7 easy ways to bleach yellowed plastic

Why does plastic turn yellow

The appearance of yellowness on the surface of the plastic can be due to several factors that occur due to environmental influences or improper use.

Burns out in the sun

Exposure to UV rays has a detrimental effect on some of the components of the plastic. As a consequence, they are destroyed, resulting in a color change.

Temperature drops

A sharp change in ambient temperature does not negatively affect the color and quality of plastic products. The fact is that such an effect causes the appearance of microcracks on the surface, which leads to the disintegration of the outer layer and the volatilization of the dye included in the composition.

Unsuitable cleaning agents

If unsuitable cleaning agents are used to clean the material, it will deteriorate quickly. For example, plastic completely does not tolerate the effects of aggressive substances based on acids or alkalis. With each use, the structure of the plastic is broken, and it loses its declared properties.

Dust, grease and soot

Similar problems appear on products located in the kitchen or if the windows of the apartment overlook the road or the factory. Fortunately, this problem can be easily solved with cleaning.

Poor quality material

Unfortunately, in the production of plastic, not all manufacturers adhere to the correct manufacturing technology or use incorrectly processed raw materials. If substandard components were used to create the product, this can also cause yellowing.

How to bleach yellowed plastic?

Vinegar

Initially, plastic that has lost its attractive appearance can be whitened with the help of improvised means that every housewife has at home. To do this, you need to take undiluted vinegar essence, soak a cotton pad with it and treat problem areas. After cleaning, the surface is cleaned with a damp cloth.

Important! When cleaning yellowed plastic with this method, you need to take care of your hands by purchasing rubber gloves

Alcohol

Before cleaning the surface with medical alcohol, you need to open the windows in the room, wear glasses and gloves. To begin with, you can try the effect of alcohol on an inconspicuous and small area, after which it can be used. You can wipe off stains with a cotton pad dipped in isopropanol, methanol, ethanol and other alcohols.

Dishwashing liquid

The surface of kitchen appliances and window sills can lose their attractive appearance due to dust and grease that accumulate on their surface. In this regard, plastic can be cleaned with a detergent used as follows:

• Apply the substance to a hard sponge.
• Carefully and carefully treat the surface (so that no scratches appear).
• Rinse with a damp cloth.
• Wipe dry.

Important! Dishwashing liquid can be replaced with regular laundry soap

Special napkins

In computer stores, you can find and purchase special wipes designed to care for plastic and computer screens. These napkins have a special impregnation, thanks to which yellow stains quickly leave the plastic, and the soft structure will not leave scratches on the surface.

Cleaning sprays

Also, for yellowed plastic, you can use special sprays that restore the color of the plastic surface. The spray will not only restore color, but also protect the plastic with a thin film. An alternative solution is polishes and automotive cosmetics.

Chlorine bleach or soda ash

Small plastic items can be dipped in bleach or hypochlorite for the whole night, taking out and rinsing under running water only in the morning.You can also bleach plastic with soda ash:

• Add a tablespoon of laundry detergent (chlorine) and soda to a liter of water.
• Mix.
• Soak the plastic product in the solution.
• Wait 10-12 hours.
• Wash the plastic.

Acetone

In rare cases, acetone can also be used, but remember that this is an aggressive agent that is not suitable for all types of plastics. For cleaning, it is enough to soak a cotton pad and wipe the surface with quick movements from top to bottom in a horizontal direction.

Perhydrol or hydrogen peroxide

In a liter of water, dilute 2 tablespoons of powder stain remover and perhydrol, treat the plastic with soapy water and immerse it in the perhydrol solution for 2-3 hours.

Important! You can speed up the process with an ultraviolet lamp. In this case, you need to monitor the chemical reaction and avoid strong heating of the product.

Hydrogen peroxide:

• Apply the product to a sponge.
• Wipe problem areas.
• Repeat until desired result is obtained.

