EFCO Special Purpose Windows General Maintenance Instructions - Manual (Page 8)

General Service and Maintenance Manual
SECTION 3
FINISH CARE MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
3.a. PAINTED 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 hor-
izontal 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 paint-
ed 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 still adheres after using the above procedures spot cleaning with some type of
mild solvent such as mineral spirits, or isopropyl alcohol may be used to remove grease,
sealant or caulking compounds. Use extra caution to avoid allowing these solvents to contact
any gaskets or other rubber or plastic parts. Strong solvents or cleaners containing solvents
may have a deleterious or softening effect on paints and should be avoided. To prevent harm
to the finish, these types of solvent or emulsion cleaners should be spot tested and the
coating manufacturer should be consulted. Care should be taken to not mar or scratch the
surface, since this could give an undesirable appearance if viewed from certain angles.
Cleaners of this type are usually applied with a clean cloth and removed with a clean cloth.
Remaining residue should be washed with the above mild soap solution and rinsed
with a high volume clean of water
. Use solvent cleaners sparingly, remove promptly and
rinse thoroughly. Always follow manufactures instructions for handling of solvents.
EFCO CORPORATION 2013 PAGE 7