Have your appliances started to show their age? Are you wondering how to whiten yellowed appliance plastic?
If the plastic components have yellowed over time, your fridge, washer, and other appliances may not look as bright and shiny as they once did.
I am sure you have also wondered how to clean your Bunn Coffee maker.
But you’ll be happy to know there’s an easy fix before you drop big bucks replacing them.
You can whiten yellowed plastic and restore your appliances to like-new condition. You’ll be well on your way to brighter whites and a fresher kitchen in just a few simple steps.
A little elbow grease and some natural ingredients are all it takes to turn back the clock.
Baking Soda Paste
A baking soda paste is a gentle abrasive that can work wonders on yellowed plastic.
Here’s how to make it:
Mix three parts baking soda and 1 part water into a paste. Add water and one tablespoon at a time. Ensure to stir as you go until it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
Apply the paste to the yellowed plastic with a soft cloth, scrubbing pad, or old toothbrush. Rub in small circles, applying light pressure. The baking soda will help scrub away the yellowed surface layer of the plastic.
Let the paste sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more time it has to brighten the plastic.
Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth or sponge and dry the area with another soft cloth.
Repeat the process if needed until you achieve your desired results. You may need to apply 2-3 treatments for tough stains or severely yellowed plastic. But be careful not to scrub too hard, or you could damage the surface.
With some elbow grease and patience, a baking soda paste can significantly whiten and brighten yellowed plastic on appliances like refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, and more.
Give it a try—your appliances will thank you, and your kitchen will look sparkling new again!
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
A hydrogen peroxide solution can work wonders to brighten up yellowed plastic on appliances. Mix three parts water to 1 part hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle.
Be sure to ventilate the area and wear gloves, as the solution can irritate your skin.
Spray the solution onto the yellowed plastic parts and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more whitening will occur.
You may need to scrub lightly with an abrasive sponge or scrubber for tough stains. Rinse well with water and dry with a clean cloth.
You may need to repeat this a few times to restore the plastic fully.
Sometimes, the yellowing can penetrate the material, so multiple treatments are required to reach all the discolored layers.
Don’t get discouraged after the first try if it’s not perfectly white. Regularly using the peroxide solution will make the plastic brighter over time.
Avoid placing appliances in direct sunlight for preventative measures, which can accelerate the yellowing process.
Also, wipe down plastic parts regularly to remove any oils or grime buildup. An occasional wipe-down with the peroxide solution, even on non-yellowed plastics, can help keep your appliances looking new.
With some time and elbow grease, you can have your appliances sparkling like when you bought them.
And the best part is that you don’t have to spend a dime on expensive commercial whiteners to get professional results.
A simple, natural solution and a little DIY spirit are all you need to refresh your kitchen and bring your appliances back to life.
Commercial Plastic Cleaners and Whiteners
Commercial Cleaners
There are several commercial plastic cleaners and whiteners available that can help restore yellowed appliance plastics.
Products like Scrubbing Bubbles, Formula 409, and similar degreasers contain bleach and abrasives to cut through grime and brighten surfaces.
Spray it on, then scrub with an abrasive sponge or scrubber after a few minutes. Rinse well with water and dry with a clean cloth. These cleaners can work well for moderate yellowing and stains.
For heavy-duty whitening power, look for products specifically designed to whiten plastics, like Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer or a similar whitening booster.
These often contain higher concentrations of bleaching agents, like sodium hypochlorite, to actively whiten and brighten plastics.
Follow the directions to spray it on. Scrub if needed, and then rinse after the recommended time.
These can often restore plastics to like-new condition but may require repeated use for severely yellowed plastics.
Be careful using these harsher chemicals as they can damage some plastics, especially older, more brittle ones.
Always test in an inconspicuous area first. Ventilate the area well and wear gloves when applying and scrubbing. Rinse all parts thoroughly when done to remove any remaining residue.
Make a paste from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for tough stains in cracks and crevices.
