Tips for maintaining your aluminium railings

In today’s society who has time to clean the railings on their deck when they are busy working, traveling, studying, making dinner, running errands, catching up with friends, and so on? Railings should be easy to clean. Fortunately, aluminium railings require very little maintenance. As well as being durable, beautiful and affordable, aluminium banisters are virtually maintenance free. So if you’re wondering how to clean aluminium railings, you’ve come to the right place. We are the experts and, believe us, you don’t have to worry – it’s going to be a short lesson!

How to clean the aluminium railing

Quick cleaning

Seasonal rain showers keep the railings clean enough. However, if you’re in a dry period, or want to help out in the process, you can give your railing a quick hose. If the railing is a little dirty or splashed with pollen, you should find that some water or perhaps a damp cloth is all you’ll need to make it look like new again. And if the railing is often covered with tree resin, do quick cleanings more often; sun exposure and heat can make it more difficult to remove.

Learning to clean aluminium railings is as simple as that: just grab the hose and spray!

Thorough cleaning

If the mud doesn’t move or the debris hardens and sticks, you may need to use a little more elbow grease. Using water, non-abrasive soap, and a sponge, simply rubbing the dirt away should make it go away easily. Do not use a dry or very rough sponge, as it can damage the surface of the railing and cause scratches. After cleaning with the sponge, rinse with water.

For best results, clean your banister on a cool, cloudy day. If you really have problems with soot or dirt, try combining 1/3 cup of powdered detergent, 2/3 cup of household cleaner and 1 glass of water. Apply the solution to a small area of the railing to make sure it doesn’t change the colour of the railing or damage it in any other way. Then, assuming there is no damage, clean the entire railing with this solution and then rinse with water before the solution dries.

Additional cleaning tips

Inspecting your railing

Now that you know how to clean aluminium railings, it is important that you also evaluate the condition of the railings. Once or twice a year, take the time to thoroughly inspect your railing, checking for signs of wear and tear. As outdoor railings face many extreme weather conditions: rain, hail, wind, snow, ice, extreme heat, etc. – they can erode over time. Ideally, you should do this during the autumn and spring, so that any damage caused during the more extreme seasons, winter and summer, can be repaired. During your inspection, you should look for the following problems:

• Rusty screws and nails
• Bleaching
• Debris
• Loose or wobbly railings

These problems can occur naturally over time, but fortunately, they are easy to fix. Replace rusty screws and nails, and discolouration from touch-ups with a spray paint or touch-up pencil of the same colour and shade. Wash away debris and rinse with water. Finally, if the railing is loose, check the connection of the posts to the roof frame. You may need to tighten the bolts or reinforce the connection in some other way.

How often should I do this?

Under normal conditions, plan to clean your railing only once a year. Even then, you may find that a cleaning may be unnecessary. Some people take the opportunity to clean their railings when they clean their terrace (or patio, balcony, etc.).

If your railing is near the ocean, a pool or a spa, you will need to clean and inspect it more often. Salt water and pool chemicals can corrode your railings, deteriorating and weakening them, so cleaning is not just a matter of aesthetics; it could affect the functional state of your railing. Rinse the handrail lightly and frequently to reduce the accumulation of salt, chemicals and dirt. You may also need to wash the rail more often if you live in a particularly dusty or dirty area.

And finally, if your railing is located in an industrial environment, or is near a construction site, you should have it checked every three months (and cleaned if necessary).

Hopefully, with these tips, you will save time and money in the maintenance of your aluminium railings.