In recent years the world of green, organic, and a particular sensitivity to the environment are outlining significant changes in every family. For this reason, more and more often, many people prefer to clean their apartments in a natural way without resorting to the help of chemicals that sometimes damage and pollute excessively. Metal railings are a separate chapter, as their cleaning differs according to the material they are made of and there is no universal rule to clean them optimally. Still, there are some precautions that can be adopted on a case-by-case basis, in the guide that follows, some advice on how to clean metal railings in a natural way.
How to clean metal railings?
Contents
- Warm water
- Vinegar
- Lemon
- Olive oil
- Cotton
- Microfiber cloth
- Semi-hard bristle brush
- Bicarbonate
- Dry cotton cloth
- Marseille soap
Step 1
To combat the metal railings’ dirt, whether they are made of wood, iron, steel or concrete. First of all, it is necessary to sweep away the largest of the dust that the wind generates continuously going to deposit mites, fine dust, and other invisible agents on the balustrades pathogens that go to stain the terraces. To do this, you can use two ways: the vacuum cleaner that allows you to change the heads (in this case, just use the smaller ones between one grate and the other carefully) and the more traditional broom, that is the broom used by the street sweepers, composed of several alternating layers that allow the dust not to deposit (as in traditional ones), but to remove it.
Step 2
Once you have eliminated the bulk of the dust from the metal railings, you can proceed in a more specific way by using natural products. If it is a wrought iron railing (the most common), just use a solution of warm water, vinegar, and lemon, scrubbing the surfaces with a microfibre cloth. To finish the polish, just put a few olive oil drops in a cotton swab and wipe it evenly. If, on the other hand, it is a concrete railing, no cloth is good, but rather a brush composed of semi-hard bristles, to be used vigorously together with bicarbonate. In this case, there is no need to go over further for polishing, as concrete is a more complex material.
Step 3
If it is a question of metal railings made of aluminum, it is sufficient to use a solution of warm water and Marseille soap. This should be applied evenly with a damp cloth. The same goes for plastic metal railings. In both cases, at the end of the operation, for stain-free drying, just wipe with a dry cotton cloth. On the other hand, for wooden metal railings, the matter is more delicate: sandpaper is used and sometimes even a grinder, in general, however, more specific products are needed.
Rub energetically for cleaning and softer for subsequent polishing. Choose cotton from a good brand.
Effective solutions to clean metal railings
Water and a cloth
The cleaning routine can be done using warm water and a cloth. This is the least risky option for cleaning stainless steel railings. Dry it with a towel or cloth to avoid water stains. Wipe the cloth in the same direction as the polish lines.
Mild detergent (liquid dishwasher) and a cloth
If your stainless steel railing shows signs of corrosion, contamination marks, or it’s been a long time since you last cleaned it and needs a more thorough cleaning. Make sure to rinse the surface thoroughly and, to prevent stains and splashes, dry the railing very well with a towel to avoid lime (hard water) stains.
The window cleaner for fingerprints
Fingerprints are one of the most common complaints about stainless steel railings and parts. Dry afterward very well with a dry cloth. There are new types of finishes for stainless steel railing that are fingerprint-proof.
Stainless steel cleaner
If your railing has stains or scratches, or if you need to polish your railing, a stainless steel cleaner will be a good option. These cleaners and brighteners can help minimize streaks and remove stains. They can also polish stainless steel surfaces perfectly. Read the instructions for the stainless steel cleaner carefully and test in an inconspicuous area. Make sure to rinse it off really well and dry it with a dry cloth.
