Many items in our home are made of plastic. Artificial raw materials are durable, look good and are relatively inexpensive. However, they also have a drawback - white objects turn yellow very quickly. Do not be in a hurry to get upset, because there are 7 proven ways that will help to return products to their original color.
Causes of yellowing of plastic
1. Since plastic is a synthetic material, it can oxidize from interaction with oxygen. This process is inevitable for both cheap products and expensive ones.
2. Direct sunlight is the enemy of the material. It literally burns out before our eyes. Basically, plastic windows are subject to this, so they are equipped with light stabilizers.
3. Temperature changes negatively affect the properties of plastic, and the material begins to turn yellow.
4. If you smoke or cook without a hood next to plastic items, nicotine and greasy deposits will eventually settle on them. As a result, the white color will turn yellowish.
5. Improper care can cause the plastic to darken. When cleaning products with a brush with hard bristles and abrasives, micro-scratches are formed on the surfaces. Dirt will accumulate in them, giving the plastic an untidy look.
Preparing to cleanse
For color recovery to be successful, it is important to prepare properly.
1. Wash all surfaces. If possible, soak the plastic parts for a while. If nothing can be disconnected, clean the product in place after unplugging it from the mains.
2. Use soft sponges, wipes or rags. Melamine or metal sponges, hard brushes are strictly prohibited.
3. Use warm water, as hot water provokes yellowing.
4. Test the bleach on a small area. If everything went well, apply the product all over.
5. Be sure to wear protective gloves and a mask so as not to suffer from contact with corrosive substances.
Effective whitening methods
1. Laundry soap
The product is renowned for its whitening properties and will work best in the kitchen by removing greasy deposits on household appliances with plastic parts. Grind the soap on a grater and fill it with 200 ml of warm water. Apply the solution to yellowed areas, leave for 30 minutes, and then wipe off.
2. Vinegar
An effective tool, but should be used carefully if there are drawings on the products. Soak a cloth in 70% essence and gently wipe the yellowed areas. Soda will help to enhance the properties of the product. First, sprinkle the white substance over the darkened area, then wipe with a vinegar-filled tissue. Proceed with care not to damage the surface.
3. Peroxide or perhydrol
3% peroxide will gently whiten plastic surfaces and get rid of dirt. It is enough to moisten a napkin in a medicine and wipe the affected areas. Repeat the manipulations until you achieve the desired result. If the elements of the product are detached, to enhance the effect, you can soak them in peroxide.
Another option is to use perhydrol. This drug is more concentrated and contains up to 30% of the active ingredient. It will help in difficult situations when ordinary peroxide does not cope. The principle of using perhydrol is similar, but gloves must be worn.
4. Detergent powder
This method is best used for double-glazed windows and household appliances. Mix 1 tbsp. detergents (regular or bleach) and the same amount of soda. Stir the granules in half a liter of warm liquid. Treat contaminated areas with a solution (do not rub!) And do not rinse for 6-8 hours. Finally, rinse the plastic with water. If soda is not on hand, only powder can be mixed with water.
5. Ethanol or solvent
The products lighten plastic items that have turned yellow in the sun. The disadvantage of this method is that glossy material can become matte, so be sure to test the bleach on an inconspicuous area. Dip a napkin in rubbing alcohol and rub over the yellowed spots. In the same way, you can use nail polish remover, acetone and other solvent.
6. Chalk and tooth powder
This method is good for getting rid of individual stains. Grind a piece of chalk and mix it with tooth powder in equal proportions. Add a little liquid for a mushy consistency. Treat the stains with the mixture and leave to dry completely. Then remove the residue with a dry cloth or rag.
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7. Chlorine-containing chemistry
In advanced cases, you will have to use more serious substances. Chlorine even copes with old yellowness. Any household chemicals with this element will do, including the well-known "Whiteness". To spot-treat stains, soak a sponge in the product and apply to the yellowed area. Rinse off with water after a couple of minutes.
If possible, it is better to soak the plastic elements. Prepare a solution of 1 liter of water and 1 tbsp. chlorine-containing agent. Soak items for 10-12 hours and then rinse with clean water. You can also mix the substance with chlorine and citric acid in equal proportions. Apply the mixture to yellowed areas, and after half an hour, wash off the excess with a damp cloth. Repeat the manipulations if necessary.
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How to prevent yellowing of plastic
Preventing unwanted yellowing is much easier than returning plastic products to their original shade. It is enough to follow our advice.
1. Clean plastic items every week with soap or dishwashing liquid. Ideally, use a special product designed to preserve the whiteness of the material.
2. Try to limit direct sunlight on plastic products and smoke away from them.
3. In the kitchen, be sure to equip a cooker hood to prevent grease from settling on household appliances.
The sooner you start fighting yellowness, the more chances you have to return the plastic to its original whiteness. Try to select products from quality materials and take proper care of them. Another common problem is clouded plastic glasses. Read to find out a proven way to bring back transparency.
A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/030820/55544/