How to Clean Plastic Windows

Cleaning plastic windows is not difficult, but it is essential for maintaining them. Dust can build up very quickly on these windows, making them look dingy. Dusting plastic windows with a dry cloth is usually not sufficient. You will need to clean them more thoroughly, with water and mild cleaner, to keep them clear and sparkling. Before starting, note that plastic windows scratch easier than glass windows; therefore, you will need to be extra gentle.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clean, soft sponges
• 2 buckets
• Mild liquid soap (like liquid dish-washing soap)
• Soft cloths

How to Clean Plastic Windows

1. Fill one bucket with warm water and 1 tbsp. of liquid soap (dish detergent is fine, as long as it is not for dishwashers, which is too harsh for plastic windows). Fill another bucket with plain water.

2. Dampen a clean, soft sponge in the bucket filled with warm, soapy water. Squeeze out some of the excess water and, starting at a top corner of the window, gently wipe downward.

3. Turn the sponge over to the clean side. Starting from the top again, wipe it downward. Rinse out the sponge and continue wiping the window in this way. If there are areas that are extra grimy, add a little soap directly to the sponge and gently scrub the soiled area.

4. Wet a clean sponge in the bucket of plain water. Rinse the window well with this sponge, making sure to remove all of the soapy residue--leftover soap may cause water spots.

5. Use soft cloths to dry the window. Use the same downward strokes when drying that you did while cleaning--this will help prevent water spots and streaking.

Tips & Warnings

• Find spray-on cleaners for plastic windows at some home improvement stores and auto shops.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners and cleaning materials, which may leave small scratches on the windows; this includes squeegees.

References

• Tips For Cleaning Plastic Windows