In order to ensure the proper function and the flawless appearance of TEHNI entrance doors, several cleaning & maintenance instructions should be followed.
Every plastic cover material should be removed from the door or the accessories by the time the installation process is finished. The direct exposure of the covered surfaces to the sun for a long time could cause a defect on the paint or could make the delayed removal of the covering really difficult.
During the installation process, any kind of cement, paint or other building mortars should not reach the aluminium surface. If this is inevitable, all these substances should be gently removed before they get dry. On such occasions, the cleaning of the surface should be done directly and thoroughly.
1. What Should NOT Be Used for Cleaning TEHNI Doors
The following should NOT be used for the proper cleaning of TEHNI doors:
- Metallic or any other sharp tools, for example: knives, metallic sharpeners, metallic brushes, domestic use metallic sponges, sandpapers, etc.
- Caustic liquids or solvents that could cause irreversible damage to the door.
- High pressure washing tools: They could harm the waterproofing materials of the glass units and let the water intrude through the spacers. There is also danger of the sidelight’s water exchanger getting overflowed.
In general, any material that ends on the aluminium surface should be directly cleaned, so that the case of permanent damage is avoided.
2. Aluminium Surface Cleaning Instructions
Both frame’s and sash’s surface should at first be cleaned by a wet soft sponge and then dried up with a wipe. Lukewarm water and mild soap are recommended.
For better results, there are plenty of specified products available in the market with an acidity range (PH) of 5.5 – 8 that are proper for that cause.
TEHNI features a full range of aluminium surface cleaning products. The TEHNI CLEANING KIT is available to be sent. For more info, visit TEHNI website: www.tehni.eu
Cleaning is recommended to take place when the door is not directly exposed to sunlight, so that the aluminium surface is as cold as possible.
2.A. Textured Finish Colours (Structura / Futura)
Powders of that kind contain metal filings. For that reason, that specific category of finishes demands special treatment.
Frequent cleaning of the surface is recommended (only with a mild cleaning liquid). Any cleaning procedure or maintenance should not involve harsh means, because permanent decolourization may occur, which at a later stage can cause quality degradation of the aluminium.
3. Threshold Cleaning Instructions
The threshold area at the bottom of the door is a common spot for dust and dirt.
High pressure machinery is not recommended. On the contrary, a vacuum cleaner and a wet wipe are enough for the proper cleaning of the threshold.
4. Cleaning Frequency
The first cleaning should take place immediately after the door installation.
The frequency of the remaining cleaning procedures depends on the area where the door is installed. The more polluted the atmosphere is, the more frequent the cleaning should be. The table below provides further info:
| Installation Area | Environmental Conditions | Cleaning Frequency (per annum) |
| ● Coastal environment: up to 1.500m from the sea ● Big metro areas with high traffic volume ● Industrial areas | ● High humidity level ● High content of chlorides and other corrosive pollutants (traces of metals – carbon, sulfur oxides – nitrogen) in the atmosphere | 8 to 12 times |
| ● Coastal environment: > 1.500m from the sea ● Urban areas with normal traffic volume ● Semi-Industrial Areas | ● Low humidity level ● Low content of chlorides and other corrosive pollutants | 4 to 6 times |
| ● Areas with dry climate and fresh air (countryside) | ● Very low content of chlorides and other corrosive pollutants | 2 to 3 times |
