Affordable and inexpensive ways to remove yellowness from plastic

Plastic is a material, products from which are present in every apartment. Over time, the white color turns yellow and things begin to look less attractive.

To restore their snow-white appearance, you can use popular folk recipes or use special preparations.

Read more about how to remove yellowness from plastic in the article.

What is the cause of yellowing?

The loss of plastic's original whiteness may be due to several factors. This is due to improper care of the material and exposure to the environment.

The main causes of yellowing:

1. Temperature changes. Sudden changes in temperature over time lead to the appearance of microcracks on the surface and destruction of the top layer with the dye included in it.
2. Burnout. Direct exposure to sunlight is the most common cause of yellowness.
3. Wrong choice of cleaning products. First of all, this applies to compositions that are aggressive in their impact.
4. Settlement of soot and other pollutants. This problem is typical for products located in the kitchen, in industrial premises or in places with poor ecology.
5. Low quality material.Violation of technology in the production of plastic can only manifest itself over time. One of these manifestations is yellowing.

If the surface of the plastic does not have serious integrity violations, it is quite possible to lighten it.

How to clean plastic?

Methods for cleaning white plastic and restoring its original color should take into account the specifics of the product, the ability to wet it and other features. A large selection of cleaning methods allows you to choose the best option, which is suitable for specific circumstances.

Laundry soap

This method can be used to bleach plastic that can be wetted and is not in a state of disrepair.

How to use:

• grate 100 grams of laundry soap;
• pour the shavings into the container;
• add 1 glass of warm water;
• stir;
• apply with a brush or cloth to yellowed areas;
• wait 30 minutes;
• rub well and rinse.

This method is suitable for preventive care of plastic.

Washing powder with soda

In advanced cases, you can use baking soda and washing powder for cleaning. This method, like the previous one, is suitable for plastic parts that can be wet.

Progress of work:

1. Pour 50 grams of washing powder and soda into a container.
2. Pour in 1 glass of water.
3. Stir.
4. Using a sponge, wipe the yellowed parts with the resulting mixture.
5. Leave the plastic with the applied composition for several hours.
6. Rinse with water.

Using powders on glossy surfaces requires care to avoid scratches when cleaning.

Vinegar essence

In advanced cases, when the plastic item has become very yellowed, vinegar essence can be used.

Dentifrice

With fresh yellowing of white plastic You can try to cope with tooth powder or chalk. For these purposes, the powder is diluted with water to a paste and rubbed onto problem areas. In this form, the mixture is left until completely dry and cleaned off.

Alcohol

To clean plastic, a high concentration alcohol-containing preparation without dye can be used. The best option is technical or medical alcohol.

Soak a sponge or cloth in the cleaning solution and gently rub the yellowed areas. Completes the treatment by wiping with a damp cloth.

How to clean white with peroxide?

One of the properties of pharmaceutical hydrogen peroxide is to brighten materials and remove contamination.

The drug is used in its pure form, without dilution. The product is applied directly from the bottle onto a sponge or napkin, and the yellowed parts are wiped with it.

For advanced cases, treatment of the same area will have to be repeated several times.

Only low percentage medical peroxide can be used for processing plastic. Technical equipment should not be used at home.

Dimexide

Dimexide is an inexpensive pharmaceutical product. It is often used not only for its intended purpose, but as a preparation to eliminate yellowing from plastic surfaces.

If the areas that have lost their whiteness are small in size, You can use a sponge to apply:

1. Apply a small amount of pharmaceutical product to a cotton pad.
2. Wipe problem areas.

Dish detergent

Dish gel is a mild cleaner that can be used to care for plastic in the kitchen and other areas.

How to use:

• moisten a sponge or napkin with water;
• give away excess moisture;
• apply a small amount of gel to a sponge (napkin);
• wipe the plastic;
• rinse with water;
• wipe dry.

White

Chlorine-containing products help brighten surfaces. Whiteness can eliminate even old yellow spots that are many years old.

Due to the characteristics of the composition, This remedy should only be used as a last resort, having previously checked the reaction of the material to whiteness in an inconspicuous area.

In its pure form, the drug can be used for spot treatment, in diluted form - if the entire item needs cleaning.

A concentrated solution for soaking plastic is prepared., in a 1:1 ratio with water. To achieve the desired effect, the item is soaked for several hours.

Whiteness requires use in a well-ventilated area due to caustic fumes.

How to remove yellow spots with special means?

Special products that will help clean plastic and restore lost color are effective in most cases. A common disadvantage of such drugs is their high cost.

Mellerud for plastic products

Mellerud is a product that removes various types of contaminants from plastic products. This drug can be used to tidy up:

• plastic frames;
• kitchen furniture;
• ceiling panels;
• car interior;
• window sills;
• wall panels, etc.

Mellerud is available in liquid form. It contains up to 5% nonionic surfactants. The price of a 0.5 liter bottle is about 360 rubles.

HG intensive plastic cleaner

TM HG product is intended for cleaning painted walls, wallpaper and plastic.. It contains up to 5% surfactants and nonionic surfactants. When used, the drug is sprayed onto the stained area and manual cleaning is carried out.

The drug does not require additional rinsing. This product is biodegradable. The average price is 380 rubles per 0.5 liter bottle.

Nordland

The product is available in liquid form, designed for cleaning plastic products. This product is biodegradable, which allows you to properly care for plastic products without harming the environment.

The active spray is suitable for caring for all types of plastic and has good cleaning ability. The drug is applied by spraying onto the treated area. The average price is 400 rubles per bottle.

Prevention measures

Prevention will help prevent yellowing of plastic. Necessary measures include:

1. Do not use hard brushes for cleaning as they can damage the surface.
2. The plastic should not be exposed to heat - this may cause it to turn yellow.
3. It is not advisable to smoke near plastic, since the resins released during this process literally eat into the plastic layer.
4. If possible, white plastic items should be shaded from direct sunlight.
5. Any contamination that gets on the material must be removed immediately, preventing it from eating into the plastic.

Recommendations

The following tips from cleaning specialists will help you cope better with the task:

1. Before you begin bleaching, the surface must be prepared - remove dust and dirt.
2. All work should be carried out wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands.
3. It is necessary to consider what kind of plastic will be processed. For some types of products, special products are produced marked “for refrigerators”, “for microwaves”, etc.
4. After cleaning is completed, the plastic surface should be wiped dry.
5. When treating plastic against yellowing with vinegar essence, alcohol, Dimexide and other substances, you must remember that if the cleaning agent gets on areas with inscriptions, they can also be erased.
6. To clean small plastic items, it is convenient to use an old toothbrush.

The most complete and useful information about methods and means of removing yellow spots and yellowness from various surfaces and products is presented in this section.

Video on the topic of the article

This video will show you how to bleach yellowed plastic:

Conclusion

You can remove yellowness from plastic using home recipes and special products. At the same time, regular competent care of the products will significantly reduce the likelihood of rapid yellowing and loss of attractive appearance.