How to clean porch railings for a more welcoming entry

They need a gentler touch than the rest of your porch.

You can tackle dirt and grime on your front porch with powerful cleaners, but you’ll need to take it down a notch to clean the railings. While porches are often made with concrete or brick, the railings are made from materials like wood, vinyl, and aluminum that require gentler cleaning agents and lighter pressure. Cleaning the railings only needs to be done a few times a year to get rid of pollen, dirt, bird droppings, spiderwebs, mildew, and stains. If you’re going to clean your porch too, start with the railings since the debris and dirty water will wash down onto the porch surface. Here’s how to clean porch railings and make a welcoming impression.

How Often To Clean Porch Railings

Weather, pollen, pollution, birds, and grimy hands can leave your porch railings looking dirty, and that’s not a very welcoming sight for visitors or family members coming into your house. Clean railings twice a year to remove buildup. If you live near the coast or your yard has a lot of trees, you may need to clean more often to get rid of sticky salt spray and debris and moisture from falling leaves. 

Considerations Before Getting Started

Abrasive and strong cleaners like bleach, ammonia, steel wool, and sandpaper can damage the finish on vinyl and metal materials. Pressure washers can splinter wood and strip paint if the pressure is too strong. Wood should be allowed to dry fully if you are cleaning the railings for painting or staining. Composite materials require specially formulated cleaners to avoid damage. When cleaning, check for loose slats, nails, peeling paint, rot, and rust, and repair as needed. Remove potted plants, mats, and outdoor furniture from your porch before you begin cleaning.

What You Need

• Soft-bristled brush or broom
• Garden hose
• Clean sponge or cloth
• Mild dish detergent
• Bucket
• Old toothbrush
• Towel

How To Clean Porch Railings

Porch railings can be made from wood, vinyl, composite, aluminum, or other metals. The approach you take to clean the railings depends on the material they’re made of. Most railings can be cleaned with these basic steps, but methods for stain removal can differ. For composite and wood railings, some manufacturers may recommend specific cleaners so you don’t cause damage with the wrong cleaners. Consult with the manufacturer or installer if needed.

1. Use a brush or broom to remove loose debris and spiderwebs.
2. Spread a sheet of plastic or cloth over the porch if needed to protect the surface from splashes.
3. Spray the railings with a garden hose to rinse away pollen and dirt.
4. Fill a bucket with water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the railings with the soapy water. Don’t scrub too hard or you may dull or damage the finish. An old toothbrush can help reach between the balusters or spindles and decorative edging on posts and caps. For hard-to-remove dirt, let the soapy solution sit for a few minutes before scrubbing.
5. Rinse with clean water and dry the railings with a towel.

Removing Stains From Porch Railings

Vinyl

To get rid of stains, gently rub a melamine sponge over the area. For sticky stains, use Goo Gone. Test it in an inconspicuous area first to make sure there’s no damage.

Wood

Mildew and mold can be a problem on wood porch railings. To remove it from painted railings, combine 1 tablespoon of dish detergent with a quart of warm water. Scrub the area with a brush until the stain is gone. Rinse and dry. Follow by spraying the area with undiluted vinegar, let it sit for an hour, then wipe it and let dry. 

For untreated, unpainted wood railings, combine 4 tablespoons of dish soap with 2 cups of bleach and a quart of warm water. Use a brush to clean the area until the stain is gone. Rinse and let the area air dry.

Metal And Aluminum

If the dirt is particularly heavy on metal or aluminum railings, use a cleaner formulated for aluminum or other specific metal. Apply the cleaner with a soft cloth, then rinse and dry.

Composite

Use a commercial cleaner designed for composite decking. Consult the product’s label for how to dilute the cleaner and follow the instructions for removing stains.

Tips To Keep Porch Railings Clean Longer

• Maintain your porch railings by wiping down railings and removing spiderwebs between cleanings to avoid tough buildup.
• Clean bird droppings as soon as you notice them. The acidity in bird droppings can corrode metal, stain wood, dull finishes, and etch paint if left too long.  
• Trim nearby bushes and trees so they aren’t rubbing against the railings. Besides dirt and pollen, they can introduce pests and mildew to your porch. Branches may scratch the railings and protective finishes.
• Sweep the porch and steps to remove any leaves, lawn clippings, mulch, or other debris that can trap moisture around the posts. Moisture can lead to mold and rot.

Read the original article on Southern Living