Simple Steps to Stop Your uPVC Windows from Turning Yellow

Published: 9 Jan 25

You’ve just installed beautiful, modern uPVC windows and doors, giving your home a stylish and fresh look. But after a few years, you notice the once-bright white frames turning yellow. Frustrating, isn’t it? It’s like buying a crisp, white shirt for a special occasion, only to find it yellowed and stained after a few washes. You invested in uPVC for its durability and style, but now the discoloration is ruining your home’s beauty.

Let’s explore why this happens and how to prevent it so your uPVC windows and doors stay as bright as your home’s future.

Table of Content

uPVC is Lightweight, Long-Lasting

UPVC stands for Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, a strong and durable material commonly used to make windows and doors. Unlike traditional materials such as wood or metal, UPVC doesn’t rot, and rust..

Compared to traditional windows, UPVC is lighter, more affordable, and significantly longer-lasting. With these features, it’s clear that UPVC is worth its weight in gold for modern homes.

What causes uPVC to lose their shine and turn yellow

When uPVC windows and doors are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, UV rays can break down the material’s surface. This can cause discoloration, turning the white uPVC into a yellowish shade. This yellowing may affect the overall appearance of the home, making it look aged and poorly maintained.

Accumulation of Dirt and Pollutants

Dust, dirt, and air pollutants can settle on the surface over time, especially if the upvc window & door is not cleaned regularly. These unwelcome guests may cause discoloration, leaving the UPVC looking yellow and dull—taking the shine off its charm.

Lack of Proper Additives

High-quality UPVC includes additives like UV stabilizers to resist sunlight damage. If manufacturers use low-quality materials or skip these additives, the UPVC becomes more vulnerable to yellowing.

Different process to clean uPVC windows

Cleaning uPVC windows is like giving your car a thorough wash—different techniques are needed depending on the level of dirt or wear on the surface. Here are some effective techniques.

Baking Soda and Water Paste

Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste.
Apply the paste to the yellowed areas and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the surface in circular motions.
The abrasive quality of baking soda helps lift discolour and dirt without damaging the UPVC.

UPVC Cleaner

You can find a special cleaner at the general store.
Read the product instructions carefully before use.
Apply the cleaner directly to the yellowed area.
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe it off.

Microfiber Cloth Scrubbing

For routine cleaning, dampen a microfiber cloth with water or cleaner.
Gently rub the yellowed area with the cloth.
Avoid using harsh scrubbing tools to prevent scratching the surface.
Microfiber cloths are soft and non-abrasive, making them perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces like UPVC windows and doors.

Steps to Avoid Yellowing in uPVC Surfaces

uPVC is popular due to its strength, energy efficiency, and low maintenance. However, over time, it can develop a yellowish color when exposed to direct sunlight and pollutants. Here,

We’ll provide detailed tips to help prevent your uPVC windows and doors from yellowing.

Choose Quality uPVC Materials

When buying uPVC doors or windows, select products made from high-quality materials with UV stabilizers. These stabilizers protect the material from UV rays, which are a common cause of discoloration. Cheaper uPVC products may lack this feature, leading to material degradation and yellowing over time.

Regular Cleaning

Maintaining uPVC windows and doors is essential to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating, which can deteriorate their appearance and surface quality.

Use Non-Abrasive Cleaners

Abrasive materials, such as scrubbing pads, can cause scratches on the surface, making it vulnerable to dirt accumulation and worsening discoloration. It is better to clean using mild soap and water or a uPVC-specific cleaner.

Avoid Harsh cleaner

Avoid using strong cleaning agents, as they can damage the surface and speed up yellowing. It’s better to stick to gentle cleaners that are safe for uPVC.

Apply UV-Resistant Coatings

You can embed a UV protective coating or film to block harmful rays. This helps preserve the original quality of uPVC for a longer time.

Bathroom windows are more vulnerable to yellowing

Bathroom windows consistently develop a yellowish color over time due to unique challenges in this space. This is due bathroom windows face constants experience moisture, water drops and soap residues which speed up discoloration. Here’s a detailed look at why this happens and tips to maintain uPVC windows for bathrooms effectively.

High Humidity Levels

Bathrooms are among the most humid areas in a home. Steamy showers and hot baths release moisture into the air, creating a wet environment. This constant exposure to humidity encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which can discolor window frames and glass. As a result, windows may appear older and look less charming.

Water Droplets and Soap Residues

Bathroom windows are frequently exposed to drops from sinks, bathtubs, or showers. Water droplets often have minerals that leave marks or stains after they dry.

Bathroom specific maintenance tips

Bathroom windows are often vulnerable to discoloration, similar to how white shoes quickly lose their shine without proper maintenance. Below are some bathroom-specific tips to help keep them clean and well-maintained.

Cleaning with gentle products

Clean bathroom windows weekly using microfiber cloths and a combination of soap and water. This helps remove moisture stains and soap residue before they become permanent.

Ventilate the Bathroom

Installing an exhaust fan and opening the windows after a shower can help reduce humidity levels. Better airflow helps prevent mold growth, keeping the window frames and glass looking clean.

Deep Clean Frames and Glass Periodically

Every month, wash the window frames with a gentle brush and a vinegar solution to remove tough discoloration and mineral deposits.

Inspect for Damage

Inspect window frames for signs of wear and cracks. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent moisture from seeping into the frames, which could cause permanent stains.

Conclusion

uPVC windows and doors are an excellent option for modern homes due to their strength, energy efficiency, and beautiful look..

However, keeping them in tip-top shape requires an understanding of the causes of discoloration and proper care to ensure they last for a long time.

By opting for high-quality uPVC materials with UV stabilizers, staying on top of regular cleaning, and avoiding abrasive cleaners, you can take simple yet effective steps to ensure their beauty remains as good as new for years to come.

FAQs

Which is better, PVC or uPVC for doors

uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) is generally better than PVC for doors because it is more durable, resistant to weathering, and has better insulation properties.

Which is more costly, WPC or uPVC?

uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl chloride) is generally more affordable than WPC (Wood Plastic Composite). WPC tends to be more expensive due to its combination of wood fibers and plastic.

What is the disadvantage of uPVC?

Disadvantage of uPVC is that it can become brittle and fade over time when exposed to UV rays.

Is uPVC affected by sunlight?

uPVC can be affected by prolonged exposure to sunlight. UV rays can cause the material to fade, become brittle, or discolor over time, but modern uPVC windows are often treated with UV stabilizers to reduce these effects.