Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: jwplasterers on February 21, 2015, 11:34:15 am

Title: Upvc gutters
Post by: jwplasterers on February 21, 2015, 11:34:15 am
Anyone know how to get nicotine off upvc facias gutters just doing some tried cif , virosol no joy. Never had this before
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: jwplasterers on February 21, 2015, 11:37:32 am
How do you remove this nothing touches it
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Matt. on February 21, 2015, 11:42:24 am
It may help, similar to cif but Ajax, it's hard to get hold of but I reckon it's the only thing that may help.

Is that internal or external.

Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Elfyn on February 21, 2015, 12:45:28 pm
Some things just won't come off - it's a fact of life.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: PoleKing on February 21, 2015, 01:47:58 pm
I can't quite work out the angle of that picture.

It will come back but it depends if you think it's worth it.
You can sand it back.
Start about 120g and work up to about a 1000 wet & dry.
About 4 or 5 stages should do it.
Then rub with cif or a similar abrasive cleaner.
Then you need to protect it with something like pledge, or a silicone based furniture polish.
Like I say, it's a lot of work.
I see you're a plasterer so perhaps it's for your own home, so might be worth the Argo. But as a paid job-I wouldn't bother.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: jwplasterers on February 21, 2015, 02:50:03 pm
It's like the bend on downspouts you know the bit that you can never get off
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: kevincoggan on February 21, 2015, 03:41:26 pm
cheaper to replace the joints than spend a lot of time cleaning them
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: jwplasterers on February 21, 2015, 04:24:12 pm
The dirt that's normally on the joints is all the way on both side of gutters,  Don't think anything will shift it even scrapers on it has trouble
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Smudger on February 21, 2015, 04:44:29 pm
Starbrite black streak remover

Darran
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: jwplasterers on February 21, 2015, 05:43:51 pm
Cheers Darren will try it😃
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 21, 2015, 09:51:53 pm
Steel wool. Not the crappy wire wool you get from hardware shops though, actual steel wool.
It gets rid of everything, I use it on customers doorsteps to remove those black shoe marks and other stains. A few light rubs and looks like new.
It's brill on fascias as well, if I can't get marks off with the pole out comes the ladder and steel wool.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Smudger on February 21, 2015, 09:54:44 pm
Steel wool. Not the crappy wire wool you get from hardware shops though, actual steel wool.
It gets rid of everything, I use it on customers doorsteps to remove those black shoe marks and other stains. A few light rubs and looks like new.
It's brill on fascias as well, if I can't get marks off with the pole out comes the ladder and steel wool.

So what do you do about the ruined surface and scratches ?

Darran
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 21, 2015, 10:03:59 pm
Doesn't cause any scratches smudger. Even if it did you wouldn't even see them on white upvc. Gentle rubbing is all that is needed, stains disappear in seconds.
Iv been using it for years on doorsteps, doors, frames, fascias and never once had a complaint about scratches.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 21, 2015, 10:21:13 pm
The stuff I use I can't find online, it's not the same stuff you get from homebase etc that's used for stripping paint.
The one I use is a shiny metallic type, coiled up into a ball.
I get it from a local cleaning supplies shop. It doesn't scratch where as the paint stripper stuff will.

Stainless steel wool balls....Just found them.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on February 21, 2015, 11:12:37 pm
The stuff I use I can't find online, it's not the same stuff you get from homebase etc that's used for stripping paint.
The one I use is a shiny metallic type, coiled up into a ball.
I get it from a local cleaning supplies shop. It doesn't scratch where as the paint stripper stuff will.

Stainless steel wool balls....Just found them.

Chris in all fairness stainless steel scouring pads will seriously scratch pvc surfaces, if used on white pvc they will leave a dark shading which cannot be removed afterwards, as Smudger has mentioned you will ruin the surface.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 22, 2015, 12:18:39 am
Tadgh iv used it for years no problems. If used correctly it causes no problems.
I cleaned a new house last week where I used the stainless wool on the front door and doorstep, which had lots of black marks all over it, the lady was amazed at how good it looked, 'like new' were her exact words.
Iv used this stuff on hundreds of new build houses over the last couple of years to remove cement and all sorts of marks off window frames and sills. If it was causing any significant damage I would of heard some sort of complaint. On one site alone iv done over 200 houses using stainless steel wool for the build and sparkle cleans. Not one single complaint.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Mike #1 on February 22, 2015, 06:25:10 am
Starbrite black streak remover

