

Double-glazed window care

It is best to clean double-glazed windows with ordinary clean and warm water with a small amount of detergent added. Such a tool can be purchased at any hardware store.

It is advisable to wash double-glazed windows with a good absorbent material, otherwise stains will remain

Only the outer part of the glass panes must be cleaned, since the inner part is not contaminated. Do not use solvents or abrasive products. Also, as in the care of the profile, try not to strike and protect the glass from mechanical damage.

We have found useful for you video where plastic window care tips are given by a specialist :

Drainage rules

Usually there are already drainage channels on the PVC window, which remove the moisture that has accumulated inside it. These channels are located at the bottom of the frame under the sash. It is necessary to periodically monitor their condition: carry out cleaning from dirt.

Mosquito net care rules

Most mosquito nets consist of an aluminum frame and a stretched canvas in white or gray. The grid is attached to the window using special fasteners. The stretched fabric is a fiberglass yarn, top coated with plastic. The rules for caring for the mosquito net are as follows: when the first frosts appeared, it is better to remove the net from the window.

To prevent the mesh from falling during extraction, it is held by special rings on the sides

To carefully remove the mesh, you must :

move it to the partition so that the parallel side emerges from the support part used for mounting on a plastic window
move the mesh back to the inclined surface of the window
raise the net up
holding the mosquito net by the frame, move it to the house

Rules for the care of fittings

Lubricate hardware every year.

PVC windows are equipped with fittings. To extend the operating life and maintain an impeccable appearance, it is necessary to carry out the following work at least 2 times a year: lubricate all parts that move with special oil without various acids, clean the fittings from contamination with technical cleaners that will not damage the anti-corrosion coating on it.

If the window handle is loose , you need to carefully lift the decorative strip, which is under the handle, and turn its position from vertical to horizontal. Then you need to fix the screws so that the handle rests firmly on the frame again.

In general, preventive work with accessories must be carried out at least once a year.

If your window can no longer be repaired, how to choose a new one, find out.

If you consistently and correctly observe these simple rules, then your windows will preserve a flawless appearance and will delight you for a long time.

With the advent of spring, people begin to open windows, which means that they need to be cleaned and properly washed. Most people have plastic windows, which is quite practical and convenient. They do not need to be painted with an enviable frequency and insulated for the winter. And this cancels the cleaning of old paint and adhering insulation material.

The main difference between plastic windows and traditional wooden ones is their tightness. But because of this, condensation may occur, this will be avoided by periodically opening the window and airing both the frame itself and the room as a whole. This is good for health, and will not allow high humidity in the room. Knowing how to care for plastic windows, you can enjoy their convenience and aesthetic appearance for a long time.

Caring for plastic windows and window sills is more than just washing windows. Plastic profiles, fittings, drainage holes and a seal also require periodic attention. The window will serve for many years, if you give it a few minutes to leave no more than once a month.

Plastic profile

The plastic from which the window is made has a great advantage - it is very easy to clean. It is not necessary for him to use any special means. The main thing when washing a plastic profile:

Do not use bleach or powder.
Do not use chemical or alcohol-containing solutions.
Do not use rags with a scratching surface.
Try to prevent water from entering the seal and fasteners.

If it turns out that the pollution is too strong and the soapy solution does not help, you can use a specialized tool for cleaning plastic windows for cleaning. Such substances are sold at any household store or from a window manufacturer.

Window seal

Seals for plastic windows are made of high quality rubber or rubber with the addition of silicone and painted in gray or black. From what condition the window seal is, depends on whether the room is warm and quiet. Therefore, it is worth a couple of times a year to lubricate the seal with glycerin, silicone grease or rubber care products. Once a month, when the entire window is washed, the seal is cleaned of dirt and wiped with a damp cloth.

It is also important to monitor the condition of the fittings, which presses the sash against the frame. It often happens that through a chur, a strongly pressed window during the winter period can completely transmit the seal and it will have to be changed. The process is simple and not even expensive, but why do it when it is enough to simply adjust the clamping bolts from time to time.

Window fittings

Whether the window will function well or seize up depends on how well its hardware works. In order for its movable elements to work without jamming, periodic maintenance and preventive measures for the operation of the window are also required for it. For example:

You can’t hang anything on window sashes.
Different objects and things must not be allowed to enter between the frame and the window sash.
It is impossible to sharply and strongly pull the sash when opening.
Do not hang on window handles and sashes.

