Maintenance and Cleaning

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As with any product used in a commercial application, a regular inspection of the product should be conducted. Any loose or missing hardware should be tightened or replaced immediately. If any part of the item is found to show excessive wear or is cracked or broken, the product should be taken out of service until all repairs are made.

All wood components should be inspected for excessive cracks or splits and repaired or replaced as needed. The surface of wood components should be checked for splinters and sanded as required. Discoloration of Douglas Fir and Ipe can be treated using a 50/50 mixture of household bleach and water. Mix the solution in a plastic bucket only. Using rubber gloves and a mild bristle brush, apply the mixture and lightly scrub leaving the mixture on the wood for 3 to 4 minutes.  Rinse with clean water. Allow the wood to dry. Recoat Douglas Fir with a clear non-toxic, oil-based or water-based preservative. (Ipe has its own natural defenses—it does not need preservative.)  If the household bleach solution does not remove the discoloration, it may be caused by a chemical stain (such as iron stain). A saturated solution of oxalic acid (wood bleach) in water will work on such a stain. Clean uncoated thermally modified wood with a deck washing cleaner. Note, utilizing a pressure washer with any wood may damage the wood fibers and is not recommended.  

All recycled plastic components offered by DuMor are molded 100% polyethylene. For general surface cleaning, scrub the recycled plastic with a plastic bristle brush and a cleaning product such as CLR® or Simple Green®. Rinse with clean water. If the surface has been marked with graffiti, a pressure washer may be used to remove the graffiti. (Power wash boards at a minimum of 12” away with 1,500 PSI.) Severe scratches and carvings into the surface may be hand sanded with a fine grade of sandpaper to remove any sharp edges.

All steel components have been finished with a baked-on polyester powder coating which offers long-lasting protection against acids, salts, and corrosive moisture. Surface cleaning should start when the product is installed, ensuring that construction materials are removed. The frequency of cleaning depends in part on the standard of appearance that is required and also on the need to remove deposits that could cause damage. In harsher environments (such as industrial or marine or those involving pollution or salt spray), more frequent cleaning may be required. All surfaces should be cleaned using warm water, a non-abrasive cleaner such as Simple Green®,and a soft cloth or sponge or a soft bristle brush. If, however, the finish is abraded to the point of exposing the steel or is similarly rusted, lightly sand the surface being careful to remove all rust as well as any loose finish materials. Once this sanding is complete, clean the surface with a solvent such as paint thinner to remove any remaining contaminants which might hinder proper paint adhesion. A zinc primer and top coat of matching color enamel should then be applied over the prepared surface.

All plaques should be cleaned using water, household dish detergent, and a clean cotton cloth. Soft sponges may be used to get into tight corners and small spaces. No brushes or other abrasive materials should ever be used on plaques.