How to Clean and Maintain Your Aluminum Railings at Home

Various aluminum products can be great additions to your patios. You can have aluminum railings, patio covers, and even a retractable privacy wall. This material requires little maintenance and is durable, beautiful, and affordable.  This remarkable combination of properties makes aluminum products an excellent addition to your home. However, despite its durability and low-maintenance features, aluminum railings still require cleaning now and then so you can get the most out of your investment. In this article, we will run you through how you can easily clean your aluminum railing.

 

 

Giving It a Quick Clean during Dry Spells

Your railings can usually keep themselves clean through seasonal rain showers. However, if your area has a dry spell, you can clean your railing by giving it a quick hose-down.

If you have a bit of dirt or pollen on your railings, you can also pour water and wipe it down with a damp rag to keep it clean like new. It is best to clean your railings more often if you frequently see them covered with tree seeds or sap. These may get exposed to the sun and be difficult to remove if you let them stay on your railings for a while.

Thorough Cleaning from Mud or Debris

Do you have mud or hard debris that won’t budge with a simple hose-down? You may need some help. You can use water, a mild non-abrasive soap, and a sponge to scrub off the mud and debris.

Make sure your sponge is always wet instead of dry and rough. Dry and rough sponges can scratch and damage your custom aluminum railings.

For stubborn soot or grime, you can also use a combination of 1/3 cup powdered detergent, 2/3 cup of household cleaner, and 1 gallon of water. Make sure to test on a small area to test for changing of colour or damage before applying it on the entire railing.

Rinse the area thoroughly with water to avoid leaving soap marks

Regular Cleaning

When cleaning your railing, choose a cool and overcast day for the best results. This prevents pools of water from drying on your railing too fast and leaving watermarks. 

Cleaning Railings with Glass Panels

If you have clear glass panels within your railings, this can get dirty, dusty, and streaky over time. Clean the glass like you would clean any glass surface like a window or table. 

You can use a regular glass cleaner. You can also make your own cleaning solution with three to four squirts of dish soap in a 1-quart bucket of warm water. You can wipe this on the glass with a soft sponge. Make sure you don’t use a paper towel as this can leave streaks and lint.

Give the glass panels and railings a thorough rinse and allow them to air dry.

Should You Clean Your Railings Often?

Ideally, you can clean your railings just once a year. However, you may need to clean more often if you are near the ocean, a pool, a spa, or an area where you frequently get mud and grime on your railings.

Conclusion

Aluminum railings are a great choice if you want to give your home a facelift without breaking the bank. They are durable, low-maintenance, and beautiful. Still, they need a bit of cleaning every once in a while.

Cleaning your aluminum railings is relatively easy with the proper knowledge and tools. Depending on your needs, you can clean them now and then or once a year. It is crucial that you do not use any abrasive cleaners or sponges as these can damage your railings.

Are you looking for custom aluminum railings in Richmond, BC? Advantage Aluminum has products designed to increase the value of your home. Get a quote today!