How to Clean Balustrades and Handrails
Posted on 16th January 2024Balustrade and handrail system often comprise of several different materials for example, stainless steel balustrades with glass infill and timber handrails.
As balustrades are configured from several materials, the cleaning and maintenance methods can differ for each area but are simple and effective.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the balustrades and handrails will maintain appearance and longevity of the system and allow for regular inspections for potential damage, ensuring a compliant system is maintained to keep people safe.
To maintain a quality appearance and increase the life cycle of a finish, balustrades and handrails should be cleaned monthly, with mild household cleaners avoiding harsh abrasives. This will prevent deposits from building up on the surfaces leading to corrosion.
Always be cautious and use gentle cleaners, suitable to the material being cleaned, that won’t cause a chemical reaction with the materials causing damage or staining.
How to Clean Stainless Steel
Dust-off stainless steel balustrades with a soft cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris initially. Follow with a mixture of warm water and mild liquid dish soap on a soft cloth to clean down the balustrades. Avoid harsh or acid-based cleaners that can be abrasive.
Remove any remaining cleaning solution with a cloth in clean warm water and dry the system with a dry, soft cloth to prevent any streaks.
All stainless steel balustrades around a swimming pool should be washed down using clean water daily. Items further away but still within the pool environment should be wiped down weekly.
Stainless steel in external environments should be cleaned monthly. If the steel starts to discolour, or a film forms on the surface, the cleaning regime is inadequate.
How to Clean Glass
Mild liquid dish soup or glass cleaner mixed with warm water can be used on glass infills but be sure to avoid cream type cleaners when maintaining etched glass infills.
Use a soft cloth or sponge to wash away all signs of dirt and fingerprints.
A squeegee can be used to clear the surface of water followed by lint free towels to dry off any remaining moisture, preventing any streaks.
Avoid any contact on glass infills with hard/metal objects, particularly on the edges, to avoid any glass breakage.
How to Clean Glass Timber
Remove any loose dust and dirt with a soft bristled brush initially from timber handrails.
Clean timber handrails with a mild solution of dish soap and warm water on a gentle cloth. Rinse all soap residue and dry with a lint free cloth.
Repairs
Superficial damage to stainless steel balustrades can be repaired by sanding with emery paper (starting with 180 grit and finishing with 400 grit), then polished with a white polishing compound on cotton mops for bright finish, or an abrasive pad for a satin finish.
Timber should be allowed to stabilise, then any defects can be filled with proprietary wood filler and any lacquer touched up.
Balustrades and handrails play a crucial part in keeping people safe as they move around buildings. Regular inspections and repairs are very important in avoiding the risk of accidents or falls due to a faulty balustrade system. Monthly balustrade inspections and cleaning regime is vital to maintain a strong and compliant balustrade and handrail system.
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