Maya Ellison
White plastic appliances can turn yellow due to exposure to ultraviolet rays, high temperatures, humid environments, or nicotine. Luckily, there are several ways to refurbish yellowed plastic appliances and restore them to their original colour. Some common methods include using a mixture of bleach, baking soda, and water, or coating the appliance in hydrogen peroxide and setting it in the sun. Other options include using lemon juice, vinegar, or commercial cleaners designed to remove yellow stains. For food-safe methods, one can use a vinegar soak or a manual scrub with baking soda and water.
How to refurbish yellowed appliance plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of yellowing | Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, high temperatures, humid or moist environments, nicotine exposure over time |
| Commercial cleaners | Commercial cleaners designed to remove yellow stains from plastic appliances are available |
| All-purpose cleaner | Wipe down the appliance with an all-purpose cleaner containing bleach |
| Bleach solution | Mix 4 cups of warm water, 1/2 cup of bleach, and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Dip a sponge in the liquid, wring it out, wipe down the appliance, and let the solution sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with a clean, wet sponge |
| Peroxide | Coat the appliance in 40-volume cream peroxide, wrap it in clear plastic, and set it in sunlight for 3-4 hours. Rinse with a damp cloth |
| Lemon juice | Cut a lemon in half, rub it on the yellowed part, leave the juice for a few minutes, then place the appliance in a spot that receives decent sunlight for 3-4 hours. Rinse the lemon juice with warm, soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner |
| Vinegar | Soak the appliance in equal parts vinegar and water overnight. Wash with dish soap and water |
| Vinegar scrub | Scrub the appliance with distilled white vinegar |
| Dish soap and sugar | Mix dish soap and sugar, scrub the appliance, and rinse |
| Baking soda | Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste, scrub the appliance with a nylon scrubbing pad, and rinse |
| Salt | Mix warm water with salt, scrub with a cleaning brush or sponge |
| Salt rub | Create a salt rub with a damp cloth and scrub the yellow areas |
| Rubbing alcohol | Pour rubbing alcohol into the container, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and wash the container in hot, soapy water |
| Oxygen bleach | Make a paste of powdered oxygen bleach and warm water, cover the paste with plastic wrap, and let it sit for at least 4 hours. Remove the plastic and scrub the container with a damp sponge |
| Chlorine bleach | Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid chlorine bleach with 1 cup of warm water |
| Denture-cleaning tablet | Fill the container with hot water and add a denture-cleaning tablet |
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What You'll Learn
Using a commercial cleaner
If you're looking for a quick and convenient way to refurbish yellowed appliance plastic, you can opt for a commercial cleaner designed specifically for this purpose. These cleaners are formulated to remove yellowing and age stains from white plastic appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, or other plastic-lined items.
When using a commercial cleaner, always read the product label carefully to ensure it is suitable for the type of appliance you intend to clean. Some cleaners may be too harsh for certain materials, so it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and perform a patch test on a small, hidden area if you are unsure. Wear gloves to protect your hands and work in a well-ventilated area.
To use a commercial cleaner, follow the instructions on the product label. Typically, you will need to spray or wipe the cleaner onto the affected area and allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the cleaner and reveal the refreshed surface. Depending on the severity of the yellowing, you may need to repeat this process a few times.
For smaller appliances or items that come into contact with food, such as plastic containers or handheld blenders, you can fill them with the commercial cleaning solution and let them soak for the recommended duration. Afterward, rinse them thoroughly with warm water and soap to remove any chemical residue.
Some commercial cleaners may also offer additional benefits, such as odour removal and disinfection. For example, hydrogen peroxide is often used as a commercial cleaner and can effectively brighten discoloured plastic. It is recommended to use a 3% solution and spray it generously onto the affected area, letting it sit overnight for the best results.
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Bleach and baking soda
Alternatively, you can use a baking soda paste to scrub the appliance. Mix baking soda with water to create a thick paste, then work it into the plastic using a nylon scrubbing pad. Let the paste sit for several minutes, then rinse it off with water. You may wish to repeat the process for better results.
Before using bleach, it is recommended to test it on a small section of the plastic to ensure it does not cause damage.
