Alexei Volkov
White plastic appliances like refrigerators tend to yellow with age due to oxidation, or in the case of a smoker's home, nicotine and tar buildup. Luckily, there are several ways to restore discoloured plastic to its original white colour. Some common household items that can be used to whiten yellowed plastic include lemon juice, vinegar, bleach, and hydrogen peroxide. For smaller appliances, a vinegar soak is an effective food-safe method of removing stains. Alternatively, a solution of dish soap and sugar or baking soda can be used to manually scrub larger appliances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of yellowing | Exposure to dirt, grease, oils, UV light, smoke, nicotine, tar build-up |
| Cleaning methods | Bleach, lemon juice, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, commercial cleaners |
| Notes on cleaning methods | - Bleach should be diluted to prevent damage to plastic (ratio of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 cup of water) - Lemon juice can be used to remove odors and stains, especially on smaller items - Vinegar can be used for a vinegar soak, especially on smaller appliances - Hydrogen peroxide is a fast and effective method, especially if the plastic is left in the sun - Baking soda can be mixed with water to create a thick paste and scrubbed into the plastic - Commercial cleaners can be used on appliances that do not come into direct contact with food |
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What You'll Learn
Bleach solution
Bleach can be an effective colour remover, but it may weaken plastic over time. It is recommended to use a mild detergent or dish soap to wash the plastic after using bleach.
To make a bleach solution, mix four cups of warm water, half a cup of bleach, and a quarter cup of baking soda in a clean bucket. Stir the mixture until the baking soda dissolves. Put on a pair of cleaning gloves and dip a sponge into the solution. Wring out the sponge and wipe down the surface of the refrigerator. Let the solution sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe the surface again with a clean, wet sponge. Repeat the process a few times if necessary.
If the plastic parts cannot be soaked, soak paper towels in the bleach solution and cover the yellowed plastic with them. Press the paper towels firmly against the surface and keep them moist by re-wetting them with the solution as needed.
For a stronger bleach solution, hair bleach can be used. Apply the bleach to the yellowed areas and cover with plastic wrap. Place the item in direct sunlight for about an hour or two.
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Hydrogen peroxide
For a 3% liquid peroxide solution, soak a cloth or brush in the solution and wipe down the yellowed areas. Place the item in a sealed plastic bag or wrap it in plastic wrap, ensuring there are no tears or openings. Put the item in direct sunlight for at least 3-4 hours, rotating it every hour so that all parts get equal sunlight. Rinse the plastic thoroughly after soaking to remove the cleaning liquid.
For a stronger solution, a 40-volume cream peroxide can be purchased from a hair supply store. This ranges in concentration from 9-12%, making it more effective than the 3% solution. Use a brush to coat the appliance evenly with the cream peroxide. Cover any emblems, stickers, buttons, or openings with tape to protect them. Put the plastic in direct sunlight for 3-4 hours, then rinse and wipe it down with a clean rag and water, and let it dry.
For very small items with crevices, such as a plastic drink lid, pour 3% hydrogen peroxide into the crevices and leave it for a couple of days. This method may require more than one attempt to remove the stains.
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Lemon juice
To use lemon juice to whiten yellowed plastic on a refrigerator, you can try the following methods:
Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with one tablespoon of baking soda to create a thick paste. Apply this paste to the discoloured plastic surface using a soft cloth or sponge, covering the entire area. Leave the paste for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with clean water and dry with a clean, dry cloth. The baking soda will help scrub away any built-up grime, while the lemon juice will lift and neutralise the yellow discolouration. Repeat this process as needed until the desired level of whiteness is achieved.
Cut a lemon in half and rub both halves over the yellowed plastic. Leave the juice for a few minutes, then place the refrigerator outdoors in a spot with decent sunlight but not too much direct light, as this could damage the machinery. Leave the appliance outside for 3-4 hours, rotating every 1-2 hours so that all parts are exposed evenly to the sun. The UV rays from the sun will interact with the acid in the lemon juice to whiten the plastic. Bring the appliance inside and rinse the lemon juice away with warm, soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner.
If the yellowing is on a plastic container or a small toy, you can try soaking it in lemon juice for at least an hour in the sun. After soaking, brush the item with a small amount of dish soap, then rinse and dry.
Lemon pith
For plastic that is truly orange or yellow from food stains, rub the pith of a lemon over the surface to help lift the stain from the porous plastic.
Always remember to thoroughly clean the plastic before attempting to whiten it, and to rinse away any residue from natural cleaning products.
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Baking soda
To use baking soda to whiten yellowed plastic, you can create a paste by mixing it with water. Apply this paste to the yellowed plastic and let it sit for several hours. Then, scrub the paste off with a sponge or rag and rinse well. For more stubborn stains, you can also create a solution of water, bleach, and baking soda. Mix 4 cups of warm water, 1/2 cup of bleach, and 1/4 cup of baking soda in a clean bucket, ensuring the baking soda dissolves completely. Apply this solution to the yellowed plastic and let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing.
Another method involves using vinegar and baking soda. First, spray vinegar onto the yellowed plastic. Then, sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar and spray the area again until the bubbling ceases.
Before attempting any cleaning methods, it is important to thoroughly clean the yellowed plastic to ensure the best results. Basic cleaners such as lemon juice, vinegar, or mild dish soap can be used to remove any residue on the plastic.
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Vinegar
Prepare the Vinegar Solution:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a container.
- Alternatively, mix 2 cups of vinegar with water in the sink.
- You can also use vinegar essence, but it should be diluted to 70% strength.
Apply the Vinegar:
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the vinegar.
- Soak a soft cloth or sponge in the vinegar solution.
- Wipe down the yellowed areas of the refrigerator with gentle pressure.
- For stubborn stains, spray vinegar directly onto the affected area.
- If using a vinegar soak, fully submerge the plastic parts of your refrigerator in the solution.
Rinse and Dry:
- Allow the vinegar to sit for a moment, then wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
- For a vinegar soak, remove the items from the solution and wash them with dish soap and water to remove any vinegar residue.
- Dry the plastic thoroughly after rinsing.
It is important to note that vinegar may not be suitable for all types of plastic and may not remove severe yellowing. Always test on a small, hidden area first to ensure it does not cause damage. Additionally, vinegar has a strong smell, so it is recommended to open a window for ventilation during the cleaning process.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to whiten yellowed plastic on a refrigerator. One method is to use a solution of dish soap and sugar or baking soda. Mix it with water to create a thick paste, scrub it into the plastic, and rinse it off after a few minutes.
You can also use a vinegar soak. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and submerge the stained plastic in the solution. Leave it for several hours or overnight, and then wash it with dish soap and water.
Yes, you can use a bleach solution. Dilute one tablespoon of bleach in one cup of water, and wipe the mixture onto the yellowed plastic. Leave it for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with water.
You can use commercial cleaners, or natural products like lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide. Soak a cloth in lemon juice, and scrub the plastic gently. For hydrogen peroxide, use a 3% solution, and spray it onto the yellowed plastic. Leave it overnight, and wipe it clean.
Some methods are more suitable for smaller appliances, like vinegar soaks. For larger appliances, you may need to use stronger cleaning products. Always be cautious when using chemicals, and wear gloves if necessary.
