How to clean Altro Whiterock without compromising performance

You've invested in Altro Whiterock to create a hygienic, easy-to-clean wall. But now, do you know how to clean it properly and safely?  After all, the last thing you want to do is damage the surface by using the wrong product or cleaning method.

Do you know which cleaning products are suitable? And can you simply give it a good old scrub?  

Thankfully, looking after Altro Whiterock is straightforward. With regular cleaning, the right products and a non-abrasive approach, you can keep your wall cladding looking good and performing as it should. 

Here's what you need to know.

1. Clean regularly

A regular cleaning routine is the best place to start.

Altro recommends cleaning at least once a week. However, busy areas, highly visible spaces and environments with particularly demanding hygiene requirements may need cleaning more often.

Don't wait until your regular cleaning day to deal with heavy soiling or scuff marks either. These should be removed regularly and even daily if necessary.

The simple rule: clean little and often rather than waiting for dirt to build up.

2. Use the right cleaning products

For routine cleaning, you can use water or a diluted soap or detergent solution. Always follow the instructions on the cleaning product for how much to dilute it.

For areas with heavier stains, Altro recommends AltroClean 44 or an equivalent alkaline cleaner. Important note: this is not suitable for all Altro Whiterock ranges. Refer to their cleaning guide for further details: https://www.altro.com/uk/technical-documents/altro-walls-and-doorsets-cleaning-guide 

You can also use sterilisation solutions in line with the manufacturer's instructions.

The most important thing is: if you’re not sure, always check rather than taking a chance.

3. Don't make it stronger than it needs to be

It might seem logical that a stronger cleaning solution will do a better job, but that's not the approach to take with Altro Whiterock.

Use cleaning products at the correct concentration and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

And there's one particularly important rule:Never mix cleaning chemicals together.

4. Keep it non-abrasive

This is one of the most important things to remember.

Use a soft cloth to clean Altro Whiterock.

Avoid:

• Abrasive cleaners

• Abrasive pads

• Wire wool

Got a stubborn stain? Altro recommends using a non-abrasive domestic-type cream bath cleaner rather than reaching for something harsher.

Think clean, not scrub.

5. Take care with pressure cleaning

Pressure cleaning with hot water can be used, but it needs to be done carefully.

If you're using a hot water lance, keep the nozzle at least 600mm away from the wall surface.

There's also a maximum temperature of 60°C for Altro PVCu products.

Getting too close or using temperatures above the recommended maximum could cause damage.

6. Don't forget the little things

Your wall isn't just the large sheets you can see.

When you're cleaning, pay attention to areas such as corners, joints and trims too. Keeping the whole system clean and in good condition helps maintain the performance of the system.

What about static?

If your Altro Whiterock is installed in a particularly dusty environment, there's another step worth knowing about.

Altro recommends applying Antistatic Solution A809 to the surface once it's dry to reduce static charge after cleaning.

It's a small detail, but one that can make a difference in dusty environments.

A simple cleaning routine

If you want to keep things simple, remember:

CLEAN → DON'T SCRUB → USE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS → FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS

Regular cleaning, the right products and a non-abrasive approach will help keep your Altro Whiterock looking good and performing as it should.

And remember, Altro's recommended maintenance procedures aren't just suggestions. The manufacturer states that failing to maintain its products in accordance with the recommended procedure can affect performance.

Need advice?

Not sure which Altro Whiterock product or cleaning approach is right for your project?

Talk to the Hycom team.

With experience supplying and installing hygienic wall systems, we can help you choose the right solution for your environment – and make sure you know how to look after it once it's installed.