Darran

So Darren I assume you have used it on a multitude of stains and scuffs and it just cuts straight through with ease if so I will defo buy a bottle ,

Is it safe to use on self cleaning glass as looking for the safest chemical to use on plastics on a conny roof for a future job . Best Regards Mike
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Smudger on February 22, 2015, 10:35:48 am
Yes used it a number of times, it comes out as a last resort for marks and stains that normal cleaning does not take off (quite rare) as for use on self cleaning glass you need to consult the official safe chemical list then make your decision, IME ive never needed anything stronger than pure water when doing self cleaning glass works.

Chris, guttering and sills are extruded in this process the plastic is forced through a highly polished die this gives a microscopic hard shiney outer surface once scratched no matter how lightly the inner "soft" plastic is exposed and will over time degrage, it may not be next week, but over a year or so it will dull and go grey.

I'm just offering up information, your happily cleaning hundreds of houses this way, so carry on as you are, I just wouldn't reccomend it to others

Darran
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 22, 2015, 12:11:17 pm
Yes used it a number of times, it comes out as a last resort for marks and stains that normal cleaning does not take off (quite rare) as for use on self cleaning glass you need to consult the official safe chemical list then make your decision, IME ive never needed anything stronger than pure water when doing self cleaning glass works.

Chris, guttering and sills are extruded in this process the plastic is forced through a highly polished die this gives a microscopic hard shiney outer surface once scratched no matter how lightly the inner "soft" plastic is exposed and will over time degrage, it may not be next week, but over a year or so it will dull and go grey.

I'm just offering up information, your happily cleaning hundreds of houses this way, so carry on as you are, I just wouldn't reccomend it to others

Darran

Ok Darren, can I offer you an example..
3 years ago I picked up a house, large 4 bed with con, front door and step was relatively new but the step was covered in black shoe scuff marks.
I used the stainless wool on the entire step, bringing it up like new, and have continued doing this once every 6 months or so at the customers request to remove the shoe scuff marks.
3 years on the step shows no sign of discolouring, degrading or any other wear and tear. It still looks new to this day.

I think you are mistaking stainless steel wire wool for good old fashioned plain wire wool, which I did try once and you are right, it did scratch and leave the area looking 'dull'.
Good quality stainless steel wool isn't as abrasive, iv even used it on painted doors to remove marks without stripping the paintwork.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: capn sparkle on February 22, 2015, 12:54:19 pm
Anyone know how to get nicotine off upvc facias gutters just doing some tried cif , virosol no joy. Never had this before

TBH this looks like Calcium staining from water residue not nicotine...

I would try a mild acid like Winsol 550 or even Cillit Bang bathroom / shower cleaner.

Will be a pig to get off whatever you use.

HTH
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on February 22, 2015, 01:14:32 pm
The stuff I use I can't find online, it's not the same stuff you get from homebase etc that's used for stripping paint.
The one I use is a shiny metallic type, coiled up into a ball.
I get it from a local cleaning supplies shop. It doesn't scratch where as the paint stripper stuff will.

Stainless steel wool balls....Just found them.

Chris, i think you are a bit all over the place with these, you say you can't find them online stainless steel scourers are all over the net and also available in every corner store and supermarket, yes they are a great tool for removing any really dried on crap from glass as they won't scratch glass, but i agree with Smudger if you are happy using them yourself rather you than me, not only will they scratch pvc they will also remove the protective sheen which Smudger has already pointed out to you.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 22, 2015, 05:10:06 pm
The stuff I use I can't find online, it's not the same stuff you get from homebase etc that's used for stripping paint.
The one I use is a shiny metallic type, coiled up into a ball.
I get it from a local cleaning supplies shop. It doesn't scratch where as the paint stripper stuff will.

Stainless steel wool balls....Just found them.

Chris, i think you are a bit all over the place with these, you say you can't find them online stainless steel scourers are all over the net and also available in every corner store and supermarket, yes they are a great tool for removing any really dried on crap from glass as they won't scratch glass, but i agree with Smudger if you are happy using them yourself rather you than me, not only will they scratch pvc they will also remove the protective sheen which Smudger has already pointed out to you.