Important ! In no case can Nigrol be used to lubricate hardware, since its dense structure and the presence of an abrasive in the composition can damage some parts.

The accessories are usually lubricated with machine oil, grease, petroleum jelly or special grease, having previously cleaned them of small debris and dust.

Special grease, in fact, is a tube with refined oil, but the inscriptions say that this is a unique and inimitable means. All this is an advertising ploy, and in fact any oil and grease will do. The only difficulty may arise with technical solidol, since it is capable of solidifying or thickening in winter, which will adversely affect the operation of mechanisms.

Advice! When choosing a lubricant for plastic window fittings, make sure that it does not contain any strong substances that can damage the mechanism. Best of all, when buying consult with specialists.

Window drainage holes

At the bottom of the window are special openings that serve as drainage channels. Through them, condensation accumulating on the window goes outside, which helps the glass not fog up. Caring for plastic windows does not preclude cleaning all openings.

Periodically, the drainage holes must be checked, because of the accumulation of dirt in them, moisture will not be able to leave, which means that the window will sweat. If the drainage holes are dirty, they can easily be cleaned with a normal solution of warm water and soap or detergent without aggressive substances.

To do this, simply open the plastic caps and clean the holes as much as possible. By the way, many modern windows equipped with a multi-chamber profile do not need to clean the drainage holes at all, and the system of complex labyrinths inside the window frame completely removes condensation, while preventing dirt and dust from accumulating inside.

In addition, multi-profile windows have an improved aperture, which means that the room will have to be ventilated much less often.

Double-glazed windows

Glass of plastic windows is of varying degrees of transparency, it depends on the individual order. Transparent glasses, as well as tinted ones, are washed with ordinary warm or room temperature water with diluted detergent for glass or dishes in it.

The main thing is not to use powders and sharp objects when washing glass. If the contamination cannot be washed off with water, you need to buy a special detergent in household chemical stores.

Important ! Glasses with a reflective effect, a decorative coating, must be washed with caution with different means. To begin with, it is worth checking the product on a small part of the glass.

Inside the double-glazed window is not washed, since it is hermetically sealed, due to which dirt and dust do not get inside.

Windowsill

Often, a plastic window sill is simply wiped with a damp soft cloth. With more severe pollution, you can use a soap or powder solution with warm water or a special tool for the care of plastic products.

The texture of the plastic of which the window sill is made may be different. It can be a ribbed surface or rough, smooth or glossy. For different textures choose different cleaning agents.

For some reason, the window sill, which has turned yellow, can be rubbed with a napkin moistened with alcohol or porridge-like powder so that its granules do not scratch the surface. You can also apply window cleaner to the plane by spraying it and waiting a bit, then rub and rinse with water.

By the way, often it is yellowing of plastic that causes headaches for housewives. If washing and cleaning products do not remove yellowness, sadly, but most likely you have become a victim of low-quality material. Plastic simply burns out in the sun, and yellow spots are not the result of pollution, but simply fading, and no means can remove it.

There are some tips from experienced housewives:

For a quick wet cleaning, Mr.Proper is a good fit.
If the plastic has turned yellow, the whiteness will help him return Domestos.
Small stains, for example, from coffee, will quickly remove napkins for office equipment.
“Sillit” will cope best with rust spots.
If the children painted the windowsill with crayons or pencils, a melamine sponge will help.

Advice! With regular wet cleaning of the windowsill, special tools will not be needed.

Output

Caring for plastic windows in winter and summer will ensure their long service. Cleaning and checking the window, once a month, will not take much time, but it will help to notice and fix problems on time.

At home, you can use improvised tools to care for plastic windows. But in order not to think how to wash and clean the window or glass, you can buy a special set for the care of plastic windows. It already has:

Glass cleaning solution.
Liquid for cleaning plastic surfaces.
Grease for window mechanisms.
Gel lubricant for sealants.

Such kits can be purchased both from window manufacturers and at any store that sells household chemicals.

Of course, ready-made sets are practical and convenient, but they also cost decent money, so if you do not want to spend money, then all the components of the set can be bought separately and it will be much cheaper. Since the labels on the packages of special products are nothing more than an advertising ploy, but the contents, ordinary cleaning, washing and lubricating agents.

