One big advantage of PVC windows is that they can usually be cleaned very easily with warm water. If necessary, you can add a suitable mild detergent to the water. The detergent should be pH-neutral and free from perfumes and should only be used in low concentrations (follow the manufacturer’s guidelines).
For professional cleaning and care, VEKA has its own VEKAPRO range of tried and tested cleaning products for every requirement. The range even includes suitable easy-to-use cleaning agents for removing stubborn marks.
In general, you should use soft, lint-free, colour-fast, non-abrasive cloths. The VEKAPRO SpecialCloth is a good choice.
To increase the longevity of moveable parts like window fittings, we recommend oiling them regularly (generally once a year). Seals will also appreciate regular treatment to keep them moisture-repellent and elastic.
The internet is full of misleading tips on how to clean windows. ‘Household remedies’ like toothpaste, black tea, nail polish remover and oven spray can cause damage to windows that will only become visible some time later. This means that even a patch test in an inconspicuous place is not helpful. Here we explain how to clean windows properly day to day with commercially available products. Further information about the VEKAPRO range of specially tested cleaning products can be found at perfect-window.eu.
Never use abrasive cleaning agents or abrasive sponges, cloths or brushes on PVC windows.
Never use solvents or thinners. These can be detrimental to the surface of the PVC or the foil coating.
Do not use steam cleaners because the hot steam can damage the surface.
The basic rule for PVC windows is: clean them whenever the profiles are visibly dirty. Otherwise, rain and sunlight can combine with the deposits to leave permanent marks.
Most dirt on the outside of PVC windows is caused by dust, pollen and insects. It can generally be removed easily with a soft cloth and lukewarm water.
In addition, VEKAPRO DailyClean is a universal cleaner that can be used on glass and window frames for optimum regular window care.
After cleaning, unfoiled (white and creamy-white) frame surfaces can be finished with VEKAPRO SuperFinish for extra long-term protection. The spray increases the resistance of the profile surfaces to dirt particles and environmental pollutants: water drops simply run off, carrying any dirt with them.
For stubborn marks, such as those caused by nicotine, industrial and car exhaust fumes, oil deposits and pollen, we recommend the special VEKAPRO cleaning products for white (XtraCare white) or coloured (XtraCare colour) windows.
They have been carefully designed to treat PVC windows and are available from your window supplier. A small quantity is all you need to achieve perfect results. With all cleaning and care products, whatever the make, please remember to rinse the profiles thoroughly with clean water afterwards!
Dirty marks on the inside of PVC windows are often caused by oily deposits, e.g. from cooking fumes VEKAPRO DailyClean can also be used to remove these types of marks more easily, or you can add a little pH-neutral soap to water. The soap should be free from colourants and perfumes and should only be used in low concentrations.
If sun cream comes into contact with the PVC, it should be removed immediately – e.g. with VEKAPRO XtraCare, a special cleaning agent for PVC window profiles. Otherwise, sun cream can leave marks on the PVC. It is also important to rinse the profiles with clean water afterwards to remove all cleaning agent residues.
In isolated cases, PVC can become discoloured or weathered. These patches, which are often yellow, are caused, among other things, by long-term contact with unsuitable cleaning agents or deposits containing iron, e.g. dust from lawn fertiliser. These marks cannot be removed easily with household cleaners.
If you notice this kind of permanent discolouration on your PVC windows, consult your window supplier, who will work with you to find a solution.
PVC windows work hard every day: they are opened, tilted, closed, cleaned and exposed to a large number of environmental factors. Windows made from VEKA quality profiles are excellently prepared to withstand these stresses and strains.
To maintain the function of your PVC windows, we recommend treating the seals once a year, e.g. with VEKAPRO SealProtect . This keeps the seals elastic and moisture-repellent. As well as improving the function and durability of the seals, the product also revives the colour.
In addition, we recommend oiling the movable fittings once a year. VEKAPRO EasySpray lets you oil the parts that are difficult to reach. By doing this you can protect your high-quality PVC windows against corrosion and ensure that they will still be operating as smoothly and silently in years to come as they did on day one.