How to whiten the yellowed plastic?

Contents:
  • Reasons for the plastic to turn yellow
  • How to whiten the yellowed plastic?
  • How to whiten the yellowed plastic?
  • Useful advices:

To date, most of the plastic produced electronic, household appliances, as well as windows and window sills, utensils in the kitchen, toys for children and a lot of other household items. Over time, the color of the plastic changes and turns yellow, so many are wondering how to whiten the yellowed plastic and restore the products to their original appearance.

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Reasons for plastic yellowing

Different polymers have excellent properties: they are resistant to humid environments and are not susceptible to corrosive acids and alkalis.

Important! The first plastic was invented in the 19th century by Alexander Parkes. However, the excellent qualities of plastic products - this is the achievement of the 20th century.

Plastic almost completely supplanted other materials used in the production of high-quality children's toys. It is actively used in the interiors of cars and buildings. However, for some types of plastic, sun rays and organic solvents have a negative effect and yellowishness appears on the plastic surface, which is difficult to fight with, but possible.

Important! If you know how to whiten the yellowed plastic, what tools are suitable for this - the cleaning process will not be tedious, but will become effective and fast. Therefore, read the recommendations below and use them safely when the indicated problem occurs.

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How to whiten the yellowed plastic?

The yellowed old plastic can be returned to its original form by the following means:

  • alcohol;
  • laundry detergent;
  • bleach containing chlorine;
  • acetone;
  • calcined soda;
  • perhydrol;
  • spray cleaners.
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How to whiten the yellowed plastic?

Consider some methods of bleaching in the form of detailed instructions for use.

Method number 1.Detergent and sponge

The lining of kitchen appliances often has a yellowish coating due to the accumulation of fat and dust on it. With this, the detergent and hard sponge can easily cope:

  1. Apply a soap solution on a sponge or brush.
  2. Rub the surface, the main thing is that there are no scratches left on the plastic.
  3. Wash with warm water.
  4. Dry the surface dry.

Important! You can apply a laundry soap, which contains a lot of alkali. This option can also quickly help you whiten the yellowed plastic.

Method number 2.Alcohol

Before you bleach yellowed plastic, remember that you need to use alcohols in a well-ventilated room. We recommend that you wear gloves and protect your eyes with glasses.

Important! In order not to spoil an object with alcohol, first try to wash a small piece in an inconspicuous place.

It is possible to apply for bleaching:

  • ethanol;
  • methanol;
  • isopropanol;
  • other similar alcohols.

The yellowed surface is wiped off with any alcohol and cotton wheels.

Method number 3.Special wipes

In shops where computer and office equipment is sold, purchase special wipes for caring for plastic surface and monitors. Due to the special impregnation of the napkins, the plastic will become clean in a short time and will quickly bleach without any damage or scratches.

Method # 4.Sprays-cleaners for plastic

Special firms sell sprays that not only restore the color of the surface and refresh it, but also cover the product with a thin protective film. You can use car cosmetics, as well as polishes and purifiers of plastic products in liquid form. With their help, you can easily whiten the yellowed plastic, but you have to spend a little on it.

Method number 5.Chlorine based bleach

Plastic items of small size can be left overnight in a bleach that contains chlorine, or in a hypochloride. For the same purpose, an aqueous solution of soda ash can also be used:

  1. In one liter of water, dissolve 1 tbsp.l.soda and 1 tbsp.l.powder for washing clothes( you can also use 1 tablespoon chlorine, if desired).Soak the plastic in the medium.
  2. After a few hours( at least 10), rinse the plastic.

Method number 6.Hydrogen peroxide( perhydrol)

To whiten the yellowed plastic with these agents, proceed as follows:

  1. Apply a little hydrogen peroxide to the sponge.
  2. Wipe the yellowed surface.
  3. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times, and a good result will be required.

Can be used for bleaching and a product that brightens hair. This technique is expensive, but you can try it if you want.

Perhydrol can be used together with a powder bleaching agent - stain remover: 2 tbsp.l.pergidrolya and 2 tbsp.l.bleach. Stir everything into 1 liter of water. This method can be used for small plastic parts as follows:

  1. Wash the plastic surface with soap solution to remove dirt and grease.
  2. Lower the part into the prepared perhydrol solution.
  3. Leave for several hours, then rinse.

Important! During the procedure, adjust the chemical reaction and do not allow strong reheating of the perhydrol. In order for the reaction to proceed faster, use an ultraviolet lamp.

Method number 7.Acetone

This aggressive component is not shown to all types of plastic, as it can affect the plastic like a solvent. It is necessary to work the surface horizontally, moving at a fast pace from top to bottom.

Important! When bleaching, make sure that there is no staining from the acetone on the surface.

Method number 8.Vinegar

If you decide to get by using home remedies, then use undiluted vinegar essence( 70-80%).Wipe a piece of cotton wool in the tool and wipe the yellowed areas, then rinse the surface or wipe with a damp cloth.

Important! Work with vinegar in order to whiten plastic or plastic, you need to gloves.

Method number 9.Aerosol paint

This method is used in the event that the previous ones did not help you or when the yellowness on the plastic is the result of some changes in the structure of the polymer itself. You can refresh the product with aerosol paint.

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Useful advices:

  1. Do not smoke in a room with plastic windows, so that in time the polymer does not lose its whiteness.
  2. If possible, protect plastic surfaces from sunlight - this will help preserve its whiteness longer.
  3. Clean plastic surfaces with specially designed detergents so that the product does not lose its original appearance.
  4. Wash plastic only with a soft sponge or special napkins to avoid scratching the surface.

There are many methods of bleaching plastic products - the choice is yours. If the light plastic has changed its original appearance, then thanks to our article you can reanimate it. Good luck!