Cleaning and maintaining of AMICO products are simple and straightforward. Often, mild soaps and detergents applied with a sponge or bristled brush is more than adequate. The frequency of cleaning will vary from location to location. Installations exposed to more smog, less rainfall, or salt spray will require a more frequent cleaning regimen. Below are links to some thorough cleaning guidelines from manufacturers and the AAMA.
Painted and Anodized Aluminum Surface Maintenance and Cleaning:
The AAMA has some specific guidelines for the care of architectural metal products before installation and after installation.
Download the AAMA 609 & 610-09 Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for Architecturally Finished Aluminum here
Powder-Coated Aluminum Surface Maintenance and Cleaning:
Each manufacturer has its own detailed cleaning and maintenance guidelines, though they are similar. Linked below is a maintenance guide from Tiger Drylac, a leader in powder coating products.
Download Tiger Drylac Cleaning and Maintenance Guide Here
Cleaning Precautions:
- Correctly identify the aluminum finish to be cleaned when selecting an appropriate cleaning method.
- Never use aggressive alkaline or acid cleaners on aluminum finishes.
- Do not use cleaners containing trisodium phosphate, phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, fluorides, or similar compounds,
- Strong solvents or abrasive cleaners can cause damage to painted surfaces
- Test clean a small section first
- Do not mix cleaners
- Clean metal while it is shaded. Do not clean metal when it is hot; also avoid cleaning in freezing temperatures. Surfaces cleaned in these adverse conditions will streak or become tainted and will not restore to their original appearance.
- Do not use wire brushes, steel wool, sandpaper, abrasives or other similar cleaning tools, which will mechanically abrade the coating surface.
- Do not use excessive abrasive rubbing to remove stubborn stains.
- NOTE: Care should be taken to avoid overspray or run off of cleaner onto other building components such as glazing materials or sealants.