Caring for plastic windows: a few simple ways to do it yourself. Do-it-yourself plastic window care

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Today, many people replace old wooden windows with modern pvc, believing that caring for plastic windows(as well as for metal-plastic ones) is easier than for wooden ones. But it wasn't there! So that your plastic windows last as long as possible and do not lose beautiful view, you need to work hard.

find out simple rules caring for pvc windows which must be observed.

Firstly, optimal temperature indoors is considered plus 22 -25 degrees, and relative humidity - 30-45%. It is necessary twice - even in winter - to ventilate the room for 15-20 minutes. This will reduce the likelihood of condensation on plastic windows.

Secondly, do not allow various solvents and solutions to come into contact with plastic windows, as well as contact with emery materials. Otherwise, the surface of the profile will be damaged and it will blow through the window.

Rules for the care of plastic windows

Now they sell special kits for window care, in which there are products for all components of the window.

The operating instructions for plastic windows are as follows :

Wash windows and frames several times a year. Window care products: regular dish gels or special ones for windows. Do not use alcohol.
Lubricate all fittings at least 2 times a year by special means resin-free. They must also be included in your home set window care.
Wash the sealing points with warm water and then lubricate them.
Remove dust and dirt from slopes with wet wipes.
Clean hard-to-reach areas of the frame with cotton swabs.
Delete immediately clean water residues of cleaning agents from the seal, and then wipe it dry.

Profile Care Rules

There are no special rules for profile care. Dirt, dust and rain stains are washed off with ordinary detergents. When manufacturing companies recommend the use of special detergents for the care of PVC windows, it's easy publicity stunt from their side.

It is strictly forbidden to use abrasive products, as well as gasoline, acetone and other strong solvents. Try not to scratch the surface PVC profile. Don't hit hard!

One of the most popular profiles in our latitudes is Rehau. Information about the care of plastic rehau windows give in their reviews customers. Read these reviews.

Rules for the care of a rubber seal

If it's too late to take care of the seal, it's easy to replace

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

It's important to know : after installing a PVC window, the rubber seal must be cleaned of dirt, and then rinsed and lubricated.

Rules for the care of double-glazed windows

It is best to clean double-glazed windows with ordinary clean and warm water with the addition of a small amount of detergent. This product can be purchased at any hardware store.

It is desirable to wash double-glazed windows with a highly absorbent material, otherwise there will be stains

Only the outer part of the double-glazed windows is subject to cleaning, since the inner part is not contaminated. Solvents and abrasives must not be used. As well as when caring for the profile, try not to strike and protect the double-glazed windows from mechanical damage.

We found something useful for you video where advice on the care of plastic windows is given by a specialist :

Rules for the care of drainage

Usually, a PVC window already has drainage channels that bring moisture accumulated inside it out. These channels are located at the bottom of the frame under the sash. It is necessary to periodically monitor their condition: clean them from dirt.

Mosquito net care instructions

Most mosquito nets consist of an aluminum frame and stretched fabric in white or gray. The grid is attached to the window with the help of special fasteners. The stretched canvas is a fiberglass thread covered with plastic on top. The rules for mosquito net care are as follows: when the first frosts appear, 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 need to :

move it to the partition so that the parallel side comes out of the support part used for fixing on the plastic window
move the grid back to the sloped surface of the window
lift the mesh up
holding the mosquito net by the frame, move it into the house

Rules for the care of accessories

You need to lubricate the fittings every year

PVC windows are equipped with fittings. To extend the service life and maintain an impeccable appearance, it is necessary to carry out at least 2 times a year following works: lubricate all parts that move with a special oil without various acids, clean the fittings from contamination with technical cleaning agents 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 located under the handle, and turn its position from vertical to horizontal. After that, you need to fasten the screws so that the handle fits tightly to the frame again.

In general, preventive work with fittings should be carried out at least once a year.

