To remove scratches or marks on surfaces, create a simple paste by mixing baking soda with water. Using safety gloves, gently apply the paste to the affected area in a circular motion. After applying toothpaste or the mixture to the PVC surface, wipe it off using a separate wet cloth until clean.
Cleaning PVC plastic, found often as siding on houses, is best done with a mixture of bleach and dish soap that is scrubbed onto the surface with a sponge or mop. Clean plastic house siding once a year with information from a professional house cleaner in this free video on housekeeping.
PVC is fine with isopropyl.
Don't use acetone PVC doesn'thave a very good resistance to it. Bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, varsol, wd40, mineral oil are all OK to use on PVC. Just don't mix them and rinse well before trying something else.
The Oatey 16 fl. oz. Clear Cleaner is a general-purpose cleaner designed for use on ABS, CPVC and PVC pipes. It has a low VOC.
While harmless for most metal and PVC pipes, prolonged exposure to the acidic nature of vinegar might corrode certain metals, like copper. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can withstand these substances without damage.
Apply a small amount of the PVC restorer compound on to a clean, soft, dry cloth and then work in circular motions over the surface until clarity is restored. Then buff to a clear finish with a clean part of the cloth.
General Cleaning Steps
Spray the pipe with a household cleaner, such as Windex™, or another all-purpose cleaner, such as 409™. Allow the cleaner to soak on the surface of the pipe.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Pour it undiluted into a spray bottle and spray it on the surface to be cleaned, but let it sit on the surface for 8 minutes and wipe dry with a clean cloth. For use of other sanitizing agents, please contact the manufacturer to ensure compatibility to PVC and PC prior to use.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning uPVC Windows
To clean, don't use cream cleaners, bleach, white spirits, WD-40, scouring pads, nail varnish remover, or methylated spirits. These can scratch the windows or remove their glossy finish.
The plastic and glass surfaces on most small kitchen appliances, such as blenders, coffee makers, and toasters, are safe to clean with vinegar, but you want to avoid any rubber parts or metal that vinegar can corrode.
Opt for non-abrasive materials so that you don't scratch the plastic surface. Add a small amount of a gentle detergent, such as dish soap, to clean, warm water. Use a clean microfiber cloth or soft cotton rag (like an old t-shirt). Paper towels are too abrasive.
To remove oxidation on plastic, use a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste, then gently rub it on the oxidized plastic surface with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry the plastic afterward. For tougher oxidation, you can try using a specialized plastic cleaner or polishing compound designed for this purpose.
DO use a plastic specific cleaner. We recommend Brillianize or Novus. You can also use a solution of mild dish soap and water. These are safe for plastics, and you can even purchase solutions that help minimize the appearance of any scratches.
A warm water and soap solution with some elbow grease and rubbing with a non-scouring cloth is the best way to clean uPVC window frames. If this doesn't shift the build-up of dirt there are a variety of dedicated uPVC cleaner products on the market.
The answer is that vinegar will not harm your pipes if used in small doses as recommended in many of the recipes that you find online. No matter what your pipes are made of, pex, pvc, copper, etc.
Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over five litres of gas!
Common plastics are made of thermoplastic polymers with strong molecular structures that are insoluble in water, so vinegar will not dissolve them under normal circumstances. However, there is a chance of color change and brittleness in low-grade plastics not designed to contain vinegar for a prolonged period.
In short, yes. You can safely use bleach to clean and disinfect your PVC pipes, as long as you dilute it first and avoid mixing it with other chemicals.
Allowing the baking soda and vinegar mixture to sit in the drain for an extended period, such as overnight, can improve its effectiveness. The prolonged contact with the clog helps break down the build-up more thoroughly, making it easier to flush away with hot water the following morning.