That's the thing tadgh, the ones I use I can't find everywhere, only place iv seen them online is alibaba.
There not your typical stainless steel wire wool as iv already said, they come in a big ball about the size of your first, are shiny and coiled up.
And what you just said is ridiculous, they won't scratch glass but will scratch upvc. I wouldn't dare touch glass with these things.
Given my repeated examples of how iv used them for years without any sort of problem I think iv become more then qualified to decide if these things are dangerous to upvc. If used correctly they are not. They are great cleaning tools which I will continue using.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Smudger on February 22, 2015, 05:13:04 pm
You won't use them on hard glass ? But will on soft plastic ? Ok makes sense


Darran
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: rosskesava on February 22, 2015, 05:24:55 pm
That's the thing tadgh, the ones I use I can't find everywhere, only place iv seen them online is alibaba.
There not your typical stainless steel wire wool as iv already said, they come in a big ball about the size of your first, are shiny and coiled up.
And what you just said is ridiculous, they won't scratch glass but will scratch upvc. I wouldn't dare touch glass with these things.
Given my repeated examples of how iv used them for years without any sort of problem I think iv become more then qualified to decide if these things are dangerous to upvc. If used correctly they are not. They are great cleaning tools which I will continue using.

Do you mean this?

(http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/826804/826804,1321216659,2/stock-photo-wire-wool-scourer-on-a-white-background-88713931.jpg)
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: duncan h on February 22, 2015, 05:28:27 pm
I have used the cheap coiled up wire balls on my fish tank glass for 19 years, No damage. It plain glass with no coating, but it doesn't scratch glass.
I have used fine sand paper on upvc. Don't know about any coating but if its 199% UPVC then just keep sanding
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 22, 2015, 05:37:49 pm
That's the thing tadgh, the ones I use I can't find everywhere, only place iv seen them online is alibaba.
There not your typical stainless steel wire wool as iv already said, they come in a big ball about the size of your first, are shiny and coiled up.
And what you just said is ridiculous, they won't scratch glass but will scratch upvc. I wouldn't dare touch glass with these things.
Given my repeated examples of how iv used them for years without any sort of problem I think iv become more then qualified to decide if these things are dangerous to upvc. If used correctly they are not. They are great cleaning tools which I will continue using.

Do you mean this?

(http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/826804/826804,1321216659,2/stock-photo-wire-wool-scourer-on-a-white-background-88713931.jpg)

That's the one rosskesava. I was trying to upload a pic but couldn't work out how to do it from my phone.
Gentle rub over the frames brings them up great.

And no Darren I wouldn't use them on glass, I just wouldnt risk it on a customers windows , would you?
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on February 22, 2015, 05:47:09 pm
The stuff I use I can't find online, it's not the same stuff you get from homebase etc that's used for stripping paint.
The one I use is a shiny metallic type, coiled up into a ball.
I get it from a local cleaning supplies shop. It doesn't scratch where as the paint stripper stuff will.

Stainless steel wool balls....Just found them.

Chris, i think you are a bit all over the place with these, you say you can't find them online stainless steel scourers are all over the net and also available in every corner store and supermarket, yes they are a great tool for removing any really dried on crap from glass as they won't scratch glass, but i agree with Smudger if you are happy using them yourself rather you than me, not only will they scratch pvc they will also remove the protective sheen which Smudger has already pointed out to you.

That's the thing tadgh, the ones I use I can't find everywhere, only place iv seen them online is alibaba.
There not your typical stainless steel wire wool as iv already said, they come in a big ball about the size of your first, are shiny and coiled up.
And what you just said is ridiculous, they won't scratch glass but will scratch upvc. I wouldn't dare touch glass with these things.
Given my repeated examples of how iv used them for years without any sort of problem I think iv become more then qualified to decide if these things are dangerous to upvc. If used correctly they are not. They are great cleaning tools which I will continue using.
Chris if you don't believe they scratch pvc just use one of these stainless steel scourers on a piece of black pvc as the results will be instant, white can a bit more  deceiving but its your call to use them.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Smudger on February 22, 2015, 05:48:08 pm
No mate, I thought that was clear, but your less likely to scratch glass with that than UPVC, but hey it's working for you, so I'll leave it at that

Darran
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: duncan h on February 22, 2015, 05:53:49 pm
No mate, I thought that was clear, but your less likely to scratch glass with that than UPVC, but hey it's working for you, so I'll leave it at that

Darran
+1
It must scratch plastic. That's how it removes things. Because its fine, you don't see them that's all.
No reason why it would scratch glass. Glass has a hard surface, but ant coating would be removed, leaving plain glass....I GUESS
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 22, 2015, 05:54:27 pm
The stuff I use I can't find online, it's not the same stuff you get from homebase etc that's used for stripping paint.
The one I use is a shiny metallic type, coiled up into a ball.
I get it from a local cleaning supplies shop. It doesn't scratch where as the paint stripper stuff will.

