Cleaning Painted Metal Roofs

Learn some common methods of cleaning painted metal roofing, from basic detergent to more stringent options. Often simply washing with plain water using a hose or pressure washer is adequate. When that doesn’t cut it – consider this care list.

The Mix

There are several options – the list below includes options that have been tested and proven in a number of environments, and on a number of painted finishes:

Heavy Dirt Deposits:

1. One Cup of Simple Green or other non-toxic biodegradable cleaner with less than 0.5% phosphate – dissolved into 2 gallons of warm water.
2. One cup of household ammonia dissolved into 5 gallons of room temperature water.
3. One third cup of laundry detergent such as Tide per gallon of water.

Mildew or other Fungal Growth:

1. One cup of household bleach and 1 cup of a mild soap such as Ivory to 5 gallons of water.
2. 1/3^rd cup laundry detergent such as Tide, 2/3^rd cup trisodium phosphate, 1 quart of household bleach to 3 quarts of water.

The Wash

Work from the bottom to the top of the panels, use a cloth, sponge, soft bristle brush, or low-pressure spray washer.

The Rinse

After washing, rinse thoroughly with clear water to eliminate the potential of residue.

Other Info

For specific cleaning and maintenance – see the downloads below from several metal roof coil coaters.