How to Safely Clean Alucobond Panels: A Beginner's Guide
As you launch your pressure washing business, you'll encounter various surfaces, including Alucobond paneling. Cleaning these panels requires care to avoid damage while achieving streak-free results. This guide covers what Alucobond is, where it's found, and our proven process using downstreaming and brushing. Watch the embedded video for a full demonstration, and follow the steps below for safe, effective cleaning.
What is Alucobond Paneling?
Alucobond is an aluminum composite material (ACM) consisting of thin aluminum sheets bonded to a fire-resistant core, often polyethylene or mineral-filled. It's lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant, making it ideal for modern architecture. Commonly found on commercial buildings like car dealerships, banks, offices, and retail stores, it provides a sleek, contemporary look. Here's an example from a Subaru dealership:
Safe Cleaning Process for Alucobond Panels
Alucobond panels can accumulate dirt, bird droppings, grease, and black streaks (especially under lettering from rain runoff). Our method combines downstreaming a cleaner with brushing for thorough removal without damaging the surface. We primarily use Protool Purple Magic, but Dragon Juice is a solid alternative. For best results, use a waterfed pole with a pure water system (RODI) to rinse—link to how to build a waterfed pole cart for setup guidance. Avoid high pressure to prevent etching; keep PSI low (under 1000 if possible).
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare the Cleaner: Mix Protool Purple Magic at a 1:1 ratio with water (e.g., 2 gallons Purple Magic to 2 gallons water) for a ~1:20 dilution out of the wand—stronger for tough stains like bird droppings. For lighter cleaning, use 2 gallons Purple Magic to 3 gallons water (~1:30).
- Downstream the Surface: Apply the mixture evenly via downstream injector. Let it dwell to loosen dirt, but don't let it dry to avoid streaks.
- Scrub as Needed: Use a soft bristle brush for general areas; switch to a stiffer boar's hair brush on a waterfed pole for stubborn spots like bird crap or black streaks. Scrub gently to avoid scratching.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use pure water (0-10 TDS) from a waterfed pole for streak-free results, especially on black or dark panels where residues can cause major streaking. Rinse top-down to prevent re-soiling. For glossy silver panels, regular water may suffice, but pure water is ideal for all.
Note: Black streaks under lettering are common from environmental runoff. This process excels at removing them by loosening with the cleaner and agitating with brushes, followed by spot-free rinsing.
Watch the Full Cleaning Tutorial
Before and After: Audi Dealership Example
Here's a side-by-side of an Audi dealership clean. Notice the black streaks under the lettering before—our process removed them completely without damage.
Before: Dirty with black streaks
After: Clean and streak-free
Tips for Success
- Test a small area first to ensure no damage.
- For black panels, avoid Purple Magic if possible. Use pure water to minimize streaking risks.
- Work in sections to keep surfaces wet; dry spots lead to hard-to-remove residues.
- Always prioritize safety—wear PPE and contain runoff.
Mastering Alucobond cleaning opens up lucrative commercial jobs. Explore our guides on equipment, techniques, business formation, and marketing. Need a professional website? Check our building, hosting, and SEO packages.
How to Safely Clean Alucobond Panels: A Beginner's Guide
As you launch your pressure washing business, you'll encounter various surfaces, including Alucobond paneling. Cleaning these panels requires care to avoid damage while achieving streak-free results. This guide covers what Alucobond is, where it's found, and our proven process using downstreaming and brushing. Watch the embedded video for a full demonstration, and follow the steps below for safe, effective cleaning.
What is Alucobond Paneling?
Alucobond is an aluminum composite material (ACM) consisting of thin aluminum sheets bonded to a fire-resistant core, often polyethylene or mineral-filled. It's lightweight, durable, and weather-resistant, making it ideal for modern architecture. Commonly found on commercial buildings like car dealerships, banks, offices, and retail stores, it provides a sleek, contemporary look. Here's an example from a Subaru dealership:
Safe Cleaning Process for Alucobond Panels
Alucobond panels can accumulate dirt, bird droppings, grease, and black streaks (especially under lettering from rain runoff). Our method combines downstreaming a cleaner with brushing for thorough removal without damaging the surface. We primarily use Protool Purple Magic, but Dragon Juice is a solid alternative. For best results, use a waterfed pole with a pure water system (RODI) to rinse—link to how to build a waterfed pole cart for setup guidance. Avoid high pressure to prevent etching; keep PSI low (under 1000 if possible).
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare the Cleaner: Mix Protool Purple Magic at a 1:1 ratio with water (e.g., 2 gallons Purple Magic to 2 gallons water) for a ~1:20 dilution out of the wand—stronger for tough stains like bird droppings. For lighter cleaning, use 2 gallons Purple Magic to 3 gallons water (~1:30).
- Downstream the Surface: Apply the mixture evenly via downstream injector. Let it dwell to loosen dirt, but don't let it dry to avoid streaks.
- Scrub as Needed: Use a soft bristle brush for general areas; switch to a stiffer boar's hair brush on a waterfed pole for stubborn spots like bird crap or black streaks. Scrub gently to avoid scratching.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Use pure water (0-10 TDS) from a waterfed pole for streak-free results, especially on black or dark panels where residues can cause major streaking. Rinse top-down to prevent re-soiling. For glossy silver panels, regular water may suffice, but pure water is ideal for all.
Note: Black streaks under lettering are common from environmental runoff. This process excels at removing them by loosening with the cleaner and agitating with brushes, followed by spot-free rinsing.
Watch the Full Cleaning Tutorial
Before and After: Audi Dealership Example
Here's a side-by-side of an Audi dealership clean. Notice the black streaks under the lettering before—our process removed them completely without damage.
Before: Dirty with black streaks
After: Clean and streak-free
Tips for Success
- Test a small area first to ensure no damage.
- For black panels, avoid Purple Magic if possible—opt for milder cleaners or pure water to minimize streaking risks.
- Work in sections to keep surfaces wet; dry spots lead to hard-to-remove residues.
- Always prioritize safety—wear PPE and contain runoff.
Mastering Alucobond cleaning opens up lucrative commercial jobs. Explore our guides on equipment, techniques, business formation, and marketing. Need a professional website? Check our building, hosting, and SEO packages.