Stainless steel wool balls....Just found them.

Chris, i think you are a bit all over the place with these, you say you can't find them online stainless steel scourers are all over the net and also available in every corner store and supermarket, yes they are a great tool for removing any really dried on crap from glass as they won't scratch glass, but i agree with Smudger if you are happy using them yourself rather you than me, not only will they scratch pvc they will also remove the protective sheen which Smudger has already pointed out to you.

That's the thing tadgh, the ones I use I can't find everywhere, only place iv seen them online is alibaba.
There not your typical stainless steel wire wool as iv already said, they come in a big ball about the size of your first, are shiny and coiled up.
And what you just said is ridiculous, they won't scratch glass but will scratch upvc. I wouldn't dare touch glass with these things.
Given my repeated examples of how iv used them for years without any sort of problem I think iv become more then qualified to decide if these things are dangerous to upvc. If used correctly they are not. They are great cleaning tools which I will continue using.
Chris if you don't believe they scratch pvc just use one of these stainless steel scourers on a piece of black pvc as the results will be instant, white can a bit more  deceiving but its your call to use them.

Iv used them on black, brown, white upvc, painted windows and doors, never had any problems. As long as your gentle they can be used on most surfaces to remove stains.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on February 22, 2015, 06:07:13 pm
Chris, i have been using them for years on glass and never had a problem, i have tried them many years ago on pvc and yes for 100% they sure do scratch them hence why i would not recommend them for pvc surfaces.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 22, 2015, 06:14:24 pm
Chris, i have been using them for years on glass and never had a problem, i have tried them many years ago on pvc and yes for 100% they sure do scratch them hence why i would not recommend them for pvc surfaces.

Cool. You keep using them on glass and il keep using them frames. As long as both our customers are happy that's all that matters!👌
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on February 22, 2015, 09:16:17 pm
Chris, i have been using them for years on glass and never had a problem, i have tried them many years ago on pvc and yes for 100% they sure do scratch them hence why i would not recommend them for pvc surfaces.

Cool. You keep using them on glass and il keep using them frames. As long as both our customers are happy that's all that matters!👌
Chris, no that's not all that matters, there are many threads on CIU that i don't post on because i have no knowledge or experience on the subject, if you take for example Chris you are a senior member on this forum and you are stating that stainless steel scouring pads will not scratch pvc surfaces (which is totally untrue) a new guy comes on here sees your post and decides to use one of these scouring pads to remove stains from one of his customers pvc window frames or door, next his customer sees all the scratches on their pvc and demands a new window frame or door, that new guy comes back on here shouting i took the advice from one of the senior members on this forum, just wondering Chris what would you do for him or say to him.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: jwplasterers on February 22, 2015, 09:26:32 pm
Them S/s scouring pads Will scratch all the surface big  time tried before on a bit of fascia board, 4 years of cleaning windows and gutters etc not come across this staining before.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: chris turner on February 22, 2015, 09:44:57 pm
Chris, i have been using them for years on glass and never had a problem, i have tried them many years ago on pvc and yes for 100% they sure do scratch them hence why i would not recommend them for pvc surfaces.

Cool. You keep using them on glass and il keep using them frames. As long as both our customers are happy that's all that matters!👌
Chris, no that's not all that matters, there are many threads on CIU that i don't post on because i have no knowledge or experience on the subject, if you take for example Chris you are a senior member on this forum and you are stating that stainless steel scouring pads will not scratch pvc surfaces (which is totally untrue) a new guy comes on here sees your post and decides to use one of these scouring pads to remove stains from one of his customers pvc window frames or door, next his customer sees all the scratches on their pvc and demands a new window frame or door, that new guy comes back on here shouting i took the advice from one of the senior members on this forum, just wondering Chris what would you do for him or say to him.

