Got aluminium windows or doors at your place? They’re pretty great, right? Durable, low-maintenance, and they can last for ages. But over time, even the best aluminium stuff gets a little grimy and dull from all the dirt, dust, water stains, and who knows what else is floating around out there.
The good news is that getting that just-installed, fresh-from-the-factory shine back is actually pretty darn easy if you follow some simple tips. Let me walk you through how to get your aluminium looking squeaky clean again.
What things do you need to make cleaning fun and efficient?
Well, here’s what you’ll need:
- An aluminium-friendly cleaner, but you can also use a mild liquid dish soap.
- Water, preferably warm.
- A soft-bristled sponge or brush, whichever you find most practical.
- Although it is generally recommended to use a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks on the glass, a gentle cotton cloth will do the trick.
- A small-sized pail or you can use a hose or pressure washer; just make sure to set the water temperature to warm.
- Non-abrasive cleaning pads.
- It helps to prepare some white vinegar or lemon juice if the stains are particularly obstinate.
- You might also need to get ready with a silicone spray or lubrication for your tracks if your windows and doors slide.
- A bottle of good glass cleaner
- You should also have a toothbrush ready for intricate details.
Step 1: Remove Dust and Debris
Let’s begin by removing any loose dust, dirt or residue from the surface of the aluminium french doors Sydney. Use a soft bristle brush or a dry cloth to gently clean the particles. This preliminary step prevents scratching during the cleaning process.
Step 2: Gather Your Supplies
It’s time to assemble your cleaning team; don’t worry, this only involves common home items. Take some delicate towels or sponges; microfiber cloths are ideal since they are soft and leave no streaks behind. A large bowl or bucket is also required to combine your cleaning solution.
For that, your main options are:
- Mild dish soap – Just add a few drops to some warm water.
- Check if the store-bought aluminium cleanser works best for aluminium.
- You can remove tough water stains and mineral residues effectively using an all-natural remedy with a 50:50 mixture of white vinegar and water.
Baking soda and water combined can produce a somewhat more powerful paste that isn’t sharp enough to scratch but works well on stubborn grime.
Step 3: Get the Cleaning Agent Ready
Mix up your chosen cleaning solution in that bucket or bowl you grabbed earlier. Just a few squirts of dish soap and warm water, or follow the product instructions for the store-bought stuff.
All you have to do is divide the vinegar and water equally. Then start with a few tablespoons of baking soda and gradually blend in water until you get the baking soda paste, which should have the consistency of spreadable glue.
Step 4: Wash the Aluminum Surface
Time to get scrubbing! Dip your soft sponge or cloth into the cleaning solution and gently go over all the aluminium surfaces. Pay special attention to any areas with visible dirt, stains or grime build-up.
A toothbrush can be handy to really get into intricate details and crevices. For stubborn stains, let the baking soda paste sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing – it’ll help break that gunk down.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’ve worked your cleaning solution into all the nooks and crannies, rinse those aluminium surfaces thoroughly with clean water. A hose or pressure washer works great; just be cautious of the pressure to avoid damage.
Make sure to get all that soapy solution rinsed away because any residue left behind can lead to streaking and water spots as it dries.
Step 6: Dry the Aluminum
After your thorough rinse, use a fresh, clean microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry all those aluminium window frames and door surfaces. Get into every corner and edge to prevent water spots and streaking.
This drying step is key to getting that perfect streak-free shine!
Step 7: Tackle Oxidation and Tough Stains
Aluminium is susceptible to ground-in stains and oxidation, which is that chalky white corrosion, over time. Make a paste with baking soda and let it for five to ten minutes if you see any.
What you should do next is to apply the paste to the affected spots and gently rub them with a soft sponge or cloth. The grainy paste will help to remove the discolouration and oxidation without harming the surface.
Step 8: Maintain Moving Parts and Glass
If the hinges or locks on your aluminium windows and doors move, you can maintain their smooth operation by misting them with a tiny bit of silicone lubricant spray.
And don’t forget to clean the glass too! Wipe using a lint-free cloth after using a vinegar solution or glass cleaner.
The Value of Frequently Cleaning Aluminium
Giving your aluminum windows and doors a good scrub down regularly is one of those things that’s just really worth the little bit of effort, trust me. There are so many good reasons to stick to a cleaning routine for these fixtures.
The best part? Cleaning aluminium correctly is stupidly simple and takes basically no time with the right tools and tips. Once you get the process down, it’s easy peasy to keep those surfaces gleaming.
So take it from Aussie Aluminium Enterprise – developing an aluminium cleaning routine gives you peace of mind, knowing these fixtures will stay in tip-top shape for ages. Your future self will thank you!
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