Clean and maintain plastic windows properly

How do I clean plastic windows properly?

In contrast to wooden windows, PVC windows do not require time-consuming post-treatment. Windows with PVC frames, on the other hand, are extremely easy to maintain throughout their entire service life, although not completely maintenance-free. Just by following a few simple tips for use and cleaning, you will extend the life of your windows for more years.

Neither the glass pane nor the plastic frame need constant care. It is sufficient to remove dirt from both of them several times a year to maintain the shine and value of the window. How often exactly cleaning is advisable depends not only on your personal perception of cleanliness but also on the location of your house.

Busy roads, pollen or strong weather influences, for example, cause more dirt on your windows. You should remove such dirt particles as soon as possible . 

✅ Safe working environment: Set up your ladder on a stable, non-slip surface and remove all obstacles in the work area.

✅ Pay attention to safety: Never lean out of the window unsecured and use protective measures when working at height.

✅ Gentle cleaning: Use mild, glass-friendly cleaning agents and do not use scratching aids.

✅ Relieve the window sash: To avoid damage to the frame, do not strain the sash. Let him carry only his own weight.

✅ Pay attention to your own protection: Wear non-slip shoes, interrupt longer work with breaks and do not clean alone.

✅ Suitable weather conditions: Avoid cleaning in strong winds, rain, or direct sunlight.

✅ Maintenance and care: Regularly check and lubricate all seals, hinges and mechanics. Replace damaged parts.

✅ Avoid damage: Do not attach objects to the window that could stress the frame or the mechanism.

Usually, the person installing the window removes the protective film after installation. If this does not happen, please remove the foil immediately after installation, as it is only used to prevent scratches on the profiles during transport and installation. Also remove adhesive residue from the window and window frames.

If you do not remove the protective film for 20 days after installation , it will be all the more difficult to remove without leaving any residue, to the point where it can no longer be removed at all.

✅ Dos

✅ Clear water: Always use water to pre-work.

✅ Use ideally suited cleaners: The cleaners specially developed by GEALAN are particularly suitable. These are available from window retailers:

• Cleaner for decorative foils
• Cleaner for GEALAN-acrylcolor®
• Cleaner for white surfaces

✅ Otherwise applicable: 

• pH-neutral dishwashing detergent (without dyes and fragrances)
• Alcohol-free glass cleaner (without dyes and fragrances)

❌ Don'ts

❌ Abrasives or chemicals that destroy the surface:

• Petrol
• Nitro Thinner
• Acetic acid
• Alcohol
• Nail polish remover
• All types of solvents, such as acetone, acetone nitrile, chloroform, ethanol, methanol, nitrobenzene, propanol, toluene or carbon disulfide

❌ Detergents with harmful ingredients:

• Ammonia (ammonia spirit)
• Alcohol-based glass cleaner
• Agents with sulphur (e.g. tile cleaner)
• Sandy or abrasive cleaners
• Orange or lemon flavoured cleanser

❌ Improper utensils:

• Pot cleaner
• Steel sponges
• Scouring Sponges

If contamination with the following substances occurs during installation, it is possible to clean white and coloured profiles :

• Façade paint
• Tile
• Mineral plasters
• Cement

Cleaning steps:

1. Rinse the soiled surface with warm water mixed with a little pH-neutral dish soap.
2. Soak the affected area for about 5 minutes, moistening it several times with the solution.
3. Remove the residue with a soft brush and then rinse the surface thoroughly with warm water.

If contamination with the following substances occurs during installation, it is possible to clean uncoated white profiles :

• Sealants
• Synthetic resin plasters
• PU foam

⚠️ With coloured surfaces, cleaning is only possible to a limited extent!

Cleaning steps:

1. Use a semi-hard spatula to push off the dirt from the side. Be careful!
2. Wipe the affected area with a damp cloth.

Basically, your window pane is the same as any other glass surface. If possible, do not clean them in direct sunlight. Otherwise, streaks will form on the pane because the sun dries the water used too quickly.

A commercially available glass cleaner is suitable for removing dirt on the glass pane of your PVC window. You can use this in combination with soft microfibre cloths, a cleaning device with a mopping attachment and rubber wiper or a chamois leather.

⚠️ Important note: Avoid alcohol-based or corrosive cleaning agents! These can damage both the window frame and the seals.

To ensure that the tightness of your windows is maintained over the years and thus ensure optimal thermal insulation, window care also includes checking the seals.

If these are contaminated, clean them with a damp cloth, otherwise mold can form. Then dry with a cloth.

⚠️ Important note: As a matter of principle, make sure that no glass cleaner wets the seals heavily, as it makes the material porous. The application of silicone spray, on the other hand, can maintain the elasticity of the seals.

Step 1: Remove superficial dirt with a hand brush with soft bristles.

Step 2: If necessary, clean the drainage openings and the window rebate with warm water so that they do not clog but continue to drain condensation from the frame.

Step 3: In a bucket, mix a few drops of pH-neutral detergent with at least one liter of lukewarm water.

Step 4: Clean the inside of the window frame with suitable detergent.

Step 5: Use clear, lukewarm water to completely remove liquid residue from the cleaner from the frame and seals.

Step 6: Then clean the glass panel as described above .

Step 7: Repeat the process on the outside of the window. In the case of coloured profiles, the cleaning agent must be specifically indicated for surfaces with GEALAN-acrylcolor®.

Step 8: Continue with the window seals and fittings.

At least once a year, you should maintain all window fittings.

These are all screwed-on metal parts that serve to open and close the window. Functionality can only be ensured by regularly checking them.

To do this, check the usability and usability. Also make sure that no parts are worn , for example the fastening screws of the fittings. Also, keep the moving fittings running with a drop of acid- and resin-free oil .

In the event of technical problems or misalignments, please seek the advice of specialist personnel in order to ensure that the window fittings continue to function.

Note: Information without guarantee. This page only shows general recommendations. If in doubt, please contact your window dealer directly.