How To Maintain and Clean Your Cable Railing

If you want to keep every inch of your backyard patio shining but do not know how to maintain and clean your cable railing, then read along. In here you will find the step-by-step instructions for cleaning this often-overlooked part of the house.

Mistakes To Avoid

You should approach cleaning your cables as you would cleaning your car. You do not want to use harsh, abrasive chemicals. Chemicals like methyl ethyl, acids, mineral spirits, bleach, chlorine, or toilet bowl cleaners will almost certainly leave severe damage.

Routine Minor Cleaning

To maintain the cleanliness and shine of your cable railing, you should give it a light cleaning every two weeks. This process should take less than five minutes. The only supplies you need are a bucket of water and a cloth. Wet the cloth and gently wash the railing. You want to clear off dust, light dirt, and fingerprints. Rinse the cloth often, or even grab a light-duty pressure washer to clean the cable railing with if you can go the extra mile.

Full Cleaning Step One: Rinse

A cable railing needs a full cleaning as soon as it shows signs of discoloration, usually every three to six months. To begin the process, rinse your rail using the same instructions above. Immediately after, soap the rails with car wash soap. If there is a particularly discolored or dirty spot, squirt it with a mixture of ¾ cup of water and ¼ cup of car wash soap. Leave it be for 10 minutes before you continue.

Full Cleaning Step Two: Apply Suds

For this next step in how to maintain and clean your cable railing, slather on another layer car wash soap with a non-abrasive sponge or clean cloth. This time, be very generous with your slathering. After you finish each section, rinse off the soap.

Full Cleaning Step Three: Remove Persistent Staining

Use Citrisurf77, a light citric acid, to remove the persistent stains. Make sure you follow its instructions, as improper use could cause irreversible harm to stainless steel.

Full Cleaning Step Four: Optional Polish

If you would like to give your cable railing a final shine, you can apply a “non-abrasive” marine polish.

By following these instructions, your railings will have a more attractive, finished look. Our team is always happy to instruct folks on railing and rigging. Check out our website if you ever need new cable railing hardware or cable rigging supplies.