Aluminum composite panels are low-maintenance by nature, but they are not no-maintenance. The right cleaning routine keeps facades, splashbacks and signage looking new for decades, while the wrong cleaner or abrasive sponge can permanently dull the finish. This guide explains how to clean and maintain ACP correctly, what products to use, how often to clean, and common mistakes to avoid.
Airborne dust, pollution, bird droppings, salt spray and industrial fallout accumulate on exterior panels over time. Left in place, some contaminants — especially bird droppings and acid rain residue — can etch or stain the coating. Regular washing removes these before they cause permanent damage, and also lets you spot loose fixings, cracked sealant or film delamination early. A well-maintained facade protects your building's appearance and preserves warranty coverage. Feiteng recommends at least annual facade washing.
The safest cleaning routine is simple. First, rinse the panel with clean water to remove loose dust. Next, wash with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth dipped in warm water with a mild, pH-neutral detergent or car-wash soap. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Finally, wipe dry with a chamois or microfiber towel to avoid water spots. For large facades, use a soft brush on an extendable pole or hire a professional window-cleaning service. Never use high-pressure washers directly on panel joints or sealant.
Safe: mild dish soap, car shampoo, pH-neutral detergent, isopropyl alcohol for stubborn marks. Avoid: abrasive scouring pads, steel wool, bleach, oven cleaner, acetone, paint thinners, powdered abrasive cleaners and concentrated acids or alkalis. These can scratch, discolor or craze the coating. Always test any new cleaner on a hidden area first. For graffiti on PVDF panels, use a non-abrasive graffiti remover recommended by the coil manufacturer.
Dusty rural or inland locations: clean once a year. Coastal areas with salt spray: clean twice a year to remove salt, which can corrode fixings. Industrial or high-pollution zones: clean 2-3 times a year. Poolside and wet areas: rinse regularly to remove chlorine. Bathroom panels need weekly wiping with a soft cloth to remove soap scum. Kitchen splashbacks should be wiped after cooking to prevent grease buildup.
During each cleaning, inspect for signs of trouble: loose screws or rivets, cracked or missing sealant, panel impact damage, delamination (bubbling at edges), and fading or chalking. Small chips can be touched up with matching paint from the panel supplier. Cracked sealant should be re-caulked promptly to keep water out of the cavity. Impact damage that exposes the core should be repaired or replaced to prevent water ingress. Our project gallery shows panels installed over many years in varied climates.
Prevent problems before they start. Ensure the building's overhangs and drainage direct water away from panels. Landscaping and planters should not splash mud onto lower panels. Remove the protective film within two weeks of installation — never leave it in direct sun. During adjacent construction, cover panels to protect against plaster, paint and welding spatter. For building-grade facades, maintain the ventilated cavity and do not block weep holes.
Grease and oil: warm soapy water. Bird droppings: soak with wet cloth for 10 minutes, then wipe. Paint splashes: while still wet, wipe with damp cloth; once cured, use isopropyl alcohol gently. Rust stains: do not scrub; call a professional rust-removal service. Mold and mildew: mild soap and water; for persistent cases use a diluted vinegar solution. Never use bleach on colored panels.
A PVDF-coated ACP facade, properly specified, installed and maintained, can serve 20+ years. PE-coated interiors last 10-15 years. The single biggest factor is the coating choice: PVDF on exteriors, PE only on interiors. The second biggest is installation quality — correct fixings, ventilated cavity and good sealant. Third is regular cleaning. Specifying fire-rated core, using stainless fixings and avoiding impact also contribute. Signage panels in protected locations need the least maintenance.
Feiteng supplies durable, certified aluminum composite panels backed by technical support and warranty documentation. Our engineering team can advise on cleaning schedules, touch-up procedures and panel replacement for older installations. For replacement panels or facade inspections, contact our service team with photos and panel dimensions.
Q: Can I use a pressure washer on ACP?
A: Use low pressure only, and keep the nozzle at least 30 cm away. High pressure can force water behind panels and damage sealant.
Q: How do I remove scratches?
A: Minor scratches can be buffed with a non-abrasive automotive polish. Deep scratches expose the aluminum skin and should be touched up with paint.
Q: Does fading mean the panel is failing?
A: Minor fading over 15+ years is normal. Rapid fading within a few years indicates inferior coating — contact the supplier.
Q: Can I wax ACP panels?
A: Car wax can be applied to smooth PVDF panels to enhance gloss and ease cleaning, but it is not required.
For multi-story buildings, rope-access or platform cleaning is recommended rather than ladder work. Professional facade cleaners use telescopic water-fed poles with purified water, which leave no streaks and avoid the need for harsh chemicals. Ask for references and insurance before hiring. Cleaning frequency should be included in the building's maintenance plan — typically annual for office towers, bi-annual for coastal buildings. During cleaning, inspect sealant joints, fixings and panel edges. Keep a maintenance log with dates, photos and any issues found. This documentation supports warranty claims and helps plan future repairs. For heritage or landmark buildings, engage a facade conservation specialist who understands the original panel specification. Our project references include buildings maintained over decades.
Feiteng stands behind every panel with technical support for cleaning, maintenance and replacement. Our export team provides touch-up paint guidance, panel matching for repairs, and advice on refurbishing older facades. For projects that need panel replacement years after installation, we can match original colors and finishes from our coil library. With 30 years of manufacturing history and customers in 56 countries, we are a long-term partner for building owners, facade contractors and maintenance managers. Contact our service team for maintenance manuals, replacement panels or cleaning product recommendations.
Regular cleaning also supports sustainability. A clean facade reflects sunlight better, reducing the urban heat island effect and lowering building cooling loads. Aluminum is 100% recyclable, and Feiteng operates under sustainable development principles, recycling production offcuts and using water-based coatings where possible. When panels reach end of life, the aluminum skins can be separated and recycled. Choosing durable, long-lasting PVDF panels reduces replacement waste. For green building certifications such as LEED or BREEAM, panel longevity and recyclability contribute points. Our technical team provides environmental product declarations (EPDs) on request for green building projects.
For any facade maintenance question, our service team is available by email and WhatsApp. Send photos of the panel surface and we will recommend the right cleaning approach. Reach out to Feiteng today.
Zhangjiagang Feiteng New Composite Materials Co., Ltd.
Address:No.77 Huada Road, Environmental & New Material Industry Park, Bonded Port Zone, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu, China
Phone:+86 18151586877
E-mail:info@feitengacp.com
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