Care + Cleaning

Your IAS railing requires minimal maintenance by design. Here's everything you need to keep it looking perfect.

Only Light Care & Cleaning Needed!

Innovative Aluminum Systems' products are among the finest available on the market today. Precision welded to the highest standards, our products are powder coated to ensure a tough, maintenance-free finish. Light care and cleaning of your Innovative railing will keep it in top condition for decades.

Care guides by product type

Aluminum Components (All Systems)

Recommended frequency: Every 2–4 months, or after severe weather events

What To Do

  1. 1.Rinse with clean water to remove loose dirt and debris
  2. 2.Wash with warm water and mild dish soap using a soft cloth or sponge
  3. 3.Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue
  4. 4.Dry with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spotting in hard-water areas
  5. 5.Remove any sap, tree seeds, bugs, or similar debris as soon as possible, as sun exposure and heat will make them more difficult to remove.

What To Avoid

  • Abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring pads
  • Harsh chemicals including bleach, muriatic acid, or ammonia
  • Pressure washing at high pressure directly on powder-coat finish
  • Wax or sealants not approved for aluminum powder coat
  • Avoid using a dry sponge or hard-bristled brush, as these may scratch the surface.

Note

Never use products such as "Soft Scrub" or "Vim" for general cleaning. Please refer to the Scratches & Scuffs section below regarding possible uses for products of this type. Use regular glass cleaner for glass.

Tempered Glass Panels

Recommended frequency: Every 4–6 weeks for clear views; monthly in coastal or dusty environments

What To Do

  1. 1.Spray glass cleaner or diluted white vinegar solution onto glass
  2. 2.Wipe with a lint-free microfiber cloth in circular or top-to-bottom motions
  3. 3.Polish with a dry microfiber cloth to eliminate streaking
  4. 4.For stubborn hard water deposits, use a calcium/lime remover safe for glass

What To Avoid

  • Razor blades or sharp scrapers (can scratch tempered glass surface)
  • Abrasive cloths or paper towels
  • Undiluted industrial cleaners
  • Allow cleaning products to drip onto aluminum powder coat without rinsing

Hardware & Fasteners

Recommended frequency: Annual inspection; clean as needed

What To Do

  1. 1.Inspect all visible fasteners annually for signs of surface corrosion
  2. 2.Wipe down stainless hardware with stainless steel cleaner to maintain luster
  3. 3.Apply a thin coat of marine-grade silicone to hardware in coastal environments
  4. 4.Apply a light coat of floor or car wax to the tops of any exposed fasteners every 3–6 months to help prevent oxidation. Apply more frequently in high UV and salt spray environments.

What To Avoid

  • Use steel wool or ferrous metal tools on stainless hardware
  • Leave standing water pooled around post bases

Note

Always test cleaning products like these in an inconspicuous location before using them in a more visible area on your railing.

Surface rust on fasteners is a normal part of the aging process and does not affect the integrity or strength of the fastener.

Scratches & Scuffs

Recommended frequency: As needed for minor scuffs or scratches

What To Do

  1. 1.Apply a small amount of Soft Scrub, Vim, or an equivalent mild non-abrasive product to a soft, damp cloth
  2. 2.Gently rub the affected area in small circular motions until the scuff or scratch is reduced
  3. 3.Wipe clean with a fresh damp cloth and dry with a soft microfiber

What To Avoid

  • Use Soft Scrub, Vim, or similar mild non-abrasive products on metallic or textured powder-coat finishes
  • Apply abrasive pads, steel wool, or stiff brushes
  • Scrub aggressively or for extended periods, which can burnish the finish

Note

Even on non-metallic and textured finishes, always test cleaning products like these in an inconspicuous location before using them in a more visible area on your railing.

Natural Aging Process

Recommended frequency: As needed when chalking becomes visible

What To Do

  1. 1.Inspect powder-coat surfaces periodically for a light white "chalk" or powder. This is a normal part of the finish aging
  2. 2.Apply a small amount of Vim, Soft Scrub, or a cut-polish to a soft, damp cloth
  3. 3.Buff the affected area gently in small circular motions to restore the sheen
  4. 4.Wipe clean with a fresh damp cloth and dry with a soft microfiber

What To Avoid

  • Steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive brushes
  • Solvents or strippers not approved for powder coat
  • Aggressive scrubbing that could burnish or thin the finish

Note

Always test cleaning products like these in an inconspicuous location before using them in a more visible area on your railing.