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Lemon juice and sunlight
To start, cut a lemon in half and rub both halves over the yellowed part of your appliance. Make sure to spread the lemon juice into the nooks and crannies of the stained item. Leave the juice to sit on the plastic for a few minutes.
Next, transfer the appliance outdoors and place it in a spot that receives decent sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as the heat may cause damage to the appliance's machinery. Leave the appliance outside for a few hours, rotating it every 1-2 hours to ensure that the sun hits it evenly.
The UV rays from the sun interact with the acid in lemon juice to whiten the plastic. This process is similar to how some people use lemon juice to lighten their hair.
After a few hours in the sun, bring the appliance inside and rinse the lemon juice away with warm, soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner.
This method can also be used by pouring lemon juice into a container and soaking the item in the juice for at least an hour in the sun. However, this method is more suitable for small items and may not be effective for larger ones.
While lemon juice and sunlight can be effective in removing yellow stains, it is important to note that plastic degradation caused by UV light exposure may not always be reversible. Protecting plastic items from UV radiation, whether from sunlight or other sources, is crucial to preventing yellowing.
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Vinegar soak
If you're looking for a safe and natural way to refurbish yellowed plastic appliances, a vinegar soak is an excellent option. This method is ideal for smaller appliances and food-safe items, as the vinegar solution needs time to permeate the plastic effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide to the vinegar soak process:
Prepare the Vinegar Solution:
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a container. For smaller items like plastic containers, utensils, and toys, you can use a sink or a bucket. For larger appliances, choose a container that can accommodate the stained portion of the appliance.
Soak the Appliance:
Submerge the yellowed plastic appliance or item completely in the vinegar solution. Ensure that the stained or discoloured area is entirely covered. If you are unable to submerge the entire appliance, keep an eye on it and turn it over periodically during the soaking process.
Soaking Time:
Let the appliance soak for several hours or overnight for best results. The longer soaking time allows the vinegar to work on the stains and discolouration effectively.
Rinse and Wash:
After removing the appliance from the vinegar solution, give it a thorough wash with dish soap and water. This step is crucial to remove any remnants of vinegar and its odour. Wash the appliance well, ensuring it is free from any soapy residue.
Drying:
Allow the appliance to air dry or use a clean cloth to dry it thoroughly.
The vinegar soak method is a gentle and safe alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. It is particularly useful for items that come into contact with food, ensuring they are clean and safe for continued use.
For more stubborn stains or severe discolouration, you may need to repeat the vinegar soak process or explore other methods like using baking soda, lemon juice, or commercial cleaners designed for removing yellow stains from plastic.
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Manual scrub
If you are looking to refurbish your yellowed appliance plastic, one method is to manually scrub it. This method is food-safe and can be done with a few different solutions.
One option is to use a solution of dish soap and sugar. Mix the two together and then work this paste into your plastic using a nylon scrubbing pad. You can also use baking soda, which has absorbent qualities that can help pull stain-causing minerals and other impurities out of plastic. Mix the baking soda with water to create a thick paste, and then scrub the plastic thoroughly with a nylon scrubbing pad. Leave the paste on for several minutes, and then rinse it off. You may need to repeat the process for best results.
For smaller appliances, a vinegar soak can be effective. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a container and then place your appliance in the solution until the yellowed part is totally submerged. Leave it to soak for several hours or overnight, and then wash the appliance with dish soap and water to remove any remnants of vinegar.
If you are looking for a quicker and easier option, a magic eraser can be used to scrub the appliance. Simply wet the sponge and then squeeze out the excess water so it’s damp. Wipe down the surface of the appliance thoroughly and with firm pressure. There is no need to rinse afterward!
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to refurbish yellowed appliance plastic, including using a mix of water, bleach and baking soda, or a commercial cleaner.
Commercial cleaners such as Alka-Seltzer, denture tablets, and 40-volume cream peroxide can be used to refurbish yellowed appliance plastic.
Home remedies such as lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, and salt can be used to refurbish yellowed appliance plastic.
To prevent yellowing on appliance plastic, spray the interior with cooking spray before adding food. The oil creates a thin barrier to reduce staining.
