How to Clean Metal Cladding Guide

Metal cladding is renowned for its strength, durability and weather-resistance. But, in order to keep it looking at its best (and ensure it reaches its full predicted lifespan) regular maintenance is still needed.

Cleaning is an essential part of metal cladding maintenance. Not only does it keep the cladding looking neat and pristine, but it also helps to prevent any premature degradation of the cladding.

Below, we’ve shared a quick and simple guide to cleaning metal cladding in warehouses and commercial spaces. This includes guidance for how often you need to clean metal cladding, and recommended steps for cleaning different types of metal cladding.

How often do you need to clean metal cladding?

Metal cladding is widely used in warehouses and commercial buildings. It provides buildings with high levels of durability, in a low maintenance solution, which still looks modern and sleek.

With regular cleaning, you can protect your cladding from dirt and pollutants, and maintain its high level of weather resilience, too.

In terms of how often you should clean metal cladding, we recommend that you clean your metal cladding once every six months.

However, if your building is located in an area of high pollution, is in a coastal region, or is involved in heavy industry, then we’d suggest increasing the frequency of your cleaning schedule to once every three months.

How to Clean Metal Cladding

The general process for cleaning metal cladding (of all types) is as follows:

1. Inspect the cladding for any signs of damage or deterioration (such as scratches, dents or rust). If present, restore the damage, before you start cleaning.

2. Rinse the cladding with water, using a hose set to low-pressure. This should remove any loose bits of dirt or debris, without damaging the cladding.

3. Apply a mild cleaning solution to the cladding using a soft sponge.

4. Rinse the cleaning solution off the cladding, using the hose.

5. Allow the cladding to dry fully (we recommend cleaning the cladding on a warm, dry day, so that it can air dry quickly).

Below, we have shared some additional recommendations, specific to cleaning different types of metal cladding.

Cleaning Zinc Cladding

Ensure that zinc cladding is cleaned using mild cleaning solutions, and that you completely avoid any acidic cleaners. This is because acidic cleaners or abrasive brushes can damage its natural oxidised protective layer.

Zinc cladding must always be cleaned in the direction of the metal’s grain. If you do spot any scratches, don’t worry about treating them. This is because zinc is self-healing. So, it is best to leave scratches on zinc cladding to repair naturally, on their own.

Cleaning Copper Cladding

Avoid using acidic cleaners, as these cleaners can damage copper’s green patina, or disrupt the ageing process of the copper.

For best results, look for a mild cleaning solution that is specifically designed for use on copper. This will achieve the best visual results, while ensuring the material is protected.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Cladding

Although stainless steel cladding is particularly durable and corrosion-resistant, fingerprints, smudges and streaks are common when cleaning. So, to avoid this, we recommend rinsing the cleaner thoroughly, immediately after you have finished cleaning. You may also want to use a microfibre cloth to dry and polish the cladding (depending on the size of the area being cleaned).

Cleaning Aluminium Cladding

Aluminium cladding is particularly prone to oxidation. So, during cleaning, we recommend using a specific aluminium cleaner or polish. For stubborn stains or areas of oxidation, you may need to apply this with a cleaning cloth in circular motions, until the marks are removed.

If you have any further questions about metal cladding maintenance, or are interested in purchasing metal cladding for your site, Salmon Solutions Roofing’s expert team are on hand to help.