EFCO Special Purpose Windows General Maintenance Instructions - Manual (Page 10)

General Service and Maintenance Manual
SECTION 3
FINISH CARE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
3.a. ANODIZED ALUMINUM CARE AND CLEANING
GENERAL CLEANING PROCEDURE:
Start cleaning at the top of the window(s) at the highest part of the building, rinse the area moving downward
with moderate water pressure to dislodge the soil. If rinsing with moderate water pressure does not remove soil
then low pressure scrubbing with a soft bristle brush or sponge may be employed. The washing should be
accomplished with uniform pressure, cleaning first with a horizontal motion and then with a vertical motion. Care
should be taken to not mar or scratch the surface. Thoroughly rinse the surface after scrubbing.
REMOVAL OF LIGHT SURFACE SOIL:
If soil remains after the above procedure has been attempted, a solution of mild soap in water with a maximum
concentration of 2% may be applied with a soft bristle brush, sponge or soft cloth. The washing should be
accomplished with uniform pressure, cleaning first with a horizontal motion and then with a vertical motion. Care
should be taken to not mar or scratch the surface. The surfaces must be thoroughly rinsed by spraying a
large volume of clean water
and thoroughly dried with a clean cloth. Do not allow soap solution to dry on the
painted surface or surrounding surfaces. To minimize rundown of cleaning products over the lower portions of
the building rinse such areas as soon as possible. When rinsing pay special attention to joints and
crevices.
REMOVAL OF HEAVY SURFACE SOIL:
If surface soil cannot be removed by the above noted procedures, cleaning with the assistance of an abrasive
pad can be employed. CAUTION: Abrasive pads should not be used on surfaces with a factory applied clear
organic protective coating (lacquer) unless the clear coating has deteriorated and must be removed.
Thoroughly wet with clean water or the mild soap solution mentioned above. Hand scrub the surface using a
nylon abrasive cleaning pad such as Norton Bear-Tex No. 668 or 3M Scotch Brite No. 7447. Begin at the top
and work down, rubbing with uniform pressure across the surface in the direction of the metal grain. After
scrubbing, the metal surface should be thoroughly rinsed with clean water or wiped with solvents to remove all
residues. Thorough rinsing is required and cleaning products should not be permitted to dry on the
surface
. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
Do not use excessive abrasive scrubbing even on stubborn stains. This can adversely affect the finish and may
result in an appearance that is even more undesirable than the stain. This also could void the warranty.
REMOVAL OF NON WATER SOLUABLE DEPOSITS:
If it is necessary to remove oils, wax, polish, or other materials, MEK, Xylene, Acetone or Toluene solvent is
recommended. CAUTION: MEK and similar solvents may damage organic sealants, gaskets, or glazing
materials, and should be used with extreme care in order to not come in contact with these materials. Solvents
should be avoided on anodic finishes protected by clear organic coatings. Always follow the manufacture’s
instructions regarding handling of solvents.
EFCO CORPORATION 2013 PAGE 9