How do I clean white PVC window surrounds? It looks like nicotine stains. Thanks.
By Fran
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
We bought a camper from a chain smoker, and there is hope. I used Lysol basin, Tub & Tile cleaner. Spray it in an area that won't be noticed to see how well it will clean for you, wipe off with a damp cloth or sponge. When I started cleaning / spraying I sprayed all wipe-able surfaces (not fabric), then rinsed. Oh, I would only do a small section at a time ( 4 ft X 4 ft ). The nicotine was so bad in the camper it ran down the walls in "streams", but it worked. You can also use KILZ paint / primer, this will cover / hide odors. Good luck.
I normally would not recommend this because I have lung damage (Emphysema) from being around and using too many assorted chemicals since I was a child but the foaming Lysol tub and tile spray will definitely work to remove the nicotine. But, please, be sure to have really good ventilation and a mask on when using and only use for occasions like this where you really, really need to get something like nicotine stains and odor to be gone.
To show you just how many dangerous chemicals are in that product (and most other manufactured strong cleaning products as well) just cut a couple of live leaves off of a plant, spray them lightly and see what happens to them in less than two minutes. :-( Since your mum has been a long time smoker I recommend you ask her to go to lunch with a friend or, at least, also wear a mask while you're doing the cleaning to help save further damage to her lungs.
Lora, Just one word, Awesome. I came across this cleaner several years ago while working in retail and have not bought a different cleaner since. I use it for just about everything but it's fantastic for getting nicotine off anything.
I've used Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) in the past, and it works like a charm. Read all directions, and use gloves. Will also clean grease off your stove and hood really well! It's available at hardware stores, usually in the paint dept.
I cleaned windows today and had the same stain on the PVC surrounds around the windows. I used straight vinegar in a spray bottle. Works really well.
Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
We have purchased a small house and the previous owner was a heavy smoker. I am trying to remove the stains from the window frames (newer windows that tilt in for cleaning).
Does anyone know how to clean very heavy nicotine stains and drips off of vinyl windows? It is almost like it is part of the vinyl now.
