Aluminum Care and Cleaning Instructions

Aluminum products are easy to maintain. Generally, normal rainfall is sufficient to keep its appearance clean. If cleaning is required, we recommend the following steps. Particular attention should be given to areas under eaves, porches, awnings, and other overhangs that have limited exposure to the natural cleansing effect of rainfall.

1) For moderate dirt – An occasional washing with clear water using a garden hose and soft-bristled brush is recommended (a long-handled, car-washing brush is ideal for this purpose).

2) For a heavier dirt accumulation – Wash in the manner indicated above, but use the following solution:

1/3 cup detergent (e.g. Tide®)
2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (e.g. Soilax®)
1 gallon water

3) Mildew accumulation – Mildew can collect on surfaces of all types of building products and is often evident on surfaces that have not been properly maintained. Normally, mildew will appear as black spots. Mildew is easy to remove by using the following cleaning solution:

1/3 cup detergent (e.g. Tide®)
2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (e.g. Soilax®)
1 quart sodium hypochloride 5% solution (e.g. Clorox®)
3 quarts water

4) Environmental black streaking – Black streaking can also collect on the surface of a structure. Black streaking can be removed by using Gutter Zap 4, which can be purchased from the dealer that installed your unit.

5) Caulking compounds, tar, etc. – Use mineral spirits in reasonable amounts, apply directly to foreign substance. Rinse the area thoroughly with water immediately after cleaning.