Cleaning, protecting and restoring clear vinyl, pvc (flexible plastic) windows
See our guide pages for:
- Acrylic (rigid plastic) - windows, washboards, hatches
- Aluminium or anodised aluminium
- Anti-slip areas
- Clear vinyl (flexible plastic) windows
- Fabrics - canopies awnings etc
- Fabrics - furnishing
- Fibreglass, grp, gel coat, polyester
- Leather
- Painted metal
- Painted wood
- PVC - fenders etc
- Stainless steel
- Teak - oiled or varnished
- Varnished wood
- Vinyl, pvc and vinyl coated fabrics
Clear vinyl is very soft and easily scratched, so avoid any abrasive cleaners.
The surface absorbs a wide range of substances, including water, acids and hydrocarbons. This means that it goes slightly cloudy when damp while unsuitable cleaners make it go yellow. Avoid oily or waxy dressings unless specifically formulated for flexible vinyl windows.
Most importantly, clear vinyl windows are made flexible by plasticisers, which are easily contaminated or leached from the surface, causing yellowing and brittleness. The deterioration is accelerated by UV in sunlight.
Rigorously avoid household glass cleaners that contain ammonia or alcohol. These strip out the plasticiser and lead to cracking.
Avoid contact with hydrocarbon-based oils and waxes (i.e. most waxes and oils), as these cause yellowing.
Minimise use of detergents as far as possible because they can also leach out plasticisers from the vinyl.
Maintenance
Use clean water with minimum detergent.
Protection
Spray with BoatSheen MicroGlaze which provides UV protection.
Restoration
Scratched and cloudy vinyl can usually be rectified with Vinyl Window Restorer, which is a much less expensive option than replacement.