AGC Signs wants to help you maintain your designer signage with these business sign cleaning tips. We’ve organized this blog post into the following sections:
Keep reading to find out more about cleaning your sign or contact AGC regarding the maintenance of your sign.
Slap on some rubber gloves and follow these tips for business sign cleaning.
Business Sign Cleaning Tips
The Dos of Business Sign Cleaning
Although many of us avoid the task of cleaning, eventually we succumb to the job and get it done. Business signs also need to be cleaned every now and then. It is especially important to do so to keep your sign looking new. Here are some basic cleaning tips below.
Cleaning Basics for Exterior & Interior Signs
Use 2 main ingredients: warm water + a gentle soap or liquid detergent
If you need a stronger cleaning product other than soap, look for cleaners that are safe for the type of material you are cleaning. For example, check a product’s label carefully to see if it is safe for cleaning typical sign materials like acrylic, metal, or vinyl.
Use a soft cloth for cleaning. Avoid abrasive cloths that may scratch the surface of your sign.
Make sure to remove soap with clean water
Use a second clean and dry cloth to dry off your sign.
Tips:
If a sign is really dusty, rinse it off with a hose first before using a cloth. This will help prevent you from accidentally scratching your sign when applying pressure against its dirty surface.
For metal signs, use a cup of vinegar in your soapy water.
For banner signs, take them down before cleaning and allow them to dry after rinsing before returning them to their original position.
For signs that are out of reach, try using a pressure washer. Use a low setting to avoid any damage to your sign.
For vinyl-wrapped vehicle signs, avoid car washes. Try a car wash soap like 3M Car Wash Soap 39000. Click on the following link for tips from 3M on Caring For Your Vehicle Graphics.
Washing vehicle graphics by hand is advised as a car wash may cause damage.
The Don’ts of Business Sign Cleaning
In this section, we’ll talk about some things to avoid in business sign cleaning. Here are the big don’ts:
Don’t use any abrasive cleaning cloths and/or other related devices.
Don’t scrape at your sign. As tempting as it may be to just scrape off some old dried-up bird poop, don’t do it. You may end up removing acrylic films and other applications.
Don’t forget to take note of the materials your sign is made of. For example, if your sign is made of plastic, your sign may become discoloured if you use the wrong cleaning agents.
Don’t ignore cleaning labels and refuse to check if the product is safe for use on your sign.
Unless you are an electrician, don’t try repairs on your own when lighting is involved.
Don’t use abrasive and harsh cleaning agents that may damage your sign.
Other Things To Know About Cleaning Exterior Signs
When cleaning your commercial sign, you may come across some other problems, so we wanted to give you a heads-up.
Nests & Pests
Signs may become a home for birds and other critters. Before cleaning your sign, inspect your sign for signs of life. You may need to remove a nest so that birds don’t return or you may need to remove a wasp nest. If you come across a wasp nest, take a look at the post How to Get Rid of a Wasp Nest by the Spruce to ensure you do so safely. Always be careful and do your research before attempting to remove a nest.
Look out for nests built in between your channel letters.
Channel Letters
Since channel lettering is 3D, you may notice cobwebs and other debris between the letters themselves. Again, you may find a bird nest. You’ll need to remove these things carefully before proceeding with your cleaning. Be extra careful with signs at heights, you’ll need a ladder and someone to spot you. Also, if reaching your sign is unsafe, it is best to call on the professionals since they have commercial lifts.
Rust
If you find rust on your sign, you may be able to clean it off. It is possible to remove rust from a metal sign with some careful scrubbing or with the help of an industrial-grade rust remover. Just be careful to read the labels on the product. If rust cannot be removed, it may be time for a new sign. For other sign cleaning tips, read our other blog post, Sign Maintenance: Top Tips.
Call on AGC Signs for professional sign maintenance.
Professional Sign Maintenance from AGC Signs
In general, hiring a professional sign company to clean or repair your sign is easier than doing it yourself. It can also be safer, depending on the type and location of your business sign.
AGC has all the right tools and equipment to complete your sign maintenance safely and expertly. With over 10 years in business, you can trust AGC for their service and knowledge. Have a look at the gallery of their work and keep reading for testimonials about the quality of their customer service. You won’t be disappointed!
Testimonials
“Loved their product and services. Absolutely competitive pricing, and high quality product with great timeline. Highly Recommended.”
“Amazing service by the staff. Very quick turn around even on last minute requests. Rhonda is always a pleasure to work with. Keep up the great work team!”