Careful care of plastic windows with your own hands is the most affordable procedure that allows you to increase their operational period. With the right approach, it can reach 50 years.

There are many aspects of care, but one of the most important is the timely lubrication of moving elements. It depends on how long the hardware will last.

Why lubrication is needed

With prolonged use, a lot of dirt and dust from the street gets into the internal mechanisms. This is especially true for apartments located next to the road. Pollution gets inside, which complicates the operation of mechanisms and accessories during opening / closing.

Outdated grease loses its qualities and acquires abrasive properties, which contributes to the accelerated wear of important parts. This may render them unusable. Hardware repair will cost a serious amount, so prevention seems to be a more reasonable method.

The first sign of a need to change grease is the appearance of cod, squeak or clicks when opening the wings.

Manufacturers give a guarantee on fittings from 2 to 5 years. For such a period, as a rule, factory lubrication is sufficient (but it still depends on the operating conditions). At its expiration, an update is necessary. Experts advise doing this at least once a year (the recommended time of year is mid-spring). Residents of large cities should do this more often. If the windows overlook the road, the fittings will become dirty several times faster due to the abundance of dust and smog.

How to lubricate PVC windows

It’s easy to lubricate the windows yourself - anyone can handle it. This procedure is performed as follows:

We get lubricant. You can use the universal - WD-40 or some special tool.
Open the sash and remove all dirt with a rag. We remove difficult dirt with a hard sponge or a special brush (not too coarse, because it can damage the surface).
We abundantly grease the brackets, bolts and all metal fittings.
For hard-to-reach spots, we use the tubular nose supplied with the WD 40.
If we use grease in a bottle, then we apply 2-3 drops of the substance to each element.

This is how plastic windows are lubricated with their own hands. Experimenting with tools is highly discouraged. Sunflower oil, petroleum jelly and other household substances are not suitable for this task.

Maintenance of plastic windows includes cleaning. For best results, remember these rules:

When cleaning the profile, do not use abrasive or powder substances. Such tools will make the surface rough, which will allow dirt to penetrate into the frame structure.
Do not use cleaning products based on acids, solvents or acetone. These substances will dissolve the stabilizing layer, and this will lead to a color change and further damage. It is better to use household substances in the kitchen (for example, dishwashing detergent).
To clean the glass, use only the detergent intended for this. A simple sponge can leave scratches.
At least 2 times a year, clean the rubber seals with an aqueous solution of household products (soap, powder, Comet, etc.).

Five Easy Care Rules

Proper prevention of plastic windows will extend their life. To achieve the maximum operational period, it is necessary to adhere to the following recommendations:

Ventilate the rooms regularly. The PVC profile is highly leakproof, so it practically does not let air from the street into the room. Therefore, moisture is systematically accumulated in it. It acts in cold areas in the form of condensation and fogging. In case of severe frost, ice may appear. To prevent this from happening, you need to lower the humidity in the room due to systematic ventilation.

Important! If a double-glazed window fogs up inside (between glasses) - it is defective. In this case, request a free replacement from the seller.

Clean the drain holes. You can find them if you open the sash or go out onto the balcony. They prevent condensation from accumulating. Often they are covered with visors so that excess moisture does not get into them. Residents of the first three to four floors should at least 3 times a year monitor these openings and, if necessary, remove dirt from them.
Check the condition of moving structures. Ease of movement - an indicator of the normal condition of the valves. Sashes should freely open and close.
Replace rubber seals. The guarantee period of these elements is from 1 to 5 years. After this period, it is better to replace. The cost of this part is low - from 25 to 75 rubles per meter. Several times a year, it is recommended to lubricate it with silicone or glycerin - such a measure will extend the operational period.
Monitor the condition of the handle, regularly tighten the fixing bolts. To access them you need to remove the plastic pad. If children live in the house, it is better to install a removable handle.

Convert to winter (summer) mode

This is necessary so that the profile functions in normal mode, and a comfortable temperature is maintained in the room. Budget models rarely support such a function, it is typical for the middle and high price segment.

To change the mode, do the following:

We find pinch rollers (their diameter is within 5-8 mm). They are located at the end of the sash at the junction with the frame. There can be several such videos, but you need to find everything.
We are looking at risk for them. If the winter mode is set, it will be directed inside the room. If you look at the street, then there is a summer mode.
Further, in order to change the mode, we pull the roller towards ourselves, after which we change the position of the risks.
Set it to its original position.

