Today, most homeowners turn out to be so busy that they never have time to clean their railings. They never think that poor maintenance may lead to poor performance of the exterior railings. Unlike other railing materials, cleaning aluminum railings is very easy. They are strong, hold up their painting well, and can withstand different types of damages. Therefore, they do not have so many maintenance needs. Below is a simple guideline on how to clean your aluminum railings.
Quick Cleanings
Interestingly, even rain showers help clean your aluminum railings during the rainy season. However, you can use a hose to spray your railings during the dry season. Always ensure you wash tree sap or seeds from your railing regularly because exposure to such elements may, later on, result in unexpected damages to your aluminum railings.
Thorough Cleanings
If there is mud or hardened, sticky debris covering your railings, you will require water, a sponge, mild non-abrasive soap, and a simple scrub. Avoid using a dry, rough sponge that can scratch and destroy the surface of your railing. Afterward, use water to rinse it. The best time to clean your railing is during a cool and overcast day. To remove grime or soot, combine powdered detergent, a cup of household cleaner, and one gallon of water. Begin by trying out the solution on a small part of the railing to ensure it won’t corrode and damage it. If the solution has no adverse effects, wipe the entire aluminum railing and use a lot of water to rinse it before this solution dries.
Cleaning Aluminum Railing with Glass Panels
With time, railings holding glass panes attract dirt and dust streaked with water. You can clean these just like you clean other glass surfaces, for instance, a window. In this case, a regular glass cleaner is the best for this job. You must also avoid using paper towels because they leave lint residue and streaks on the glass surface. Another option is using a solution made of a small amount of dish soap and a bucket of warm water. Use a sponge to scrub your glass with the solution, rinse using a hose and allow it to dry. Remove any streaks left using a clean cloth.
Inspecting Your Railing
Cleaning the railing is not enough to guarantee you quality performance. You must also inspect it regularly to ensure it’s in good shape. You can set apart time once or twice yearly to thoroughly check if your railing has worn out. Outdoor railings encounter diverse weather conditions-hail, rain, snow, wind, extreme heat, and ice and they can erode as time goes by. The most appropriate time to check them is during spring and fall to repair damages during summer and winter. Some of the issues to look out for include rusted screws and nails, debris, discoloration, and loose or wobbly railings
Cleaning goes hand in hand with inspections, and you should not only focus on knowing how to clean your aluminum railings. Moreover, those who choose quality railing brands such as Sherwood’s Westbury aluminum railing find it easy to maintain their railings. Such brands guarantee quality and long-lasting performance.
