Disgusting windows needing a miracle

[cakedup]

I've just moved into a 2nd floor flat and the windows are a state. The frames and the air vents and the metal mechanism bit are just covered in deep grime, some bits are completely black or yellow (previous occupant was a chain smoker).

This is going to need more than a bit of vinegar so please keep home made natural ingredient type solutions to yourself.

I want to hear about chemicals, steamers, power jets, recommended professional services, that sort of thing.

[Aprildaisy]

Sugar soap is good for getting rid of nicotine stains

[Gatekeeper]

good old fashioned Vim powder- bloody brilliant at getting grime, stains, grease and all sorts off window frames

[springlamb]

Are they upvc? Anything works on that, from vinegar to Cif. I find a spray with any kitchen cleaner and a rub with a microfibre cloth works a treat.

[unweavedrainbow]

You can get specialist uPVC cleaner from BnQ. It's for heavy duty weathering and in ground grime so it should help. Other than that, if you have access to a Steam cleaner you can steam clean uPVC.

[unweavedrainbow]

There are also professional services that clean internal windows, but be aware, if they are really bad this may cost upwards of £100 or more.

[JamHoneyMarmite]

My BIL is fiercely possessive of his Karcher window vac so I assume it's brilliant! Might be worth seeing if you could borrow one from anyone, to aid in the effort.

[wowfudge]

I second sugar soap on greasy grime and nicotine. Do not use Vim as it will scratch the upvc and mean it will get dirty quickly and be even more difficult to clean as muck will sit in the scratches rather than on the surface.

[PigletJohn]

the hinges, catches and slots you can clean with a small nylon brush and WUL. There are drainage holes in the channels so the water will dribble out. However it is best to scoop out fluff and grit with the damp brush in case they block the holes. You can rinse away the dirty water using a teapot or similar and it will run outside. If you do it on a rainy day it will not annoy the people downstairs.

You will need a stiff nylon brush such as a washing-up brush if it is filthy. Once fairly clean a small paintbrush will do.

Once clean and bright, spray with WD40 to help protect the metalwork (it will also put as bit of a shine on the plastic, though the greasiness will get dirty).

[cakedup]

Thanks for the suggestions. I m assuming my windows are uPVC... they're fairly modern double glazed. Thing is springlamb the vents are still going to be difficult to clean, also the metal bits are literally black.

Have heard great things about sugar soap so will try that or maybe the upvc cleaner from B&Q, thanks unweavedrainbow that looks like good stuff!

Wow PigletJohn you sound like you do this for a living?! I was wondering about the neighbours downstairs actually, was thinking all I can do is warn them so they can close their windows and hope it's not windy so I end up cleaning their windows as well. Waiting for a rainy day is a good idea though.

PolterGoose - I've already given them a quick wipe with antibac wipes but they have made no difference.

JamHoneyMarmite the Karcher window vac does look pretty awesome but only really meant for the window bit, which is the least of my problems. It's the framework that's the problem.