How to bleach yellowed plastic 🥝 how to remove yellow and return white

Today, most of the electronic, household appliances, as well as windows and window sills, kitchen utensils, toys for children and a host of other household items, are made from plastic. Over time, the color of the plastic changes and turns yellow, so many people wonder how to whiten the yellowed plastic and return the product to its original appearance.

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Reasons Plastic Turns Yellow

Various polymers have excellent qualities: they are resistant to humid environments and are not affected by aggressive acids and alkalis. To clean such a surface, and even more so to remove stubborn stains, is quite difficult.

Important! The first plastic was invented in the 19th century by Alexander Parks. However, the excellent quality of plastic products is already an achievement of the 20th century.

Plastic almost completely replaced other materials used in the manufacture of high-quality children's toys. It is actively used in car and building interiors. Learn more from a separate article about plastic furniture - its pros, cons, design.

However, on some types of plastic, the sun's rays and organic solvents have a negative effect and yellowness appears on the plastic surface, which is not easy to fight, but possible.

Important! If you know how to bleach yellowed plastic, what means are suitable for this - the cleaning process will not be tedious, but it will become effective and quick. Therefore, read the recommendations below, and feel free to use them when you encounter a designated problem.

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How to bleach yellowed plastic?

You can restore the original appearance to the yellowed old plastic using the following means:

• alcohol;
• washing powder;
• bleach containing chlorine;
• acetone;
• soda ash;
• perhydrol;
• cleaning sprays.

If you look more carefully at the frames and notice that they not only acquired a different color, but also the mechanical component is broken, you can also deal with this problem yourself. With our tips you can easilyindependently adjust the plastic windows. The surface can be restored under the following conditions.

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How to bleach yellowed plastic?

Consider some whitening methods in the form of detailed instructions for use.

Method number 1. Detergent and Sponge

The lining of kitchen appliances often has a yellowish coating due to the accumulation of grease and dust on it. A detergent and a hard sponge can easily cope with this:

1. Apply soapy water to a sponge or brush.
2. Rub the surface, the main thing is that there are no scratches on the plastic.
3. Rinse with warm water.
4. Wipe the surface dry.

Important! You can use laundry soap, which contains a lot of alkali. This option can also help you quickly whiten yellowed plastic.

Method number 2. Alcohol

White-yellowed plastics are usually easy to lighten using various alcohols. Before bleaching yellowed plastic, remember that you need to use alcohols in a well-ventilated area. We recommend wearing gloves and protecting your eyes with glasses.

Important! In order not to spoil the item with alcohol, first try washing a small piece in an inconspicuous place.

It is possible to apply for bleaching:

• ethanol;
• methanol;
• isopropanol;
• other similar alcohols.

Wipe the yellowed surface with any alcohol and cotton pads. Read also about other nuances of caring for PVC material, if you have a bathroom sheathed with this material. On our site you will find only useful and verified information abouthow to wash plastic panels in the bathroom.

Method number 3. Special wipes

In stores selling computer and office equipment, buy special wipes to care for the plastic surface and monitors. Due to the special impregnation of napkins, the plastic will become clean in a short time and will quickly bleach without any damage or scratches.

Method number 4. Plastic Cleaning Sprays

Special companies sell sprays that not only restore the color of the surface and refresh it, but also cover the product with a thin protective film. You can use automotive cosmetics, as well as polishes and cleaners for plastic products in liquid form. With their help, you can bleach yellowed plastic without much effort, but you have to spend a little on it. To remove the yellowed stain, it is enough to sprinkle a small amount of the product and wipe it with a damp cloth in a couple of minutes.

Method number 5. Chlorine-based bleach

Small plastic items can be left overnight in bleach that contains chlorine, or in hypochloride. For the same purpose, you can use an aqueous solution of soda ash:

1. Dissolve 1 tbsp in one liter of water. l soda and 1 tbsp. l powder for washing clothes (you can also use 1 tbsp. l. bleach, if desired).
2. Soak the plastic in the product.
3. After a few hours (at least 10) rinse the plastic.

Method number 6. Hydrogen peroxide (perhydrol)

To bleach yellowed plastic with these products, proceed as follows:

1. Apply a little hydrogen peroxide to the sponge.
2. Wipe the yellowed surface.
3. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times, and a good result will be required.

You can also use a bleaching agent for whitening hair. This technique is expensive, but you can try it if you wish and availability.

Perhydrol can be used in conjunction with powder bleach - stain remover: you need 2 tbsp. l perhydrol and 2 tbsp. l bleach. Stir everything in 1 liter of water. This method can be used for small plastic parts as follows:

1. Wash the plastic surface with soap and water to remove dirt and grease.
2. Dip the part into the prepared perhydrol solution.
3. Leave on for several hours, then rinse.

Important! During the procedure, regulate the chemical reaction and do not allow strong heating of the perhydrol. To make the reaction faster, use an ultraviolet lamp.

Method number 7. Acetone

This aggressive component is not shown for all types of plastic, as it can affect the plastic as a solvent. It is necessary to treat the surface with the product in a horizontal direction, moving at a fast pace from top to bottom.

Important! When bleaching, make sure that there are no smudges on the surface from acetone.

Method number 8. Vinegar

If you decide to do with home remedies, then use undiluted vinegar essence (70-80%). Soak a piece of cotton wool in the product and wipe the yellowed areas, then rinse the surface or wipe with a damp cloth.

Important! Work with vinegar in order to bleach plastic or plastic, you need gloves.

Method number 9. Spray paint

This method is used if the previous ones did not help you or when yellowness on plastic is the result of some changes in the structure of the polymer itself. Spray paint will help you upgrade your product.

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Helpful hints:

1. In a room with plastic windows, do not smoke, so that over time the polymer does not lose its whiteness.
2. If possible, protect plastic surfaces from sunlight - this will help to keep its whiteness longer.
3. Clean plastic surfaces with specially designed detergents so that the product does not lose its original appearance.
4. Plastic can only be washed with a soft sponge or special napkins, so as not to scratch the surface.

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Stock footage

There are many ways to whiten plastic products - the choice is yours. If light plastic has changed its original appearance, then thanks to our article you can reanimate it. Good luck!