This procedure needs to be done with all the videos. In some models, you may need a hexagon to rotate.

A call from the company with a proposal to check the condition of the plastic windows and take the necessary steps to care for them interested our family, because the windows in the apartment were installed about 8-10 years ago. And besides the usual annual washing of windows from accumulated dirt and dust, nothing else was done with them during this time.

Probably, the naive belief that has existed for a long time that plastic windows do not need special care has worked. Of course, modern windows are unpretentious, practical, reliable, have a lot of advantages and seem eternal. But still, you need to follow them and properly care for them.

Ignoring the completely simple rules of care, which most of us can follow, in a few years we get a lot of defects and breakdowns. Windows lose their presentable appearance, they begin to let in cold air and street noise, the furniture becomes loose and malfunctions, drainage holes become clogged with dirt, and rubber seals dry out.

Some breakdowns can be easily fixed. But sometimes the problems that arise (worn out and worn out metal parts in the absence of lubrication, heavy handle travel, etc.) require serious financial outlay and additional effort. Repair is complicated by the fact that it is difficult or even impossible to find spare parts to replace worn parts. You have to completely change the mechanism and hinges, drill new holes or even completely change the window.

Like any technically complex construction, which, of course, are PVC windows, they require some care. Remember what you were guided by when choosing windows - this is a high-quality profile, fittings and double-glazed window: all these elements equally need care. If you did not know how to care for windows or forgot about the tips that the wizards gave you after installing the windows, this article may be useful for you.

The design of the plastic window is simple. It consists of a frame, a double-glazed window (airtight design with air chambers between the windows), movable flaps with rubber seals that prevent blowing and leaks, and accessories - an important component (consists of a complex set of mechanisms responsible for fixing the window flaps in one position or another) , opening and locking, from hinges and handles).

It is quite easy to look after plastic windows. As for frames and sashes, to maintain them in good condition, it is enough to periodically wipe them with a napkin or soft cloth using ordinary detergents.

The basic rule is not to use detergents and compositions containing acid, abrasive particles, solvents that can leave scratches on the plastic or damage its surface.

Window cleaning will take a little longer. But here everything is simple. To clean it, any glass cleaner is suitable. But the locking mechanisms of the fittings and its moving parts, sealing gum require special care.

How to care for the fittings of plastic windows?

Depending on the complexity of the mechanisms, the used hardware in plastic windows represents a lot of convenience for users. The simplest fittings provide folding windows and turning. Multifunctional fittings are additionally equipped with a ventilation mechanism, sash protection from sagging and other useful functions.

High-quality fittings not only serve for a long time with proper care, but also provide safety and additional comfort in the house. Besides the fact that the window handle should be easily fixed in intermediate positions and move without effort, it allows the window sashes to open, swing open and recline.

All metal elements located around the perimeter of the plastic window require special attention and gentle care. It is necessary to periodically (once or twice a year) remove dirt, dust and old grease from them. This can be done with a soft cloth dipped in soapy water. If necessary, you can use a brush, sponge, brush and even a vacuum cleaner.

After cleaning, all moving metal parts of the lock and fastener system must be lubricated with technical oil that does not contain resins and acids in the composition. For this, solidol, petroleum jelly, machine oil, silicone-based oil are suitable. You can use the lubricant for the accessories from the set for the care of plastic windows (usually it also has a means for caring for the profile and seal).

You can find such special sets in salons selling plastic windows and in companies involved in their maintenance and installation. These tools have already been tested and tested by manufacturers and can not spoil one or another structural part of the window. In addition, they are enough for a long time.

They are available in convenient metal cans in the form of aerosols or in bottles with convenient sprays, nozzles and droppers, which allows you to get to the most inaccessible places. They usually contain anticorrosive, anti-acid substances and mineral oils. Home craftsmen often use the WD-40 lubricant for this purpose.

Important: you can not use vegetable oil and not intended for this purpose funds.

Lubrication fittings

This element of the plastic window carries the greatest load in the structure and wears out most quickly. And this process is accelerating without proper care. Having previously cleaned the surface, grease is applied wherever metal friction occurs: around locking trunnions and reciprocal levels, on trunnions themselves, on bolts, fasteners, brackets, on the handle opening mechanism (if the window is tightly closed), on latches and hinges.