Spray paint

If all the previous methods proved to be powerless, then spray paint will help. Yellowness on plastic can be the result of changes in the structure of the polymer, so only this special tool will help to update the surface, the use of which is possible according to the attached instructions.

How to bleach plastic

Consider how to whiten yellowed plastic:

The most gentle method is to use laundry soap. Best of all, it copes with oily bloom. Dissolve ½ piece of grated soap in water, dip a sponge into the solution, rinse the yellowed areas. Wait 30 minutes, rinse. To wash away yellowed plastic more effectively, you should choose a product with a high percentage of fatty acids. This is indicated on the piece itself or on the pack;
Solvents and alcohol. Good for whitening yellow plastic ethanol
It is important to wear gloves and open the vents when processing. Moisten a napkin in alcohol, treat areas
The smell disappears over time. To speed up the process, you can use a mild scented cleaner. A solvent such as acetone is also used. You need to act according to the same algorithm. If the shade of the product has not changed very much, a nail polish remover with acetone in the composition is suitable. These are aggressive agents that can change the shade of the plastic, so you should first check their effect on a small area;
Vinegar. This method is also referred to as gentle

Vapors occur during operation, so special care must be taken. It is important to open the window, wear thick rubber gloves

For advanced cases, a more aggressive agent is made. To do this, you need to mix liquid soap, baking soda and acetic acid, add a small amount of water. It is quite difficult to get rid of the vinegar smell, so the method does not need to be used if the product has slightly yellowed;
Bleaches and technical soda. These products are best used for removable plastic parts. A mixture of baking soda and powder for white clothes will be effective. Add 1 tbsp per liter of water. l. each ingredient. Soak for a quarter of an hour. Chlorine-based bleaches such as Whiteness are also suitable. The tool is inexpensive, but effective;

How to bleach plastic with baking soda and bleach

• Hydrogen peroxide. With this method, you can clean yellowed white plastic even in the most advanced cases. First you need to wipe it down with a grease and dust remover. You need to process at least 3-4 times. You can mix the peroxide with a hair clarifier. Mix 0.5 liters of water and 1 tbsp. l. of each ingredient, wipe off the yellowed coating;
• Special napkins. You can buy special wipes for the keyboard and monitor in technical stores. They are impregnated with a composition that eliminates yellowing and cleans the surface;
• Dye.This is the cardinal method if other remedies do not help. Better to choose spray paints. Protect the surface that does not require painting, otherwise it can be damaged;
• Powders and baking soda. It's not safe to try to scrub yellowed plastic with abrasives, but if other methods fail, you can use them. Pemolux is doing well.

Handy tools for bleaching plastic products

Professional ready-made products

If not long ago the white glossy plastic on windows or other products turned yellow, and you are wondering how you can whiten it, you can buy ready-made compounds. Many household chemistry departments offer special cleaning products for plastics. They are used for stubborn stains and bleaching. A common remedy is the Cosmoklar cleaning milk, its effective counterpart, Bauset, and the inexpensive Bon spray.

You can pick up a universal remedy such as Domestos, Cif, Grass, Garden, Meine Liebe sprays. The car stores also sell suitable products: Mafra, Profoam.

Professional plastic whitening products

Prohibited funds

Not suitable for cleaning plastic products:

• Abrasives, metal brushes. They scratch the plastic, dust will accumulate in the damage and dirt will appear. It is very difficult to put such a product in order;
• Strong acids and alkalis can damage the protective layer of the plastic, which will harm the appearance of the product;
• Melamine sponges are also considered abrasive because they scratch the surface;
• Hot water will turn yellow and cloudy.

In order not to damage the plastic, it is better to choose gel or creamy products.

Plastic cleaning methods

The cleaning method is selected depending on the type of contamination. If the surface is covered with household dust, water and mild soap are sufficient. It is more difficult to remove stains of grease, soot, yellowness. But they can also be dealt with with the help of folk recipes and household chemicals.

From yellow plaque or grease

You can wash plastic products from oily deposits with the help of the German drug Reinex. It is suitable for any type of polymer, has a wide range of action, with its help the surface is cleaned from various contaminants:

• fat;
• rust;
• nicotine plaque.

