How to clean plastic 'window' on appliances?

15 years ago

I have clear plastic on my microwave door and over the keypad on the microwave and dishwasher. They are dirty and dish soap and water isn't doing the trick. I'm not sure if Windex is safe on plastic.

I use a Magic Eraser on the white "bodies" of the appliances but the nasty plastic is starting to be a problem.

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justjustin

15 years ago

I have a professional cleaner in 6 days a week who does the best job I could ask for. She honestly cleans as well as I would IF I had the time to do it. And when it comes to cleaning, I'm MAJORLY OCD!

To clean the kitchen appliances she takes an empty spray bottle and makes a 1:10 solution of LEMON scent Pinesol and water. It makes the who house smell good enough to eat. She also uses it outside the kitchen too, but you didn't ask about that, if you wanna know all the details of where she uses it, just ask, I don't bite.

Anyway, she sprays, and uses pure cotton clothes to wipe them clean and then takes a clean microfiber cloth, sprays a little water on the OUTSIDE of the appliance and buffs away any streaking and it also polishes the finish. We do this on our stainless steel and it works great. Warning to others though, test on an area that you can't see to make sure it's safe for YOUR stainless.

But anyway, that's how she cleans our home and I freaking LOVE the smell of the house when I come home from a busy day at the clinic and hospital to such wonderful smell.

Justin

Here is a link that might be useful: www.pinesol.com

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Comments (11)

arizonarose
15 years ago
I just wipe mine down with a soapy dish cloth and dry it with a clean towel afterwards. I don't use windex but have used Glass Plus on almost everything and it hasn't hurt anything yet. Be careful with the Magic Eraser tho...I used one on a laminate counter top and it left a dull spot that never went away. Once you get your microwave & dishwasher clean it will be easy to keep that way if you just go over it with a cloth like you do your counters and stove.
jannie
15 years ago
I use a spray cleaner called "Cinch" made by the same company as Spic 'n' Span. It's a great cleaner, cuts grease, gets everything clean, and is fairly gentle, not like strong chemicals. You can use it on glass and windows,too.
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I just tried the vinegar and water on the stove and WOW. I sprayed it on and wiped with a dry dish cloth and got the grease, slight spots and then buffed with microfiber cloth. I did the fridge too and shines like a mirror. Warning to those with black appliances, DO NOT use paper towels on them. I scratched the panel on my microwave and also have swirls on my fridge from it. I always cleaned my bisque appliances with paper towels and thought nothing of it and really disappointed with the fine scratches it left. (that is why they tell you not to use paper towels or tissues on your eye glasses!) Thanks very much for the tip!
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To clean an oven: Warm the oven to 65C. Turn it off, then spray the interior with a heavy duty kitchen cleaning liquid. Leave for 15 minutes, and wipe over with damp cloths. OR While the oven is still warm after use and turned off, wipe over a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water. Leave overnight, then wipe clean with a stiff brush or scourer and very hot water. OR Wash with straight herbal vinegar. Pour extra vinegar over burned-on areas, shut the oven door and leave for 2 hours. Then wipe off and rinse with a cloth dipped frequently in warm water. For extra-dirty areas, sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda onto the vinegar and leave overnight before cleaning off. GLASS OVEN DOORS: Wring out a cloth in warm water, dip in bicarbonate of soda and wipe over glass. Allow to dry, then buff with a soft cloth. STAINLESS STEEL OVEN-SHELVES: Dissolve 1/2 cup laundry detergent or automatic dish washing detergent in a laundry tub of hot water. Leave the shelves to soak a few hours or overnight. Or you can use a product similar to the one we have in Australia called Napisan. It's original purpose was for soaking babies' cloth nappies (diapers), and as a laundry detergent booster, but I use it for many purposes. It's absolutely brilliant for cleaning greasy things. Tops of kitchen cupboards, clothes, burnt-on grease on saucepans, the filth that builds up under the fridge etc. I have a white kitchen sink (a nightmare!), and I use Napisan to soak stains off that, and I've used it on really grimy windows and frames, too. Excellent product, and it doesn't smell. I usually use a small nylon sponge-cum-scrubber with it. Doesn't scratch, but reduces the amount of elbow-grease needed. Since I've been ill, I've been unable to do my own cleaning, and have had to get in professional cleaners, government-supplied, who are restricted by Health and Safety rules and regulations from using many products. My particular lady has begun using Napisan on a regular basis for many of her chores after seeing how effective it is. Here is a link that might be useful: Napisan
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Automotive cleaner wax is a great way to clean and polish clear plastic. It will remove fine scratch marks, and shine the plastic like new. It contains a mild abrasive that cuts thru grime and smooths out the plastic. If you want to use something that you already have in your home, you can use...............................TOOTHPASTE......also a mild abrasive, and works ALMOST as well.
albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.
15 years ago
There are several automotive products that have handy applications around the household. I use a one step cleaner/wax on appliance surfaces, tile walls in the shower, chrome fixtures etc. I would recommend using small amounts and practicing on inconspicuous surfaces.

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sheilajoyce_gw
15 years ago
I have cleaned the keypad with a dab of alcohol on a cotton ball.
buyorsell888
Original Author
15 years ago
I have tried Dawn concentrated and hot water but it smeared the grease around and didn't clean it.

I've been cautious because my stepmother scratched all of my stereo components "windows" once cleaning them and I haven't wanted to scratch up my appliances. I suppose scratches are better than grease....

We have a microwave hood combination and it is not vented outside and there is grease all over the kitchen.
dilly_dally
15 years ago
Use a degreaser. I like Fireball. I've heard good things about Greased Lightening.
bernard brown
3 years ago
Pinesol is what caused my problem on the microwave door in the first place!
T
3 years ago
Follow GoCleanCo on Instagram!! Tons of cleaning tips!
jawarrior25
3 years ago
I just used Turtle wax. I had stupidly used glass stove top cleaning paste to try to remove a permanent smudge that would not come off with any cleaner. The soft plastic microwave touch pad had awful swirling scratches from doing that!

The Turtle wax car polish didn't remove it all, but after two cleanings and buffing with a soft cotton cloth the swirls were greatly reduced, and much less obvious than the original smudge!! If I had used the Turtle wax right from the start, I think the smudge might have been almost totally removed. I hope this helps someone.

How to clean plastic 'window' on appliances?

justjustin

Comments (11)

arizonarose

jannie

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albert_135 　 39.17°N 119.76°W 4695ft.

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T

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How to clean plastic 'window' on appliances?

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