Aluminum doors are made of a material that can last for decades. Not only can they give the space a stylish look, but they are also energy-efficient and easier to maintain. Whether you’re considering having Mannlee’s aluminum doors installed in your space, you can make them last for years with proper care.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth understanding of aluminum doors, their maintenance, and care methods to ensure they function properly. We understand you and your client’s needs for high-quality products and guides. So let’s dive into the best cleaning tips to make your aluminum doors shine!
Contents
Which are the Best Cleaning Products for Aluminum Doors?
Before diving deep into how to clean aluminum doors, it is necessary to have the proper products and equipment. These products and equipment don’t have to be expensive, but they should be compatible with aluminum doors. Here are some of the options you might consider:
Commercial Aluminum Cleaner
Commercial aluminum cleaners are best for addressing stubborn stains and over-etching damage. These products sometimes contain sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid, which are effective cleaning agents. However, remember that using harsh chemicals might degrade their quality, and powder coatings will fade. This is why you need to choose the best products and ingredients suitable for aluminum materials.
When using commercial cleaners, you may use a nylon scrub brush to remove debris before cleaning. Then, use protective equipment such as gloves or eyeglasses. It is also important that you rinse the aluminum door with water to remove any remnants of chemicals.
Citrus or Lemon Juice Cleaner
Among the household products effective for cleaning aluminum doors are citrus or lemon juice, which is a weak organic acid. Since organic acids are relatively weak, they might not be effective with major buildups or corrosion. This material doesn’t also function effectively on its own, so you need to mix it with other solutions.
When using organic acids, especially the powder (anhydrous) form, you must mix it with water to obtain a 5-7% solution. However, with issues that are harder to fix, you must increase the percentage solution by around 10% to be effective. If the solution concentration needs to be increased, use warm or hot water for the crystal to disintegrate.
White Vinegar
Another household product effective for cleaning aluminum doors is white vinegar. This product is effective using a vinegar solution, which can be created through a mixture of vinegar and water. The amount of water can be adjusted depending on how much you need. You can apply this solution directly to the aluminum doors using towels or a brush. Overall, this is an effective product without the use of chemicals to clean and polish the aluminum door.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective product to use when cleaning the aluminum door. The aluminum door can accumulate grime, which can be cleaned using a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice, or water. When making your mixture, you must combine baking soda and lemon juice or water and estimate the percentage ratio at 4:2. Then, leave the paste to dry before applying it to the aluminum door.
Equipment
Along with the cleaning products, there is equipment that you must have with you:
- Bucket or bowl
- Water
- Sponge
- Nylon brush
- Rubber squeegee or wiper
- Window cleaning liquid
- Absorbent microfiber cloth
- Dry wiping cloth or non-abrasive cloth
- Towel
The Do’s and Don’ts When Cleaning Aluminum Doors
Now that you know all the cleaning materials you need, you have to take note of the dos and don’ts on how to properly clean the aluminum doors:
The Do’s
- Use natural cleaning agents or light detergent.
- Create an acidic solution.
- After cleaning, rinse the aluminum to avoid any acidic residue.
- Apply wax or after-solution products.
The Don’ts
- Use abrasive cleaning supplies so the aluminum material will not be scratched.
- Make use of alcohol.
- Apply an acid wash to clean thoroughly.
- Check with the manufacturer’s instructor to see the proper way to clean the aluminum doors.
A Comprehensive Guide to Cleaning Aluminum Doors
Maintaining the lifespan of aluminum doors is an easy process if you have the proper knowledge. Utilize these cleaning suggestions to maintain the appropriate care for your door:
Wet the Exterior Frames with Water
Soaking your door with water should be the first step. You may soak the door frames with a garden hose, a bucket, or even bottle spray. This step is important, especially for aluminum garage doors and aluminum exterior doors, which are often placed in outdoor areas. By doing this, the grime and debris can be washed away, which can later improve your cleaning efficiency.
Eliminate Surface Dust and Grease
Before putting cleaning solution on your aluminum doors, it is vital to remove all the dust and grease on the door surface. You can gently brush the particles or use a vacuum. If the dust and grease are hard to remove, you can use a solvent-based cleaner made of aluminum. What’s important is that you clean from top to bottom and do not leave any space to ensure there is no dirt stuck.
Get a Cleaning Solution Ready
Once you’re done with preliminary cleaning, you must prepare the cleaning solution you will need. You may put the solution in a spray bottle or bucket and use a brush or sponge to apply it. This process enables a regulated application.
Scrub the Door Gently
When you scrub the aluminum door, it is best to use a soft sponge or towel dipped in the prepared cleaning solution. Then, lightly wet the sponge or towel as you begin wiping away any dirt in a circular motion. Make sure that you start at the exterior, making your way to all the nooks and cracks. While doing so, ensure that you take your time to wipe and stay away from abrasive materials.
Use Clean Water to Rinse Well
After the cleaning solution dries, you should rinse it off using clean water. It is crucial to wet all the areas, including the nooks, corners, and sides. You have the option to use a hose, bucket, or wet cloth. But remember, there must be no residue left, as it can damage the aluminum doors.
Check for Stain and Damages
Even if you thoroughly rinse the aluminum doors, some stubborn stains and damages need further upkeep. These stubborn stains and damages are prominent in outdoor aluminum doors like aluminum exterior doors or busy spaces like aluminum commercial doors. If you spot one, you can apply a stain remover or high-concentration solution to restore the aluminum to its original shine.
Dry and Polish
After rinsing, it is important to dry the aluminum doors by using a clean cloth or chamois. Make sure that there are no water spots left, and if your door needs more shine, you may apply an aluminum polish. Drying and polishing your aluminum door will not only keep its design but also keep it free from any marks.
Conclusion
Following the right step in cleaning the aluminum doors will not only keep their aesthetically pleasing design but also make them withstand time. Maintaining your aluminum doors should not be limited to soap and water. You must be knowledgeable and effortful to arrive at a door free from dirt and debris.
We understand that it takes time and effort, so to save you hassle, you can trust a reliable aluminum partner. At Mannlee, our aluminum doors offer quality with minimal maintenance. With our skills, we can guarantee that your aluminum door will improve its design and functionality. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and keep your aluminum doors in the best possible state!
