[Windy Miller]

Hi folks, just wondering if someone could help me out.

What do you all use when cleaning old white PVC frames that have the terrible black rubber seals which leave run marks? Is it possible to get them up to scratch from ground level using a wfp and detergent or is it a ladder job with scourer and cif?

And do you include cleaning these marks off as your normal clean and price or is it outside what you class as an ordinary clean and charge accordingly?

I haven't found anything that brings them up to scratch used alongside the wfp and brush and usually resort to a ladder and non scrape scourer but it's a PITA and I'm not sure whether to charge extra for removing the marks.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[dazmond]

Hi folks, just wondering if someone could help me out.

What do you all use when cleaning old white PVC frames that have the terrible black rubber seals which leave run marks? Is it possible to get them up to scratch from ground level using a wfp and detergent or is it a ladder job with scourer and cif?

And do you include cleaning these marks off as your normal clean and price or is it outside what you class as an ordinary clean and charge accordingly?

I haven't found anything that brings them up to scratch used alongside the wfp and brush and usually resort to a ladder and non scrape scourer but it's a PITA and I'm not sure whether to charge extra for removing the marks.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

i only have a few properties with really stained,black frames from perished rubber seals.i just clean as normal but rinse a bit more and avoid scrubbing the seals too much.

its not your problem.the customer needs new windows/seals.you cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

[Windy Miller]

Thanks for the reply dazmond, I have only had one customer mention them and I quickly ran around the ground floor windows with some cif to keep them happy but it had me thinking that I couldn't do this with everyone.
In future I'll just say that it's priced for a general clean and removal of these marks is a PVC restoration clean or something along them lines.

Cheers!

[Spruce]

Thanks for the reply dazmond, I have only had one customer mention them and I quickly ran around the ground floor windows with some cif to keep them happy but it had me thinking that I couldn't do this with everyone.
In future I'll just say that it's priced for a general clean and removal of these marks is a PVC restoration clean or something along them lines.

Cheers!

Its their problem, not yours. We have 1 house which is really bad. We scrub the black off the frames as best we can but the stain is still there. A couple of days later its black again.
Cleaning the frames white  can only be done by hand. And as I said, they will be black again in a few days.

Your reply could be; "yes Madam, we also offer a frame restore service which will mean us doing it by hand.  We currently offer this service at £10.00 a window and £12.00 for each door. We could do it next time we are around to clean the windows. Unfortunately, as the seals have perished we can't guarantee that the frames will be white for very long. Would you like us to book the job in then?"

I'm sure you know what the reply will be. But from then on that won't question the frames again.

Solution - customer to replace window seals. If the customer doesn't like your service, then tip your proverbial cap and thank them for their previous custom. Chances are you have already replaced them with a customer whose seals don't leach black all over the frames.



.

[M & C Window Cleaning]

you cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

I've found myself using this expression three or four times recently as I've been asked to do a few that are really bad and I know they are not likely to come up looking brilliant as they are in such poor condition.  It puts the customer on notice not to expect miracles and they have received it quite well. 

[Cookie]

I also have one like this. I cleaned the windows up with CIF a couple of years back but the bleeding seals just mean the UPVC just comes up grey again.

[Spruce]

you cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

I've found myself using this expression three or four times recently as I've been asked to do a few that are really bad and I know they are not likely to come up looking brilliant as they are in such poor condition.  It puts the customer on notice not to expect miracles and they have received it quite well.

One of my late father's often used expressions and fits very well in a lot of instances. 

[Smudger]

a good dose of TFR sprayed onto the window/rubber - scrub with brush and no water the seal will go mental and you have loads of black froth - turn on water scrub for a further minute and the water turns clear - no more black streaks and you won't have any for many, many future cleans

Darran

[tlwcs]

Also be careful when you sell your service. I now say I clean your windows and your frames, sills and doors are also washed down each visit.
When I went changed from trad as a selling point I said Windows and the plastics would be cleaned each time leaving myself open to people who expected a restore.
Tell them you've done your best, most will accept that.