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

If you follow these simple rules consistently and correctly, your windows will remain 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 washed properly. Most people have plastic windows, it is quite practical and convenient. They do not need to be painted with an enviable frequency and insulated for the duration of the winter. And this cancels the purge from old paint and adhering insulation material.

The main difference between plastic windows and traditional wooden ones is their tightness. But because of this, condensation is possible, this will help to avoid periodically opening the window and ventilating both the frame itself and the room as a whole. This is both good for health and will not allow high humidity in 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 not only glass washing. plastic profile, accessories, drainage holes and the seal also require periodic attention. The window will serve for many years if you take a few minutes to care for it, 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. For him, it is not necessary to use any special means. The main thing when washing a plastic profile:

Do not use bleach or powder.
Do not use chemical and alcohol-containing solutions.
Do not use rags with a scratchy surface.
Be careful not to let water get into the seal and fasteners.

If it turns out that the pollution is too strong and the soap solution does not help, you can use a specialized plastic window care product for cleaning. Such substances are sold in any household store or window manufacturer.

window seal

Seals for plastic windows are made of rubber High Quality or rubber with the addition of silicone and painted in gray or black. The condition of the window seal depends on whether the room will be warm and quiet. Therefore, it is worth lubricating the seal with glycerin, silicone grease or rubber care products a couple of times a year. 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 hardware that presses the sash to the frame. It often happens that through, chur, a strongly pressed window behind winter period the seal can be completely crushed and will have to be replaced. The process is simple and not even expensive, but why do it when it is enough just to adjust the hold-down bolts from time to time.

window fittings

Whether the window will function well or jam depends on how well its fittings work. In order for its moving elements to work without jamming, it also needs periodic maintenance and preventive measures for the operation of the window. For example:

You can not hang anything on the window sashes.
It is impossible to allow falling of different objects and things between the frame and the window sash.
You can not sharply and strongly pull the sash when opening.
Do not hang on window handles and sashes.

Important ! Under no circumstances should nigrol be used to lubricate fittings, since its dense structure and the presence of an abrasive in the composition can damage some parts.

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 of refined oil, but the inscriptions say that this is a unique and unrepeatable product. It's all a publicity stunt, and really any oil and grease will do. The only difficulty may arise with technical grease, as it is able to freeze or thicken in winter, which will have a bad effect on the operation of the mechanisms.

Advice ! When choosing a lubricant for plastic window fittings, make sure that it does not contain strong substances that can damage the mechanism. It is best to consult with experts when buying.

Window drainage holes

At the bottom of the window there are special holes that serve as drainage channels. Through them, the condensate that accumulates on the window comes out, which helps the glass not to fog up. Caring for plastic windows does not exclude cleaning all openings.

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

To do this, simply open the plastic caps and clean the holes as far 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 window frame completely removes condensate, while preventing dirt and dust from accumulating inside.

In addition, multi-profile windows have improved ventilation, which means that you will have to ventilate the room much less often.

Double-glazed windows

The glass of plastic windows can be of different degrees of transparency, it depends on individual order. Transparent glasses, as well as tinted ones, are washed with ordinary warm or room temperature water with a glass or dish detergent diluted in it.

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

Important ! reflective glass, decorative coating, you need to wash with care 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, as it is closed hermetically, due to which dirt and dust do not get inside.

Windowsill

Often plastic window sill Simply wipe with a damp soft cloth. For heavier soiling, you can use a soap or powder solution with warm water or a special care product for plastic products.

The texture of the plastic from which the window sill is made can be different. It can be a ribbed surface or rough, smooth or glossy. Different cleaning agents are chosen for different textures.

A yellowed, for some reason, window sill can be rubbed with a napkin moistened with alcohol or mushy 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, it is often the yellowing of plastic that causes headaches for housewives. If detergents and cleaners do not remove yellowness, it’s sad, but most likely you have become a victim of low-quality material. Plastic simply fades in the sun, and yellow spots are not the result of pollution, but simply fading, and no means can remove it.