To ensure uniform distribution of lubricant, the handle must be turned several times after application, closing and opening the window.

The oil must be applied carefully and in small quantities into the grooves (technological slots) around the perimeter of the window and all other moving parts of the hardware, avoiding it falling down and falling onto the sealing rubber (this can ruin it).

Seal Care

Do not disregard the rubber seals located around the perimeter of the profile. They also need to be treated with a special tool that protects against rapid wear, deformation, drying out and loss of elasticity. If this is not done, the sealant loses its protective function. The sash ceases to be pressed tightly to the frame, the window seal is broken. And as a result, dust, drafts, noise and heat loss enter the house.

To begin with, the seal is cleaned of accumulated dirt by wiping it with a damp cloth moistened with ordinary soapy water. Wipe a clean seal with a clean, dry cloth with a small amount of silicone oil, which is usually found in “cosmetics” kits for window care (silicone grease, glycerin, silicone sponges can also be bought at hardware stores). At the same time, trying to ensure that the oil is distributed throughout the seal evenly. 30 minutes after wiping, remove excess oil with a dry rag.

Important: The product intended for the lubrication of seals and for their cleaning from dirt should not contain alkali, alcohol, solvents that can destroy its structure and shorten its useful life.

How to replace the seal yourself?

With proper care, rubber seals will last for many years. But it happens that after a few years, the sealant still needs to be replaced due to loss of elasticity and cracks. Is it possible to do it yourself or is it necessary to attract specialists? If you are sure that you can do it yourself, this can be done without the help of masters, following a simple sequence of simple actions:

Carefully dismantle the worn seal with a screwdriver and remove it from the grooves. It is removed easily.
We prepare the vacant space for installing new sealing gum. To do this, thoroughly clean from dirt and degrease the profile and grooves.
We coat the corners of the frame with glue and carefully insert the seal into the grooves. Seals of the European production are considered the best.

This is the most crucial moment. The rubber seal must be inserted into the grooves not in parts, but in a continuous segment, being careful not to stretch or squeeze it excessively, evenly distributing around the perimeter. After laying the cord in the grooves of the profile, its ends must be cut with scissors and the joints should be fixed with glue. Lubricate with silicone grease at the end.

For work, you may need: special glue, gasket, scissors for rubber.

Well-done work is a guarantee of peace, warmth and comfort in the house.

Drainage Care Rules

In window care, one more important point to remember is drainage holes. These are special openings that are designed to drain the accumulated moisture that has leaked into the window frame through the seal, to the outside. They are located under the sash windows at the bottom of the frame (they are easy to detect if you open the window).

Together with draining water, small debris and dirt can get into these holes, which must be removed. Otherwise, the drainage will clog up with dirt, and all moisture will remain in place, causing fogging of the windows, the appearance of ice on the window profile and an increase in the level of humidity in the house.

You can clean the drainage holes with an old toothbrush or brush. After removing the dirt, the holes can be filled with water in a small amount to remove residual dust adhering to the corners. The frequency of cleaning the drainage holes depends on where the house is located. If, for example, a highway runs nearby, you need to do this more often.

Mosquito net and care

There is another valuable detail (especially in the summer) - this is a mosquito net. She is rarely remembered, but she also requires care. It is enough to wash it in soapy water and, after drying, set it in its original place. For the winter it is recommended to remove and store it in a ventilated area.

In addition to cleaning and lubricating the mechanisms, the accessories require adjustment to create the optimal seal to reduce street noise and better sound insulation. Experts recommend adjusting windows twice a year: in late autumn (October-November) before the onset of winter and spring. In time it will take only 10-15 minutes, but for a long time it will protect the window from breakage.

Why do you need to do this? With temperature changes, the profile changes the physical properties. In the heat, when heated in the sun, the profile expands and friction of the leaf can arise from this. In winter, the profile narrows, there is a weakening of the density of pressing it against the sash, the seal begins to let in cold air. Due to the compression of the plastic, blocking of the handle may occur, and the profile may crack in the most stressful place.

Seasonal adjustment of the flaps consists in switching the mechanisms to winter and summer mode by changing the position of the clip (there are usually three clips on the flap - one on the side and two in the central part) and adjusting the degree of pressing of the flaps to the profile.