Effective against yellowing and stains of dirt from the Netherlands - HG. It helps to get rid of old stains, while maintaining the structure of the material, its shine and natural color.

From dirt and grime

Whitening sooty plastic is not easy. The soot spreads over the surface and eats into the smallest pores. To shorten the cleaning time, you can use the following tips:

• walk on a dirty surface with a vacuum cleaner;
• pour warm water into the basin, add liquid detergent, wash the contaminated surfaces with a soft cloth;
• change water and cloth, wash again, wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

How to whiten yellowed plastic - 10 ways

Plastic has long become one of the most demanded materials for the manufacture of various things. It is found in toys, electronics, home appliances, cars, and home furnishings.

But over time, any white plastic products begin to take on a yellow hue. The reason for this is exposure to sunlight, sudden changes in temperature, improper care and natural reactions with oxygen.

In such situations, you can try to bleach yellowed plastic to restore its former beauty.

Features of whitening windows

Windows deserve special attention. Plastic structures used in conjunction with glass very often turn yellow when exposed to ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun.

Bright rays can illuminate them all day long. If this happens regularly over several years, then the appearance of a yellow tint is inevitable.

Additional factors are sharp temperature drops and improper operation.

The plastic used for window elements contains various substances that can extend its service life.

Therefore, clean the windowsill with care. Can't use:

• Dishwashing detergents;
• Hard sponges;
• Abrasive powders;
• Acetone and agents similar in composition;
• Alkaline substances;
• Hot water.

All other means of getting rid of yellow spots can be used without fear.

How to whiten plastic

It is not so difficult to restore the previous look to plastic products. This can be done at home without assistance. You just need to stock up on all the necessary tools that will be used to achieve the goal. There are several cleaning methods.

plastic whitening - video:

Special napkins

Electronics stores sell special wipes. They include various substances that are able to clean computer equipment from contamination without any harm. They also help with yellowing.

How to clean:

1. Wipe the yellow mark with a napkin every 6 hours.
2. Repeat daily for several days until the yellowness disappears completely.

This option is ideal for household appliances and plastic window sills.

Soda and washing powder

Baking soda is often used to remove dirty stains from things. She also does an excellent job with yellowness.

How to use it:

1. Stir baking soda (1 tablespoon), washing powder (1 tablespoon) and water (500 ml).
2. Apply liquid to a plastic object. Wait 8 hours.
3. Wash off all traces with a damp cloth.

An excellent option for cleaning window sills.

Vinegar

Acetic acid is an equally effective way to restore whiteness to plastic products. To do this, you need her 70% solution.

Cleaning process:

1. Soak a soft cloth or a large cotton ball in the vinegar.
2. Wipe off the plastic.
3. Wash the surface of the object with water.

When using acid, wear rubber gloves and ventilate the area. It is also not recommended to use a remedy for getting rid of yellowness on sensitive plastic.

Alcohol

Alcohol has become very popular in cleaning from contamination. It destroys the composition of any dirt, making things clean again. It helps to whiten strongly yellowed plastic just as effectively. Its composition not only removes yellowness, but literally destroys the structure of the upper layers of the object

Therefore, it should be used with caution.

How is alcohol used:

1. Soak a rag in it.
2. Wipe off the yellow parts of the surface.
3. Remove all traces of alcohol with clean water.

This method is suitable for coarse, dense plastics on household appliances and various appliances.

Special products for the restoration of plastics

You can restore white plastic objects to their original form using special tools that are designed to restore plastic in cars. You can buy them in car repair shops and showrooms with spare parts.

How to use:

1. Apply to the problem area, following the instructions.
2. Wait until dry.

Before use, be sure to read the instructions.

conclusions

The above methods should be enough to deal with the problem and get back your white plastic.

If the yellowness turns out to be very old and does not give in to any means, then you can simply carefully cover it with paint that is most suitable in shade, or paint the entire product as a whole. This will hide all problem areas.

