Cleaning uPVC

[Vertigo]

While I have the scaffolding up for the roof, I'm going to take advantage of it to clean the uPVC cladding on the front of the house. This was replaced about 10 years ago but needs cleaning as it's got quite a bit of grime/mould on it.

What would people recommend for cleaning, both in terms of solutions (just warm soapy water or something stronger?) and brushes/tools? Obviously want a decent sized brush or whatever so it doesn't take forever but don't want to scratch it or anything if that's a concern?

 

[Cosmic182]

Go to your local upvc supplier (soffits/fascias etc) you can buy a bottle of their cleaning solution. Great stuff, will clean it up like new. Just use a few microfibre cloths. You could always wash it down with soap and water first to get the thick of it off. I'd clean and spin your gutter around too whilst up there.

 

[Vertigo]

Gutters are all being replaced as part of the roof repairs. Just occured to me that I can use their scaffolding to do the cladding

 

[Dis86]

I'll echo what cosmic says. Give them a quick soap and water clean first then the proper cleaner. They'll look brand new.

 

[Vertigo]

B&Q seem to have some PVC cleaner spray bottles - presume that's the type of thing I'm after?

 

[DXP55]

I used this then found Toolstation did there own cheaper. Try Screwfix also

http://www.nationalplastics.co.uk/soudal-pvcu-solvent-cleaner-1-litre.html

 

[Vertigo]

Never thought of Screwfix! There's one just round the corner from the office

EDIT: £3.99 - bargain

Am I best using a cloth rather than a brush of some kind?

 

[Dis86]

Yes. Brushes can scratch which will affect the finish.

 

[Vertigo]

Fair enough, I just figured a straight cloth wouldn't get the grime off but I guess that's what the cleaning solution is for.

 

[Dis86]

Yup ☺

 

[DXP55]

Lidl or pound shop or wilkos do cheap packs of microfiber cloth's - just bin after use.

If you have some decent car polish wack it on after you have done the cleaning.

 

[ZXSpectrum]

I bought this from CPC http://cpc.farnell.com/desolvit/4767/cleaner-upvc-500ml/dp/SA01902 It worked a treat even on the weathered leccy meter box.

 

[Mark A]

PVC solvent cleaner should do it, but if the dirt is really ingrained you might need a cream cleaner.

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Cle...dow+Cleaning/sd3231/PVCu+Cream+Cleaner/p19618

EDIT: Thats assuming its white pvc, don't use cream cleaner if its woodgrain!

 

[Abyss]

While I have the scaffolding up for the roof, I'm going to take advantage of it to clean the uPVC cladding on the front of the house. This was replaced about 10 years ago but needs cleaning as it's got quite a bit of grime/mould on it.

What would people recommend for cleaning, both in terms of solutions (just warm soapy water or something stronger?) and brushes/tools? Obviously want a decent sized brush or whatever so it doesn't take forever but don't want to scratch it or anything if that's a concern?

Watered down Cif and a microfibre cloth.

 

[jonessa]

+1 for microfibre.

If you start scrubbing with something abrasive, it causes grooves which the mould/moss will grow into and will look even worse. Proper UPVC cleaner all day long!

 

[ANDARIAL]

Good clean with soap and a sponge,the type with a scrubber side is good
Then a clean with stelmax solvent cleaner
Make sure you use soapy water to clean first to get most of the `loose`grime off or the stelmax will melt the grime into the plastic
http://www.stelmax.co.uk/solventcleaner.php
This is not as good as the old stuff but they stopped selling that many years ago cos it was thought to eat your brain/give you cancer

 

[Buckster]

I have white UPVC so YMMV - but I used this stuff and it worked great

Everbuild-PVCC1-PVCU-Cream-Cleaner