Here are some tips from seasoned hostesses:

For quick wet cleaning, Mr. Proper is well suited.
If the plastic has turned yellow, Domestos will help to return the whiteness to it.
Small stains, such as coffee stains, will quickly be removed with office equipment wipes.
FROM rusty spots Sillit will do the best.
If children have painted the window sill with crayons or pencils, a melamine sponge will help.

Advice ! With regular wet cleaning of the window sill, special tools are not needed.

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

Careful do-it-yourself care of plastic windows 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 maintenance, but one of the most important is the timely lubrication of moving parts. It depends on how long the hardware will last.

Why do you need lubrication

With prolonged use, a lot of dirt and dust from the street gets into the internal mechanisms. This is especially true for apartments located near the road. Pollution gets inside, which makes it difficult for mechanisms and fittings to work during opening / closing.

Outdated grease loses its qualities and acquires abrasive properties, which contributes to accelerated wear important details. This can render them unusable. Repair of fittings will cost a serious amount, so prevention seems to be a more reasonable method.

The first sign of the need to change the lubricant is the appearance of crackling, creaking or clicks during the opening of the valves.

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

How to properly lubricate PVC windows

It is easy to lubricate windows on your own - anyone can handle it. This procedure is carried out as follows:

We buy lubricants. You can use universal - WD-40 or some special tool.
Open the sash and wipe off all the dirt with a rag. We remove difficult dirt with a hard sponge or a special brush (not too rough, because it can damage the surface).
We generously lubricate the brackets, bolts and all metal fittings.
For hard-to-reach places use the tubular spout supplied with the WD 40.
If we use a lubricant in a bottle, then we apply 2-3 drops of the substance to each element.

This is how do-it-yourself plastic windows are lubricated. It is strongly not recommended to experiment with the means. 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 products will make the surface rough, which will allow dirt to penetrate into the structure of the frames.
Do not use cleaning agents based on acids, solvents or acetone. These substances will dissolve the stabilizing layer, and this will lead to discoloration and further damage. It is better to use household substances available in the kitchen (for example, dishwashing detergent).
To clean glass, use only products intended for this purpose. A simple sponge can leave scratches.
At least 2 times a year, clean the rubber seals with aqueous solution household products(soap, powder, Comet, etc.).

Five simple care rules

Proper maintenance of plastic windows will prolong their life. To achieve the maximum operating period, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

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

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

Clean drainage holes. They can be found 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 or four floors must monitor these openings at least 3 times a year and, if necessary, remove dirt from them.
Check the condition of moving structures. Ease of movement is an indicator of the normal state of the valves. Gates should open and close freely.
Change rubber seals. The warranty period for these items is from 1 to 5 years. After this period, it is better to make a replacement. 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 - this measure will extend the operational period.
Monitor the condition of the handle, tighten the fixing bolts regularly. To access them, you need to remove the plastic cover. If children live in the house, it is better to install a removable handle.

Transfer 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 pressure rollers (their diameter is within 5-8 mm). They are located at the end of the sash at the junction with the frame. There may be several such videos, but you need to find everything.
Looking for risk on them. If installed winter mode, it will be directed inside the room. If he looks outside, then it is summer mode.
Next, to change the mode, pull the roller towards you, after which we change the position of the risks.
Set it to its original position.

This procedure must be done with all videos. In some models, a "hexagon" may be required to rotate.

A call from a company with a proposal to check the condition of plastic windows and produce necessary actions 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 has been done with them during this time.

Probably, the naive belief that existed for a long time that plastic windows in special care dont need. Of course, modern windows are unpretentious, practical, reliable, have a lot of advantages and seem to be eternal. But still, they need to be monitored and properly looked after.

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 start to let in cold air and street noise, fittings become loose and fail, drainage holes are clogged with dirt, rubber seals dry out.

