Being a homeowner comes with its fair share of maintenance. Between all the daily/weekly upkeep, work responsibilities, and family obligations, the downtime can sometimes feel non-existent.
Your time is precious, and likely one of your most valued resources. It only makes sense that you’d rather spend it enjoying your weekends, rather than polishing your deck railings.
Thankfully, both aluminum and glass railing systems require virtually no maintenance, and very minimal cleaning upkeep. To keep your railings looking pristine year round and maximize the longevity of your investment, this article shows you the quickest and most effective ways to clean aluminum and glass railings.
How to Clean Aluminum Railings
Cleaning your aluminum railings is a straightforward, minimal process that provides maximum results for the longevity of your deck. Read on for a step by step guide to getting them sparkling clean.
What You’ll Need:
- Mild Detergent: A gentle, non-abrasive detergent will do
- Water: A hose to rinse, and a bucket of warm water for cleaning
- Soft-Bristle Brush or Sponge: The softer the bristle, the less chance of the aluminum scratching
- Soft Cloth or Towel: To dry the railings
- Aluminum Cleaner (Optional): For those stubborn stains, consider using a specialized aluminum cleaner
Cleaning Steps for Aluminum Railings:
1. Remove Loose Debris:
- Depending on the season, you may find a lot of loose leaves, dirt, and debris from the previous season. Start by removing anything loose from the surface of the aluminum railing. A quick wipe or brush should do the trick
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution:
- Pretty straight forward — simply mix a small amount of mild detergent (about ⅓ cup ) with about a gallon of water in a bucket. Ensure the water is warm to allow for the best lift of any stubborn dirt. This would also be when you would add your specialized cleaner, should you choose to use it
3. Get Scrubbing:
- Dip your soft-bristle brush into your soapy solution and get to scrubbing. Remember, your best ally here is going to be some good old fashioned elbow grease and extra care in the corners where the buildup occurs
4. Rinse Thoroughly:
- Grab your hose, and rinse the railing thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Hot tip: most aluminum railings are powder coated through a multi-stage treatment process, which means you never have to worry about them rusting from excessive water exposure. You can rinse away, stress free
5. Dry with a Soft Cloth:
- Now that your aluminum railings are squeaky clean, you can finish it off by drying with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. This also makes for a nice polished effect in the end
Cleaning Glass Railings
Now that we’ve explored how to properly clean aluminum railings, let’s take a look at how to keep glass railings in top knotch shape. The beauty of glass railings is that they’re extremely low maintenance. This simple yet effective process helps maintain their clarity and beauty all year round.
What You’ll Need:
- Glass Cleaner: Choose a high-quality glass cleaner or make a solution with equal parts water and white vinegar or a mild detergent
- Soft, Lint-Free Cloth or Paper Towels: You’ll want to use a non-abrasive cloth to avoid scratching the glass surface
- Water: For rinsing the glass
- Mild Detergent (Optional): For tougher stains or dirt
Cleaning Steps for Glass Railings:
1. Remove Surface Dust:
- Like a typical dust, start by wiping the glass railing with a dry, lint free cloth. This will remove any surface dust and debris and prevent any excess smudging
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution:
- You can simply use a regular glass cleaner like Windex, or make your own by mixing a solution of water and a glass cleaner like a non abrasive soap or vinegar in a bucket. For stubborn stains, you may want to add a small amount of dish soap to the mix
3. Apply the Cleaning Solution:
- Either dip the cloth into the cleaning solution and gently wipe the glass, or go ahead and apply the old spray and wipe method. You’ll want to be mindful of streaks, so check for even coverage and ensure you’re not applying too much solution
4. Focus on Stains:
- For heavy streaks, fingerprints, or gifts from above (aka birds) — simply give these areas a little extra TLC by gently scrubbing with a sponge or cloth, and some extra solution
5. Rinse and Wipe Dry:
- Rinse your glass panels with clean water to remove any cleaning residue. Finish it off by wiping the glass dry with a fresh, lint-free, clean cloth and voila: your glass railings will be sparkling clean for you to enjoy
Additional Cleaning & Maintenance Tips:
The beauty of both aluminum railings & glass railings is that they both boast a low maintenance upkeep. If you stay on top of regular cleanings (every 2-4 weeks or so), you can trust your deck railing system will look stunning and new for years to come. In addition to regular maintenance, leep these additional cleaning tips in your back pocket for an extra shine and long lasting results:
Avoid Using Abrasive Materials: This includes any harsh chemicals, as they can scratch or damage the surface of your deck railings.
- Do a Deep Clean: Every so often, you’ll want to ensure a deeper clean on your beloved deck railings. Perform a more thorough cleaning, including the removal of any oxidation or stubborn stains, at least once or twice a year
- Dry in a Shaded Area: Drying in direct sunlight makes your glass areas more prone to streaking. If possible, try to clean your glass railings in a shaded area or on a cool and overcast day to avoid drying too fast
- Inspect Your Railings: It’s always a good idea to perform a minor inspection following a good clean. Once you’ve finished cleaning your railings, be sure to check the entire railing system for any loose hinges, joints, or rusted screws to make sure there are no loose or wobbly railings
Conclusion
Loving your outdoor space is one of the key highlights of being a homeowner. Keep your deck railings clean with regular maintenance, and you’ll be able to preserve and enjoy their brilliance for years to come.
Whether you’re dealing with aluminum or glass, a little care goes a long way in keeping your railings and looking their absolute best.
For more information on DekSmart railing systems, or to get an in-house estimation, contact us today — we’ll be more than happy to help.