I would say to him 'you scrubbed to hard, if you were less heavy handed and used the wool correctly like I have for years on end you would of done a great job without causing any damage!'.
Still waiting on one of my customers to ask for a new frame or door, won't hold my breath though...
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on February 22, 2015, 10:01:20 pm
Chris, i have been using them for years on glass and never had a problem, i have tried them many years ago on pvc and yes for 100% they sure do scratch them hence why i would not recommend them for pvc surfaces.

Cool. You keep using them on glass and il keep using them frames. As long as both our customers are happy that's all that matters!👌
Chris, no that's not all that matters, there are many threads on CIU that i don't post on because i have no knowledge or experience on the subject, if you take for example Chris you are a senior member on this forum and you are stating that stainless steel scouring pads will not scratch pvc surfaces (which is totally untrue) a new guy comes on here sees your post and decides to use one of these scouring pads to remove stains from one of his customers pvc window frames or door, next his customer sees all the scratches on their pvc and demands a new window frame or door, that new guy comes back on here shouting i took the advice from one of the senior members on this forum, just wondering Chris what would you do for him or say to him.

I would say to him 'you scrubbed to hard, if you were less heavy handed and used the wool correctly like I have for years on end you would of done a great job without causing any damage!'.
Still waiting on one of my customers to ask for a new frame or door, won't hold my breath though...
Chris, you know what i would love to take a video using a stainless steel scouring pad on a piece of black pvc just to show how easily they will scratch the surface. but what the heck you know best.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: slap bash on February 24, 2015, 02:00:12 pm
I have two mixtures I use don these one is Cream cleaner mixed with thick bleach. That will work most of the time. Or 90%cream cleaner mixed with 10 % ammonia from the hard ware store . A word of warning never mix the two ,ammonia and bleach. And only use outside stay away from the fumes were possible, so don`t go close.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: paulben on February 24, 2015, 09:49:15 pm
Anyone tried " T CUT " I know its a cutting compound but would it leave scratch's
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on February 24, 2015, 10:10:43 pm
Anyone tried " T CUT " I know its a cutting compound but would it leave scratch's
Hi Paul, have never tried T-cut but am sure it would be much safer than using stainless steel scourers which scratch pvc surfaces very easily.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: PoleKing on February 24, 2015, 10:11:42 pm
Anyone tried " T CUT " I know its a cutting compound but would it leave scratch's
Hi Paul, have never tried T-cut but am sure it would be much safer than using stainless steel scourers which scratch pvc surfaces very easily.

+1.

I'd imagine t-cutting' be just like you'd do on a car.
Fine to do but you'd need to polish on top.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: richywilts on February 25, 2015, 12:40:31 am
Doesn't cause any scratches smudger. Even if it did you wouldn't even see them on white upvc. Gentle rubbing is all that is needed, stains disappear in seconds.
Iv been using it for years on doorsteps, doors, frames, fascias and never once had a complaint about scratches.

Is this the same stuff used in Brillo pads coz that's what I use for all the marks you suggested works a treat
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: paulben on February 25, 2015, 06:00:54 am
aren't brillo pads the same as wire wool with some soap added
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Tadgh O Shea on February 25, 2015, 06:42:37 pm
aren't brillo pads the same as wire wool with some soap added
hi Paul, yes Brillo pads are made of fine steel wool, stainless steel scouring pads are made of coiled up strands of stainless steel and will scratch pvc surfaces very easily. As other guys have mentioned i would also recommend a paste or cream for removing heavy stains from PVC.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: Plankton on February 25, 2015, 09:42:36 pm
Astonish! It is an abrasive but just don't go mad on the one spot. T-cut was mentioned which as well as car polish I have also used on glass to remove unsightly staining. For the upvc stain Astonish should take care of it.
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: paulben on February 26, 2015, 06:48:57 am
Had a bit of scrap gutter tried T CUT and BRASSO neither scratched but Brasso gave better finish may try on a customers later .
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: paulben on February 26, 2015, 04:42:56 pm
Tried Brasso and T cut today still prefer CIF
Title: Re: Upvc gutters
Post by: dazmond on February 27, 2015, 08:36:02 am
docktor power maybe worth a try?

i use cif cream cleaner on leaf/rust stains on white UPVC.i also have some sticky stuff remover from b&q but ive not tried it yet and of course virosol for f/s/g and conny roof jobs.i use the non scratch scourers to work it in.