Some damage can be easily fixed. But sometimes the problems that have arisen (worn and worn metal parts in the absence of lubrication, heavy handle travel, etc.) require serious financial costs and additional efforts. Repair is also 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 technical complex structure, 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 a double-glazed window: all these elements equally need care. If you didn't know how to take care of windows or forgot about the advice that the masters gave you after installing windows, this article may be useful to you.

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

Taking care of plastic windows is quite simple. As for the frames and sashes, to keep them in good condition, it is enough to periodically wipe them with a napkin or soft cloth using common detergents.

The main rule is not to use detergents and compounds containing acids, abrasive particles, solvents that can scratch the plastic or damage its surface.

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

How to care for plastic window fittings?

Depending on the complexity of the mechanisms, the fittings used in plastic windows provide users with a lot of convenience. The simplest fittings provide tilting of the window sashes and rotation. Multifunctional fittings are additionally equipped with a ventilation mechanism, protection of the sash from sagging and other useful functions.

High-quality accessories not only serve for a long time with proper care, but also provide safety and additional comfort in the house. In addition to 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 require special care and attention. metal elements located around the perimeter of the plastic window. From them it is necessary to periodically (once or twice a year) remove dirt, dust and old grease. 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 locking and fastening system must be lubricated with technical oil that does not contain resins and acids in the composition. For this, grease, petroleum jelly, machine oil, silicone-based oil are suitable. You can use the hardware lubricant from the plastic window care kit (usually it also contains a profile and seal care product).

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 checked and tested by manufacturers and cannot damage one or another structural part of the window. Plus, they last a long time.

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

Important: Do not use vegetable oil and means not intended for this purpose.

Hardware lubrication

This element of the plastic window carries the greatest load in the structure and wears out the fastest. And this process accelerates without proper care. Having previously cleaned the surface, the lubricant is applied wherever metal friction occurs: around locking pins and strike plates, on the pins themselves, on bolts, fasteners, brackets, on the handle opening mechanism (if the window closes tightly), on latches and hinges.

To provide uniform distribution grease, the handle after applying it must be turned several times, closing and opening the window.

The oil must be applied carefully and in a small amount into the grooves (technological slots) around the perimeter of the window and all other moving parts of the fittings, avoiding it dripping down and getting on the sealing rubber (this can ruin it).

Seal care

We do not disregard the rubber seals located around the perimeter of the profile. They also need to be treated with a special agent that protects against rapid wear, deformation, drying out and loss of elasticity. If this is not done, the sealant loses its protective functions. The window sash is no longer pressed tightly against the frame, the window seal is broken. And as a result, dust, drafts, noise and heat loss enter the house.

To begin with, we clean the seal from accumulated dirt by wiping it with a damp cloth dipped in ordinary soapy water. We wipe the 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 a hardware store). At the same time, trying to ensure that the oil is distributed evenly throughout the seal. After 30 minutes after wiping, remove excess oil with a dry cloth.

Important: The agent intended for lubricating seals and for cleaning them from dirt should not contain alkali, alcohol, solvents, which can destroy its structure and shorten its service 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 seal still needs to be replaced due to loss of elasticity and cracks. Is it possible to do it yourself or is it necessary to involve specialists? If you are sure that you can handle it yourself, this can be done without the help of masters, following a simple sequence of simple steps:

Carefully dismantle the worn seal with a screwdriver and remove it from the grooves. It comes off easily.
We are preparing the vacated space for the installation of new sealing rubber bands. To do this, carefully clean the dirt and degrease the profile and grooves.
We coat the corners of the frame with glue and carefully insert the seal into the grooves. European-made seals 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, trying not to stretch it too much and not to compress it excessively, evenly distributing it around the perimeter. After laying the cord in the grooves of the profile, its ends must be cut with scissors and the joints fixed with glue. Finally lubricate with silicone grease.

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

A job well done is a guarantee of peace, warmth and comfort in the house.