How and how to bleach white plastic surfaces

There are some simple tools and techniques that can easily remove whiteness from white plastic surfaces, be they window openings, countertops, or other objects.

Laundry soap is the most effective and versatile product that perfectly renews plastic surfaces, while washing away fat deposits. It will take half a standard piece in a chopped form. Pour half a glass of warm water over the soap and mix thoroughly. Lubricate the surface with the finished composition and leave for half an hour. After the allotted time, wash off the soap and wipe the plastic with a clean cloth.

Special wipes for electronics are also an excellent remedy for combating yellowness. The composition with which the napkins are impregnated contains gentle, but at the same time, effectively cleansing yellowness components. It is necessary to wipe the white plastic every 6 hours for several days until the yellow plaque is completely removed. This is a great option for white appliances and windows.

Chalk and tooth powder are good at removing fresh stains and newly emerging yellowness. To prepare the product, you will need a little chalk and tooth powder. We dilute the components in water until a thick slurry is obtained. Apply on plastic and wait until the mass dries. Then we remove the powder with a dry napkin.

Powdery baking soda works well with yellowed surfaces and dirt. Take one tablespoon of washing powder and baking soda each and dilute in half a liter of warm water. Moisten the surface of the plastic with the solution and leave for 8-9 hours. After that, wash off any traces of the product with a damp cloth. This method is very effective for cleaning window sills and kitchen countertops.

Vinegar is one of the most common remedies for yellow stains. You will need 70% vinegar, a cotton ball, or a piece of soft cloth. Soak them in vinegar solution and wipe the dirty surface, you will see the result in stasis. Rinse off the rest of the product with warm water. To prevent the skin of your hands from being exposed to a fairly strong irritant solution, wear rubber gloves on your hands.

You can buy hydrogen peroxide at any drugstore. It is able to remove yellowness quickly and for a long time, you just need to moisten the sponge in the solution and wash the plastic with it. Then wash off any traces of the product with a damp cloth. So you will not only remove yellowness, but also disinfect the surface.

There are several more effective tools:

• Alcohol solution removes dirt well.
• Acetone is considered to be quite aggressive, but it can sometimes be used.
• Bleach can often help fight stubborn stains.

How to whiten yellowed plastic, how to remove yellowness from white plastic

Light-colored plastic can be found in any home: window sills, household appliances or electronics, toys, decor items and much more. In most cases, after a couple of years, the white color changes to yellow and looks unpresentable.

This happens due to the influence of environmental factors, but there is no need to rush to acquire new products.

Experienced housewives are ready to share secrets on how to wash yellow spots on plastic, how not to damage the material and keep the result for a long time.

Why does plastic turn yellow

There are many reasons for the yellowing of plastic, and the main one is low-quality material. The shade can be affected by exposure to sunlight or temperature changes. It is for these two reasons that plastic windowsill, refrigerator or microwave handles often turn yellow.

Other common causes include improper care, use of chemicals, and handling.

If the room is often smoked, cooked on a gas stove and rarely ventilated, then the white plastic on furniture or electronics will quickly deteriorate. It is a synthetic polymer that reacts chemically on contact with oxygen.

As a result, sooner or later, the surface is oxidized, acquiring a grayish or yellowish tint, so you need to know how the plastic is bleached.

Preparation for whitening surfaces

You should not immediately start working without knowing the nuances of cleaning, otherwise you may not get a good result. First, be sure to prepare the yellowed surface. How to whiten plastic from yellowness effectively:

1. Household chemicals. First, you need to clean the area from old grease, dust and other contaminants. This is best done with a mild detergent such as dishwashing gel.
2. Sponges and rags. You cannot use any brushes (especially metal) to remove stains on the handles of the refrigerator, stove, microwave oven, otherwise the surface will be severely scratched. You need to give preference to melamine or regular sponge.
3. Special napkins. In household chemical stores, you will be able to find wipes that have already been impregnated with a gentle bleaching agent. You can even use them for electronics without fear of damage.

