The renovation is done, the builders have left and you cannot wait to make your home sparkle. Stop! The No.1 cause of permanent damage to modern aluminium and PVC profiles is not the sun or rain. It's wrong cleaning. Our desire for disinfection and shine often leads us to use chemicals that literally "eat" the finish and void the factory warranty in seconds.
The correct method? Lukewarm water, a few drops of neutral dish soap and a soft microfibre cloth. Literally nothing more. Let's look at the "black list" of forbidden products and the golden rule that will save your windows for decades to come.
Powder-coated aluminium and PVC surfaces do not need "heavy" chemicals. The following products cause permanent, irreversible damage and void the factory warranty immediately.
Bleach is the absolute enemy. If it lands on white PVC, it triggers a chemical reaction that permanently yellows the surface - a discolouration that nothing can reverse. On aluminium, caustic cleaners etch the protective lacquer, leaving dull whitish marks and stains.
Many people use them to remove adhesive, paint or silicone residue after installation. Huge mistake! Acetone and paint thinner literally melt PVC and strip aluminium colour all the way down to the bare, silver metal beneath.
Abrasive products (cream cleansers, powder cleaners) act like liquid sandpaper. The rough side of a kitchen sponge fills the profile with microscopic scratches.
The process is simple and cheap. Two soft microfibre cloths, a bucket of lukewarm water and a few drops of neutral dish soap. The pH of dish soap is ideal for dissolving exhaust grime without harming the finish in any way.
Dip the cloth in soapy water, wring lightly and wipe the surfaces with gentle strokes - no pressure needed.
Follow immediately with a second, dry microfibre cloth so that water mineral deposits don't form whitish water spots.
Alternatively, green soap works equally well. Avoid anything with an acid or alkaline base that could attack the protective coating.
Never wash aluminium windows (especially dark colours) under the midday sun. The metal "burns": as soon as soapy water touches it, the liquid evaporates in a fraction of a second, "baking" the soap into the pores of the paint. The result? Permanent, dull stains that nothing can remove.
Clean early in the morning, late in the afternoon or on an overcast day. This applies equally to aluminium and PVC profiles.
If something won't come off with soap - tree resin, dried bird droppings or tape adhesive - do not reach for solvents. The solution is far gentler.
Place a hot, damp cloth over the stain for 10 minutes. The heat softens resins and adhesives considerably.
A little rubbing alcohol on a cloth removes adhesives safely - but always test first on a hidden spot (e.g. the bottom of the frame).
Ask your manufacturer for a dedicated powder-coat or PVC cleaner. These are safe, effective and warranty-approved by the profile supplier.
💡 Tip: The gentler you treat your windows during cleaning, the longer they'll keep their factory shine. Lock away the bleach and steel wool, trust simple soap and water - your windows will reward you with flawless looks every single day!
Return to category.
Go to categoryReturn to the central guide.
Go to guide