Rules for the care of drainage holes

There is one more thing to keep in mind when it comes to window treatments. important point These are drainage holes. These are special holes that are designed to remove accumulated moisture that has seeped inside the window frame through the sealant to the outside. They are located under the window sashes at the bottom of the frame (they are easy to find if you open the window).

Along with the flowing water, small debris and dirt can get into these holes, which must be removed. Otherwise, the drainage will become clogged with dirt, and all the moisture will remain in place, causing the windows to fog up, the appearance of window profile frost and increased humidity levels in the house.

You can clean the drainage holes with an old toothbrush or brush. After the dirt has been removed, the holes can be filled with a small amount of water to remove any remaining dust adhering to the corners. The frequency of cleaning drainage holes depends on where the house is located. If, for example, there is a highway nearby, this should be done more often.

Mosquito net and care

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

In addition to cleaning and lubricating the mechanisms, the fittings require adjustment to create an 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 in spring. In time, it will take only 10-15 minutes, but it will protect the window from breakage for a long time.

Why do you need to do this? The profile changes with temperature fluctuations. physical properties. In hot weather, when heated in the sun, the profile expands and friction of the sash can occur from this. In winter, the profile narrows, there is a weakening of the density of pressing it to the sash, the seal begins to let cold air through. Due to the compression of the plastic, the handle may lock and the profile may crack at the most stressed point.

Seasonal adjustment of the sashes consists in switching the mechanisms to winter and summer modes by changing the position of the clamp (there are usually three clamps on the sash - one on the side and two in the central part) and adjusting the degree of pressing the sashes to the profile.

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

In addition to seasonal, adjustment is made as needed. For example, if the fittings are loose and you need to tighten the fasteners for the handles. To do this, lift the decorative bar under the handle by turning it to a horizontal position. Next, the fixing screws that attach the handle to the frame must be tightened.

If the sash sank and began to cling to the profile, metal latches or cold air began to pass through it, you can set the sash in the desired position (lower it or raise it) using a hex key that is vertically inserted into the adjusting mechanism with a previously removed protective lining. The sash rises when the key is turned clockwise and falls when the hexagon is turned in the opposite direction.

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

From all this it is obvious: in order for plastic windows to serve for a long time, proper care behind them is a necessary and obligatory procedure. Every window company, positioning itself as worthy of attention and respect, is now engaged in the maintenance of its products and adjustment through the warranty service department.

In addition, there are now quite a lot of small companies that are engaged in the maintenance of plastic windows, offering care for fittings and seals, replacement of handles and seals, redecorating from repairing scratches and damage, through simple adjustment of fittings, to replacement of double-glazed windows.

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 sash window ranges from 500 to 1200 rubles. If we consider two-room apartment with three window openings, will require adjustment from 3 to 9 leaves. Even based on the minimum price (500 rubles), at least 1,500 rubles will be required for adjusting the sash and the minimum number of sashes.

Of course, it's cheaper to do it yourself. But it is advisable if the work is done professionally.

Thanks to the installation of double-glazed windows, there was no need to seal the windows annually for the winter and tear off the sealant or paper with the onset of spring. As manufacturers of PVC windows promise, their products do not need any maintenance and can serve for almost half a century without loss of aesthetic and quality characteristics. However, this is only partly true. Plastic construction It will look like new for years if properly cared for. 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 originally coated protective film which protects it from damage during installation. After 2-3 days after installing the window block, it must be removed, otherwise the film will firmly stick to the plastic from exposure to sunlight, and it will be very difficult to remove it.

The profile has a high resistance to any contamination and is quite easy to clean. To care for him, you can not use:

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

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

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

Drainage holes are provided in the lower part of the wings, which ensure the outflow of condensate to the outside and prevent the glasses from fogging up. They should be cleaned at the next soapy water, wire or vacuum cleaner, after removing the protective caps.