Before the onset of cold weather, the clamps of the wings are tightened. Due to this, the sash is pressed tightly to the profile at closing, ensuring tightness and preventing blowing. In the summer, to reduce the wear of the mechanisms, the clamps need to be returned to their previous position and the force of pressing the sash against the profile is weakened.

In addition to seasonal, adjustment is made as necessary. For example, if the accessories are loose and you need to tighten the mounts for the handles. To do this, raise the decorative strip under the handle by turning it horizontally. Next, the fixing screws securing the handle to the frame must be tightened.

If the sash has slipped and started to cling to the profile, cold air has passed through the metal clips or through it, you can install the sash in the desired position (lower it or raise it) using a hex wrench, which is inserted vertically into the adjustment mechanism with the protective cover pre-removed. The shutter rises when the key is turned clockwise and lowers if you turn the hexagon in the opposite direction.

To adjust the sash on the sides (right-left), the hex key is inserted horizontally. The leaf moves to the left if you rotate it clockwise, and goes to the right if you turn it counterclockwise.

From all this it is obvious: for plastic windows to last for a long time, proper care for them is a necessary and mandatory procedure. Each window company, which positions itself as worthy of attention and respect, is now servicing its products and adjusting through the warranty service department.

In addition, there are now quite a lot of small companies that service plastic windows, offering care for fittings and gaskets, replacing handles and seals, redecorating them from eliminating scratches and damage, simply adjusting the fittings to replacing the glass panes.

The cost of services in such firms, of course, is different (depending on the number of windows, the degree of wear and other factors). For example, the cost of adjusting one window sash ranges from 500 to 1200 rubles. If you consider a two-room apartment with three window openings, you will need adjustment from 3 to 9 wings. Even based on the minimum price (500 rubles) for adjusting the sash and the minimum number of sashes, at least 1,500 rubles will be required.

Of course, it’s more economical to do it yourself. But it is advisable if the work is done professionally.

Thanks to the installation of double-glazed windows, there is no longer any need to seal windows for the winter and tear off the seal or paper with the onset of spring. As the manufacturers of PVC windows promise, their products do not need any care and can last almost half a century without losing aesthetic and quality characteristics. However, this is only partly true. The plastic construction will look like a new one for many years, if properly looked after. In addition to the usual washing of glasses, you need to devote a little time to the rest of the details that make up the window.

The plastic profile is initially covered with a protective film, which protects it from damage during installation. 2-3 days after installing the window unit, it must be removed, otherwise the film will tightly adhere to the plastic from the influence of sunlight, and it will be very difficult to remove it.

The profile has increased resistance to any contamination and is easy to clean. To care for it, you can not use:

hard brushes;
abrasive cleaners;
bleach;
various acids;
acetone;
nitrocellulose solvents.

If abrasives are used, small scratches will form on a smooth white surface, in which dirt and dust will accumulate. Chemical reagents will spoil the plastic lining, which will significantly impair the appearance of the structure.

To clean the profile, use warm water and. It is enough to apply the detergent to the surface of the plastic and rub it with a small pressure with a soft cloth made of absorbent material, as all the dirt will remain on the fabric. The washed profile must be wiped dry so that there are no stains.

Drain holes are provided at the bottom of the cusps, which allow condensate to drain out and prevent fogging of the windows. They should be cleaned with the next soapy water, wire or vacuum cleaner, after removing the protective caps.

Double-glazed windows

The double-glazed window consists of 3 (less often - 2) glasses tightly fastened to each other. And if the inner surfaces of the glasses do not need to be washed, then the outer ones require regular maintenance. Dirty glasses are not just ugly: much less sunlight passes through a window covered with dust and dried raindrops than through clear glass.
Regardless of whether the glass unit is inserted - transparent or darkened - you need to use warm water and a mild detergent. It can be a liquid soap, dishwashing gel and even shampoo that did not fit any of the tenants of the apartment. The washing procedure is quite simple:

pour water into the basin and stir in it a cap of liquid detergent;
moisten a soft cloth in the side of the apartment and the street;
replace dirty water with clean cool water and wash off the remnants of soap solution from the windows;
wipe the double-glazed window dry with a hygroscopic cloth so that there are no stains (some housewives use ordinary newsprint for this - after it the glasses acquire luster and amazing transparency).

