Soil and dirt on aluminum surfaces will increase corrosion and discoloration. Therefore, cleaning and caring for aluminum is important to preserve the anodized aluminum surface as best as possible.
Cleaning after installation and the periodic maintenance cleaning require great experience and expertise and should only be carried out by designated facade cleaning companies. HAI recommends that the cleaning process be carried out by an accredited member and with approved product of the “Gütegemeinschaft Reinigung von Fassaden” (GRM).
Only products that do not damage the anodized surface may be used for cleaning. For information on tested cleaning agents, please refer to GRM's website (www.grmonline.de). HAI must emphasize the warning that alkaline cleaning agents, e.g. and without limitation, do not use soda-containing products and strong cleaning agents. Acids, such as without limitation hydrochloric acid and products containing phosphoric acid, should also not be used, as this causes the anodizing layer to disappear and causes irreparable damage. Aluminum, including alumina, 'dissolves' at low pH (<5) or high pH (>8).
Abrasive or abrasive materials – such as steel wool, wire brushes, sandpaper and harsh polishes – will also damage the anodizing layer. Feel free to contact HAI for relevant cleaning agents.
The cleaning frequency of anodized aluminum in buildings and other structures must be carried out according to a set schedule. This schedule is dependent on the atmosphere to which the aluminum is exposed or the extent of natural purification by precipitation.
The following can be used as a guideline: Under normal circumstances and with natural cleaning through precipitation, it is enough to clean aluminum once a year with a cloth or brush and plenty of water. A neutral synthetic detergent can be used if necessary and then allowed to dry. However, cleaning should be carried out twice a year in the case of an industrial environment or in the absence of natural cleaning through rainfall. The frequency of cleaning, the order of cleaning and the cleaning agents to be used depend on how dirty the aluminum is. This must be assessed per place, per building and sometimes per facade. For an exact description, refer to the GRM.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Aluminum products placed indoors, under normal circumstances, only require wiping with a soft cloth at regular intervals.
Cleaning and maintenance of exterior aluminum products depends a lot on the influences from the surrounding environment as well as how much emphasis is placed on the decorative appearance and the protective function.
Soda solutions, fluorides, chlorides, sulphates, alkalis, acids, abrasive materials, emery cloth, metal cloths, steel wool, wire brushes etc. Soap solutions must not be used due to the high alkalinity.
Clean water and washcloth. Wipe with a soft and dry cloth.
Neutral, synthetic, liquid detergent which is applied with a cloth, sponge, washcloth or a soft brush. Then rinse with clean water and wipe with a soft, dry cloth. High-pressure cleaners can be used. The high-pressure cleaner is used so that the natural drainage from the facade is used. Water must not enter behind the facade, so the use of high-pressure cleaners therefore depends on the construction.
Mild metal polishing agents suitable for aluminium. The cleaning agent must be in the neutral range between PH 5-8.
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A fast-drying quality varnish for repairing surface scratches on anodized parts.
The product is supplied as 15 ml. colored pencil or 150 ml. can in the colors:
Silver (N1 natural)
Light bronze (B01)
Medium Bronze (B02)
Dark Bronze (B03)
Black (B04)
We reserve the right for minor color differences.
The chemical industry has developed special products that do not damage the aluminum oxide layer.
A fast-drying quality varnish for repairing surface scratches on anodized parts.
The product is supplied as 15 ml. colored pencil or 150 ml. can in the colors:
Silver (N1 natural)
Light bronze (B01)
Medium Bronze (B02)
Dark Bronze (B03)
Black (B04)
We reserve the right for minor color differences.
The chemical industry has developed special products that do not damage the aluminum oxide layer.
Particularly suitable for cleaning dirty surfaces due to installation, ageing, dust, oil and grease. The cleaning agent is a non-toxic neutral paste that is harmless to the anodizing layer and its sealing. The paste is easy to apply and remove. It leaves the surface completely clean and without the side effects of alkaline and abrasive cleaning products. With a cleaning protection film, it provides partial protection against corrosion.
A metal polish and silicone-containing special product for cleaning aluminum and stainless steel. For dark anodized aluminum parts, it is recommended to polish after a short time. On other surfaces this is not necessary. Heavily soiled surfaces require prior cleaning.