Double-glazed windows

A double-glazed window consists of 3 (rarely - 2) glasses, hermetically bonded 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 glass is not just unsightly: a window covered in dust and dried raindrops receives much less sunlight than clean glass.
Regardless of whether the double-glazed window is inserted - transparent or tinted - you need to use warm water and a mild detergent. It could be liquid soap, dishwashing gel and even shampoo, which did not suit any of the tenants of the apartment. The washing procedure is quite simple:

pour water into the basin and stir a cap of liquid detergent in it;
moisten a soft cloth from 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 streaks left (some housewives use ordinary newsprint for this - after it the glasses become shiny and amazingly transparent).

According to the reviews of the owners of PVC windows, it is convenient to wash double-glazed windows with a special mop. With the adjustable holder, it's easy to reach the furthest places with outer side windows that are impossible to reach with your own hands.

When washing windows, do not use abrasive powders and metal objects, otherwise scratches will remain on the glass surface. For stubborn stains that cannot be washed with soapy water, it is worth purchasing special household detergents.

Seals

Seals are used to create a tight connection between the double-glazed window and the profile. They are made of rubber or rubber with the addition of silicone. The black seal is slightly inferior to the gray one quality characteristics, but with proper care, both will last a long time.

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

The processing of the sealant is necessary so that it maintains the elasticity and tightness of the window structure in winter and summer, and does not let in 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 that requires financial investments and a home visit by specialists.

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

accessories

Fittings quickly become unusable, as they have a large mechanical load, especially if low-quality holders and handles were used in the manufacture of the structure. Extending the life of the fittings is possible only through regular care of it:

during the next washing of windows, wipe off dirt with a soft cloth;
remove dust from hard-to-reach places with a long brush;
lubricate all moving joints with technical vaseline or machine oil.

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

prevent foreign objects from getting 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 is a little loose, bring it to a horizontal position and tighten the screws.

The special insect net should be washed at least 2 times a year. The best way to do this is with a shower and a soft brush. A soapy solution can be used to clean stubborn dirt, but if you wash the screen regularly, a strong stream of water from the shower head will perfectly wash the dust and dirt from each cell. Before installing on the window, the mesh must be wiped with a clean cloth and dried in a warm room.

window sills

Plastic window sills require constant attention. Unlike other elements of the window structure, they need to be wiped regularly with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Most often, the surface of the window sill has a rough texture, which collects dust, dirt and limescale from water drops.

for traditional wet cleaning, Mr. Proper is perfect;
spilled coffee and other small fresh dirt can be easily removed with an office equipment cloth;
ingrained dust should be wiped with a damp cloth, after dipping it in baking soda- other abrasives cannot be used, otherwise unstable plastic can be scratched;
limescale from water accidentally spilled during maintenance indoor plants, well removed with the help of "Domestos" or other means for plumbing;
rust spots can be treated with Sillit;
traces of children's crayons or pencils are easily erased.

biggest problem for owners of PVC windows, it most often represents a window sill that has yellowed over 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 window sill with a better one, which is made by trusted branded companies.

Special window care kits

Manufacturers made sure that the owner of PVC structures did not run around different stores in search of necessary funds window care. On sale you can purchase special kits, which include all the necessary tools:

PVC profile cleaner;
sealant care product;
oil for lubricating hinges and fittings.

The advantage of these kits is that when using drugs from the window “first aid kit”, you don’t have to worry that any of the products will harm the structural elements of the window. In addition, each bottle is equipped with a special nozzle - dropper or sprayer, which facilitates the work during cleaning and lubrication of window parts.

Thrifty owners may not spend money on buying a set, but then they will have to take care of the presence in the house of detergents, cleaning and lubricating preparations that will carefully care for the component parts of the window unit.

Conclusion

Proper care of plastic windows includes washing structural elements and lubricating movable joints 2-3 times a year. Besides, in winter time 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. If the above tips are followed, plastic windows will last for decades without repair and replacement of parts.