Note! Before removing yellowness and dirt from plastic, you will have to remove the curtains, remove indoor flowers and decor that interfere with cleaning. You need to work only in protective equipment to avoid an allergic reaction

Effective plastic whitening products

The modern market offers a huge number of cleaning substances: powders, gels, solutions, soaps. They are not always safe for humans, so you need to wear gloves before cleaning the plastic with bleach from yellowness.

Typically, bleach is designed for stubborn stains that cannot be removed with any other product.

The most effective are Cosmoklar milk for cleaning white plastic and Bauset; Bon cleaner is a more affordable option.

It is often necessary to repeat the cleaning process 2-3 times to achieve the desired result. Small parts that can be removed can be soaked overnight in a solution of water and any product containing chlorine.

In the morning, it is enough to rinse the plastic elements with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

Using folk remedies

Sometimes there is no opportunity or desire to resort to using purchased funds. Folk recipes include available ingredients that are safe for humans when used correctly. They do not harm plastic surfaces, because they do not contain abrasive particles or aggressive substances.

Can yellowed plastic be bleached

Definitely, plastic can be bleached from yellowness. If the thing has changed its shade, you must first try to return it whiteness using available methods.

If there is no result, it is recommended to pay attention to the bleaches in the store.

An overview of how and how to whiten plastic from yellowness on windows and household appliances

There are tons of products that can be used to whiten home appliances and surfaces, and they are all available to every home owner.

Chlorine

Bleach is a tool that will help restore the snow-white color to plastic elements on windows and sills. This method is quite effective and aggressive in relation to grease stains and other stains, moreover, it is very lightweight.

Required:

• Dissolve bleach in water in proportions of one to three;
• Using a soft cloth, apply and rub into the windowsill and windows;
• If removable parts turn yellow, soak them in the resulting solution for a day.

Soda

An excellent tool that can be found in everyone's kitchen or bathroom. In order to remove plaque and bleach plastic on an air conditioner, you will need:

• Dilute two tablespoons of baking soda with warm water;
• Mix thoroughly until dissolved;
• Using a rag, apply to the place of pollution, rub in;
• Rinse with clean water after a couple of hours.

Soda is a fairly simple way to whiten removable parts with various designations, and therefore you can safely soak keys from the keyboard and other parts in it.

Powder

It is recommended to whiten yellowed plastic on the microwave using washing powder. It is present in every person and has enzymes in its composition that will help to whiten any element with any plastic.

We need:

• Dissolve a pinch of powder with warm water, mix;
• Apply to the surface with a soft cloth, rub in;
• Leave for a couple of hours, rinse with running water.

This will help eliminate yellowed marks, greasy fingerprints and much more on the microwave, which are typical for contamination of this household appliance.

Alcohol

Pure rubbing alcohol is also known as an excellent bleach. It will help eliminate yellowness on any surfaces, since it has no basic limitations.

All you need:

• Blot a soft cloth with alcohol;
• Apply a little of the product to the stains;
• Rub in, repeat the procedure if necessary.

Acetone

Nail polish remover is a favorite guest in every woman's cosmetic bag. He will also help to eliminate yellowness from plastic elements.

Necessary:

• Moisten a cotton pad or napkin;
• Apply to the yellowed element with vigorous movements;
• Wash off with soap and running water.

Important! Acetone can not only whiten, but also corrode some components, and therefore it is recommended to try it on a small area before bleaching.

Ammonia

Has the white plastic turned yellow on the refrigerator? Do not despair! Ammonium is an excellent remedy that will help to cope with both external and internal yellowness.

Should:

• Remove all food from the refrigerator if whitening needs to be done inside;
• Thaw it to room temperature;
• Apply ammonia with a rag to yellowed places, rub in;
• Let stand thirty to forty minutes;
• Wash with running water and soap.

