Power strips are accessories that are found everywhere in our homes and they are made to last for many years (sometimes even decades) depending on their quality and maintenance. It is not uncommon to find some still in perfect working order even though you have inherited them from parents or grandparents. However, over time, their visual appearance deteriorates: the white plastic yellows, dust accumulates, and the object loses its splendor.
This phenomenon is common and normal, because the PVC or plastic used for their manufacture tends to discolor due to wear and exposure to light.
Don't Panic
If you're a plug maniac, there's a simple solution to give those yellowed power strips a new lease of life. As reported by L’Internaute, “if you have white plastic items that are now completely yellowed from wear and tear, don't panic. This process is completely reversible in most cases and there is a simple technique to restore the color of your power strip or any other similar equipment.
The method is ultra simple and consists of using a mixture of water and white vinegar, two products that are easily found in kitchens. Simply mix the two liquids in a clean bowl, then soak a sponge with this solution and gently rub the yellowed surface of the power strip. The result is immediate: the plastic regains its original whiteness and the object looks like new.
Before any cleaning operation, you must ensure that the power strip is not connected to any power source to avoid the risk of electrocution. Once cleaned, it is also strongly recommended to let the power strip dry in the open air in a dry place and if possible a little exposed to the sun, avoiding extreme temperatures which could damage the plastic. “We strongly advise against using a hair dryer for this”, specifies L’Internaute, who also recommends patience for optimal and safe drying.
Other alternatives exist for the most stubborn cases, such as using a mixture of water and baking soda (or a bath of hydrogen peroxide followed by drying in the sun). These tips are also effective on other white plastic objects that have yellowed over time, but must be validated on a case-by-case basis.
0 Comments