According to the owners of PVC windows, double-glazed windows are convenient to wash with a special mop. With the help of an adjustable holder it is easy to reach the farthest places on the outside of the window, which cannot be reached with your own hands.

When washing windows, do not use abrasive powders and metal objects, otherwise there will be scratches on the glass surface. For stubborn stains that cannot be washed with soapy water, it is worthwhile to purchase special household cleaning products.

Gaskets

Sealers are used to create a tight connection between the glass and the profile. They are made of rubber or rubber with the addition of silicone. The black seal is slightly inferior to gray in quality characteristics, but with appropriate care, both will last quite a long time.

Twice a year - in spring and autumn - it is necessary to lubricate the sealant with special rubber care products. At home, it can be silicone grease or regular glycerin, which is sold in every pharmacy.

The treatment of the sealant is necessary so that it retains the elasticity and tightness of the window structure in winter and summer, does not let cold air, dust and noise from the street. If you do not pay attention to rubber parts, after a while they will have to be completely replaced, and this is a rather troublesome procedure, requiring cash investments and a home visit of specialists.

Clamping gums on the window sashes need similar care. In spring and autumn, they should be cleaned with mild detergents, and then lubricated with glycerin, and then the wind and frost will not penetrate the apartment.

Hardware

The hardware is most likely to become unusable, since it has a large mechanical load, especially if low-quality holders and handles were used in the construction. It is possible to extend the service life of accessories only through regular care of it:

wash the dirt with a soft cloth during the next window wash;
remove dust from hard-to-reach places with a long brush;
lubricate all movable joints with petroleum jelly or machine oil.

In order for the hardware to last longer, it is necessary to observe the rules for operating window structures:

prevent foreign objects from falling between the frame and the window sash;
do not hang anything on handles and sashes;
turn the handles and open the window smoothly, without making sudden movements and jerks;
if the handle loosens a little, bring it to a horizontal position and tighten the screws.

A special insect net should be washed at least 2 times a year. This is most conveniently done with a shower and a soft brush. You can use soapy water to clean stubborn dirt, but if you clean the screen regularly, a strong stream of water from the shower head will perfectly wash dust and dirt from each cell. Before installing on the window, the mesh should be wiped with a clean rag and dried in a warm room.

Window sills

Plastic window sills require constant attention. Unlike other elements of the window construction, they must be regularly wiped with a soft cloth and a warm soapy solution. Most often, the surface of the windowsill has a rough texture, which collects dust, dirt and limescale from drops of water in its depressions.

for traditional wet cleaning Mr. Proper is perfect;
spilled coffee and other fresh, small contaminants are easy to clean with a napkin for office equipment;
the ingested dust must be rubbed with a damp cloth, after dipping it in baking soda - you can not use other abrasives, otherwise you can scratch the unstable plastic;
limescale from water accidentally spilled during the maintenance of indoor plants is well removed using Domestos or other plumbing products;
rust spots can be treated with Sillit;
traces of children's crayons or pencils are easily erased.

The biggest problem for owners of PVC windows is most often represented by a window sill, which has turned yellow from time to time. Usually this applies to low-quality plastic, which "burns out" under the influence of sunlight. Unfortunately, in this case it is impossible to get rid of yellow spots. The only option is to replace the windowsill with a better one, which is made by trusted brand companies.

Special Window Care Kits

Manufacturers made sure that the owner of PVC structures did not run to different shops in search of the necessary window care products. On sale you can purchase special kits, which includes all the necessary tools:

cleaner for PVC profile;
sealant care agent;
oil for lubrication of joints and fittings.

The advantage of these kits is that when using preparations from the window "first-aid kit" you can not worry that any of the means will harm the structural elements of the window. In addition, each bottle is equipped with a special nozzle-dropper or spray, which facilitate the work during cleaning and lubrication of window parts.

Thrifty owners may not have to spend money on buying a set, but then they will have to take care of the presence of detergents, cleaning and lubricants in the house, which will carefully take care of the components of the window unit.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of plastic windows includes washing structural elements and lubricating moving joints 2-3 times a year. In addition, in winter, you need to ventilate the apartment daily, leaving the window sash ajar for at least 15-20 minutes. This is a forced procedure caused by the tightness of the room and the lack of natural ventilation. When performing the above tips, plastic windows will last for more than a dozen years without repair and replacement of parts.