02 May 2022

Deep cleaning of windows, doors and gates

Cleaning process in focus

Coated and plastic surfaces are designed for durability and have a dense surface structure. This makes them easy to clean with water-based cleaning agents. However, this often only removes the visually perceptible macropollution, leaving an invisible layer of microscopic pollution.
These surfaces can attract non-polar contaminants from the passing air, such as condensed VOCs and soot deposits. These deposits, together with grease stains (fingerprints), are the main cause of bonding failure. To achieve a perfect bond, both macro and micro contamination must be tackled.

Even after installation, it is important to maintain windows and doors properly. After all, the coated surface has a lot to endure. It is continuously exposed to air pollution such as dust/sand and acid rain (Volatile Organic Compounds) as well as UV and infrared radiation from the sun. As a result, the paintwork becomes matt and/or 'chalky'. A dull, white powdery layer is formed that settles deeper and deeper into the lacquer and can cause irreparable damage to the surface in the long term. In order to prevent this damage, it is important to carry out a deep cleaning twice a year in addition to a periodic cleaning.

Because we are dealing with different types of soiling, deep cleaning with different cleaning agents is essential. We distinguish 3 types of soiling.

Visible layers of dust and dirt

For the removal of visible layers of dust and dirt you should use FA Clean. It is a safe water-based cleaner that is effective in removing water-soluble and polar contaminants such as dust, sand and other mineral particles. FA Clean does not cause scratches when used correctly.

Organic non-polar contamination

Loosening and dissolving organic non-polar contamination is done with Safety Clean, a safe solvent-based cleaner that can be used on all surfaces. Safety Clean is very powerful against petrochemical and natural non-polar contamination (resins, tar, ...). Most of the dirt will be removed by wiping the surface with an absorbent cloth. It is strongly recommended to do a follow-up cleaning with Multifoam in order to remove the last traces of solvent and contamination.

Skin oils and residual micropollution

Did you know that skin fats are notoriously difficult to remove? For fingerprints and other remaining micro-contamination, Multifoam is the perfect cleaner. This foam cleaner has a triple action:

EMULSIFICATION

The surfactants in the cleaner have a hydrophilic (water attracting) and a hydrophobic (water repellent) part. They "surround" the dirt particles and isolate them from the surface.

CHELATION

Metal ions (Calcium, Magnesium) are chemically bound so that they do not leave any white stains after drying.

ISOLATION

The foam formation creates a capillary force that pulls dirt particles from the surface and out of the pores. When the cleaner is wiped away, all the dirt is taken away.

Important tip!

Never carry out work on a window, door or gate in full sunlight or when the surface is warm.

Give weathered carpentry a new life

Pollution in combination with strong weather influences such as UV rays can give the paintwork of your windows, doors and gates an outdated appearance over time. In addition to a thorough deep cleaning, it is also important to feed the joinery so that the original colour can recover. For this you use Surface Renewer.

First give the surface a thorough deep cleaning as described previously and then apply the Surface Renewer using a soft, clean, dry sponge. Remove excess product with a clean, soft cloth.