Last Updated: April 30, 2018
They’re back! After a long season of hibernation and migration, your neighborhood bugs are back in business. Wasps, bees, flies, hornets, you name it . . . These bugs are ready to cozy up with your family throughout the summer season. They don’t care if your best friend has a bee allergy or if your son is deathly afraid of wasps. Now that the weather is warming up, they’re ready to enjoy some time outdoors – just like you! However, we completely understand if you’d prefer to separate your living spaces. To enjoy your deck or porch without rubbing shoulders with a hornets’ nest, you might want to install a ScreenRail railing. And to keep that railing clean, follow the simple tips we’ve outlined below. Learning how to clean ScreenRail railings is simple, we promise!
How to Clean ScreenRail Railings
ScreenRail railings are made from aluminum, a durable material that doesn’t require heavy maintenance. If you would like to keep your railing looking beautiful, however, you will need to learn how to clean ScreenRail railings.
And railing maintenance isn’t just about aesthetics. Cleaning your railing system from time to time is also a smart way to protect your investment. Because your railing is exposed to the elements, it will show signs of weathering as the months go by. For example, you may notice chalking, gloss fading, or a slight change in color. In addition, you might find pollen, dirt, and other debris on the mesh screen. To maintain both the quality and the appearance of your railing, it’s important to protect it with some occasional scrubbing and rinsing. Don’t worry – you won’t need to purchase an assortment of speciality cleaning products and you won’t have to learn any new cleaning techniques. Just follow these simple tips:
Clean Your Railing Regularly
Over time, your railing will likely show some signs of weathering. As we mentioned above, you may notice a lack of glossiness, a slight color change, or a bit of chalking. To prevent these unwanted changes, clean your railing regularly. This will minimize the effects of weathering, remove dirt, wash away grime, and improve your railing’s appearance.
We recommend that you clean your ScreenRail every 9 to 12 months, although this will depend on your location, the surrounding environment, and the wear-and-tear your railing undergoes on a regular basis. For example, if your railing is located near salt water or a similar contaminant, you will need to give it a little extra TLC. Clean your railing more often, every 6 to 9 months, and examine it every month or so. Look for damage, rust, or areas that need immediate care.
Keep in mind that you must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and document your cleaning dates and methods for warranty claims.
Use Soap and Water
Wondering how to clean ScreenRail railings? Wash them as you clean so many things in your home: with warm water and detergent.
To begin, select a non-abrasive detergent to avoid damaging the powder coating of your ScreenRail. Non-abrasive detergents are available in powder, gel, and liquid forms. Be sure to use a pH-neutral detergent solution as well. If you’ve forgotten what you learned about the pH scale in chemistry class, just know that it’s used to determine how acidic or alkaline different solutions are. A neutral solution is 7 on the pH scale, and its neutrality means that it is mild, gentle, and unlikely to cause damage. Some cleaners that have been tested and approved include 409®, Spraynine®, Simple Green®, Fantastik®, and Windex®. Finally, do not clean your railing with solvents such as thinners or solutions that contain chlorinated hydrocarbons, esters, or ketenes.
As you might have guessed since you’re using a gentle detergent, it’s important that you also select a gentle tool for scrubbing. Rub the detergent solution onto your ScreenRail using a soft cloth, a sponge, or a brush with soft bristles.
When you finish scrubbing the railing, rinse the surface thoroughly with water to remove any remaining residue. You can use a hose for this or a pressure washer on a low setting. It is important, however, that you keep the pressure below 400 PSI.
Don’t Forget About the Screens
You will also need to clean the screens, of course. First, vacuum the surface to reveal excess dirt, dust, and maybe even bugs. Then, wipe the screen with soapy water and a gentle cloth or sponge. Finally, rinse the screen with water.
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See? I told you it was easy! With just a little soap and water, you can keep your ScreenRail looking beautiful for years to come.
If you haven’t yet purchased your ScreenRail, head on over to MMC Fencing & Railing. In our online store, you’ll find everything you need to create this classic and very convenient railing system.
ScreenRail is a structural balcony and railing system that comes in easy-to-assemble sections of 4′, 6′, and 8′. It is available with a heavy-duty kick panel, which protects the screen from being damaged by feet and pets. The system comes with an assembled universal door (right- or left-hand hinge) with a heavy-duty frame as well as certified PCI 4000 A-2 (AAMA 2604) compliant powder coating, which is available in 12 standard colors:
- Satin Black
- Gloss White
- Gloss Beige
- Black Fine Texture
- Bronze Fine Texture
- Speckled Walnut
- Sandy Shore
- White Fine Texture
- Chocolate
- Silver
- Clay
- Ninety Bronze
The railing goes through an 11-step powder coating process to ensure that the coating adheres to the metal properly. After several rounds of cleaning and drying the metal, the powder coating is applied and then cured in a 400-degree oven.
A durable flat spline secures the screen, which keeps out gnats, bees, wasps, black flies, mosquitos, and other pests. The screen material is not supplied by the manufacturer. However, there are many compatible screen types, including Charcoal Fiberglass Screens, Pool and Patio Screens, Super Screens, Tiny Mesh Super Screens, Pet Screen Mesh, 80% Tex Solar Screen, and 90% Tex Solar Screen.
If you have any further questions regarding how to clean ScreenRail railings or you’re interested in purchasing a ScreenRail system, please give us a call at 1-866-931-5002 or click here to request a quote. We look forward to hearing from you!