|
Select a product: Windows | Siding
Windows
What kind of maintenance do vinyl windows require?
Vinyl windows are virtually maintenance free, requiring no finishing upon installation and no periodic painting or sealing. They cannot rot, rust, pit or corrode and are unaffected by moisture, salt air, pollution and airborne chemicals. If they ever require cleaning, simply wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient.
What can I use if I really need to clean my vinyl windows?
Usually a few drops of a mild liquid cleaner in a bucket of water is sufficient. If you have more stubborn build-up, the following household cleaners work well: Formula 409, Ajax Liquid Cleaner, Murphy's Oil Soap, Lysol Cleaner, Soft Scrub, or vinegar and water. The following cleaners or types of cleaners should NOT be used on vinyl; Clorox, Pine Power, Ivory, Grease Relief, Tide Detergent, nail polish remover (acetone).
Siding
How do I keep vinyl siding beautiful?
While many vinyl sidings today are designed to be totally maintenance-free, they still become dirty, just like a freshly painted house, a new automobile or any product exposed to atmospheric conditions. Generally, your vinyl siding can be cleaned satisfactorily by using an ordinary garden hose to wash it down. If this doesn't do the job, try the following:
1. Get a soft-bristled, long-handled, car brush that screws into your garden hose.
2. Scrub it with this cleaning solution:
a. 1/2 cup laundry detergent
b. 2/3 cup of trisodium phosphate
c. 1 gallon water
In certain geographical areas where mildew may be a problem, substitute one quart of 5% sodium hydroxide (bleach) for one quart of water in the above formula. For removal of more stubborn stains, refer to the chart below.
| Stain Removal Guide |
Cleaning Agents |
Preparation |
Special Cleaning Procedures |
light oils
grease
heavy grease
caulking compound
wax
crayon
asphalt
tars, Etc. |
Solvents:
- mineral spirits
- auto tar
Remover
|
Remove excess with plastic or wood scraper. |
Use soft cloth to apply mineral spirits. Avoid polishing stained area by using too much pressure. After removing stain, rinse area with water. |
Inks
nail polish
paint
lipstick
gum |
cleaning fluid |
Remove excess with plastic or wood scraper.
Chill gum to remove excess. |
Use soft cloth to apply cleaning fluids. Avoid polishing stained area by using too much pressure. After removing stain, rinse area with water. |
| rust stains |
Oxalic acid – auto radiator Cleaner |
Make solution of 1
tablespoon of Oxalic acid crystal to 1 cup warm water. |
Apply Oxalic solution with soft bristle brush, wipe with damp cloth, and then flush with rust-free water. Use rubber gloves and protect eyes and face. |
| stubborn stains |
Xylene – lacquer thinner |
Try above procedures. If they fail to remove spots, then use this procedure. |
Dampen small section of cloth with Xylene, rub vigorously. Do not remove any more material than necessary. Rinse area with water. |
If the house is extremely dirty, you should start washing from the bottom and go to the top, rinsing frequently. The cleaning solution should be left on the siding for several minutes before rinsing.
Finally, you should remember that rigid vinyl siding is made from organic materials, and will melt or burn when exposed to a significant source of flame or heat. Building owners, occupants and outside maintenance personnel should always take normal precautions to keep sources of fire, such as barbecues, and combustible materials, such as dry leaves, mulch and trash, away from vinyl siding.
Call 866.688.3029 or CLICK HERE for a FREE in-home estimate today! |