Peroxide

On a refrigerator, air conditioner or other household appliances, yellowness very often appears from dirt and grease, sudden changes in temperature and for other reasons. Hydrogen peroxide will help fight this.

We will need:

• Wet a soft sponge;
• Apply to the yellowed area, rub gently in a circular motion;
• Repeat the procedure two to five times until the yellowness is eliminated.

Peroxide is a very gentle product that can be easily removed from plastic. After the procedure, it will be enough to carry out the cleaning with a damp cloth.

Cleaning wipes

Today they are the best way to whiten the keyboard, mouse, the surface of the monitor and the system unit. They are impregnated with special substances that return the white color. Moreover, their delicate texture does not leave any scratches.

It will be enough:

• Purchase napkins;
• Walk over the yellowed elements with soft circular movements;
• Leave to dry in a ventilated area.

This method will help both whiten plastic elements and remove dirty and greasy deposits from your fingers. In addition, the napkins do not remove key foils and other markings.

Car cleaner

Avid motorists know that car cleaning products are also great for bleaching plastic household items.

Would need:

• Using a soft cloth, apply a little of the product to the stain or yellowness;
• Rub in with active movements;
• Wait twenty to thirty minutes;
• Wipe off with a damp cloth and soap.

This method is perfect for whitening windows and sills, which are most susceptible to contamination in our home.

It is quite easy to whiten yellowed plastic at home, and in this article we have suggested several basic ways to help you cope with this task.

How to return white color to plastic?

Often, you can restore the old whiteness of the plastic with the help of tools that can be found in the household. If the yellowness cannot be eliminated the first time, the procedure should be repeated.

Laundry soap

Laundry soap removes yellowness caused by greasy deposits. To restore the previous color, you will need to finely grate one block. Then you need to pour soap with 200 milliliters of heated water. The resulting mixture should be evenly applied to yellowed areas and left for 30 minutes. After the end of the specified period, the plastic must be rubbed with a brush and the remaining foam must be removed with a rag.

Ethanol

This product helps to reduce yellowing of the material caused by exposure to sunlight. Before the procedure, it is recommended to treat a small area of ​​the plastic product with alcohol and check if this liquid is harmful to the material. After removing stains, the material is recommended to be washed off with clean water.

Washing powder and soda

To remove yellowness, you need to mix:

• 500 milliliters of heated water;
• a tablespoon of baking soda;
• a tablespoon of powder.

This mixture is applied to problem areas and left for 6 hours, and then washed off.

Car cosmetics

Automotive plastic cleaners can remove stubborn dirt, including yellow stains. It is necessary to process plastic products with automotive cosmetics, in accordance with the instructions for the product.

Computer wipes

These wipes are impregnated with a mixture that corrodes grease and other contaminants. Therefore, these tools are used to clean plastic.

Acetone

Acetone is rarely used, and usually as a replacement for other bleaching compounds. This tool is not recommended for processing low-quality plastic. To restore yellowed plastic, it is enough to wipe problem areas with a cotton pad dipped in acetone.

Chlorine products

Chlorine has an aggressive effect, due to which it removes, among other things, old pollution. Whiteness or another similar remedy helps to remove yellowness from plastic. If necessary, chlorine-containing liquids can be left for a few minutes and then rinsed with water.

Spray paint

If yellowness appeared due to microcracks, then the described means are not able to eliminate such spots. In such cases, it is recommended to paint over problem areas using spray paint of the appropriate shade.

Tooth powder with chalk

To remove yellow spots, you will need to mix a tablespoon of crushed chalk and the same amount of tooth powder. After that, you need to add water to the composition, achieving the formation of a pasty mass. The resulting mixture should then be applied to the yellow spots, left for 15 minutes and rinsed off.

Citric acid with chlorine

To bleach plastic, you need to mix both substances in equal proportions. The resulting composition should be applied to problem spots, left for half an hour and washed off with water.

Special remedies for recovery

Various store products, produced in the form of sprays, help to get rid of yellowness on plastic. Also for these purposes, you can use wipes soaked in chlorine.