Apply with an old toothbrush and let sit before rinsing. The bubbling action helps lift stains from the surface. This method is gentle and natural but may require repeated use to whiten and brighten plastics significantly.
Regular maintenance cleaning and occasional whitening treatments can keep your appliance plastics looking bright white for years.
Consistent care and upkeep will prevent stains and grime buildup, minimizing the need for harsher whitening in the future. Keep your appliances looking their best with a bit of plastic polish and TLC.
UV Light Exposure
UV light is considered one of the biggest culprits of yellowing and discoloration.
Over time, exposure to UV radiation from the sun or fluorescent lights can cause the plastic to become dull, brittle, and develop a yellow tint.
Limit UV Exposure
The best way to prevent UV damage is to limit the amount of UV light that reaches the plastic.
Place appliances out of direct sunlight when possible and avoid positioning them under overhead lights that emit UV radiation, like halogen bulbs.
Using curtains to block sunlight during the day and turning off unnecessary lights can also help.
When UV light exposure is unavoidable, you must take additional steps to protect the plastic.
Applying a UV-protective sealant, wax, or plastic protectant product creates a protective barrier against UV rays. Reapply these products regularly according to the directions to maintain protection.
Use UV-Blocking Plastic
For severe discoloration, replace damaged parts with UV-resistant plastics. Items like polypropylene (PP) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic may be necessary.
These plastics are less prone to yellowing and discoloration from UV exposure. Check with your appliance manufacturer to find replacement parts made of UV-stable plastics.
Deep Clean for Stubborn Stains
Try a deep cleaning method for persistent yellowing and stains that don’t improve with limiting UV light and using protectants.
A mixture of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can help lift tough stains from plastic when scrubbed on with an abrasive sponge or scrubber.
Be very gentle to avoid damaging the plastic. Rinse well with water when done and dry completely. You may need to repeat a few times to remove stubborn yellowing entirely.
By controlling UV light exposure, using protective products, and deep cleaning when needed, you can restore yellowed plastic on appliances to like-new condition.
Regular maintenance prevents discoloration from returning and keeps your devices looking their best for years.
Avoid the Dishwasher
Avoid putting yellowed plastic parts in the dishwasher when restoring yellowed plastic parts on appliances.
The heat and harsh detergents can damage the plastic further and prevent whitening treatments from working.
Hand Wash Only
Gently hand wash any plastic pieces in warm, soapy water using a mild detergent free from bleach or abrasives. Rinse well with water to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Allow all parts to air dry completely before attempting to whiten them.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a gentle bleaching agent that helps lift stains and brighten yellowed plastics. Make a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Soak the plastic parts in the solution for 2-3 hours.
Rinse with water and let air dry. You may need to repeat this a few times to whiten the plastic thoroughly. Hydrogen peroxide is non-toxic and safe for most plastics, but test in an inconspicuous area first.
Baking Soda
For tough stains, make a paste from baking soda and water and scrub the yellowed plastic with the paste using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse well with water.
The stains should lift away, leaving the plastic brighter. Baking soda is a natural abrasive that helps scrub away built-up grime without damaging the surface.
Commercial Whiteners
As a last resort, you can try a commercial plastic whitening product, following the directions carefully.
These often contain bleaches to whiten and brighten the plastic chemically. Be very careful to ventilate the area and avoid skin contact. Test in an inconspicuous area first to check for color-fastness.
With patience and the proper non-abrasive treatments, you can restore yellowed plastic parts on appliances to like-new condition.
Avoid the dishwasher and harsh chemicals, and instead, use gentle, natural brighteners like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and commercial whiteners as a last step. Your appliances will be sparkling in no time!
Conclusion
So there you have a few easy ways to bring your appliances back to their former glory.
With some elbow grease and these DIY methods, you can restore yellowed plastics and make your kitchen and laundry room sparkle again.
No need to shell out big bucks for new machines when you can refresh what you already have. Try one or more of these techniques, and you’ll enjoy your bright, white appliances again.
Your wallet and the environment will thank you. The only yellow in sight will soon be the lemonade in your fridge!