DIYbanter - View Single Post - How to clean outside of white aluminum gutters

[email protected][_2_]

wrote:
On Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:16:31 -0500, "
wrote:

Ray K wrote:
They are discolored with vertical gray streaks on the sides, and gray
spots on the bottom where water flowing down the sides accumulate in
"puddles" along the bottom outside corner.

I've tried the following, applied with a saturated paper towel to small
test areas:
-- full-strength bleach
-- full-strength Simple Green
-- full-strength white vinegar
-- full-strength TSP substitute
-- 91% rubbing alcohol. Some improvement, but labor intensive to do all
158 feet.
-- paint thinner

I've also tried the following:
-- spray gas log cleaner
-- spray Fantastic
-- a mix of bleach with Oxydol laundry detergent, applied with brush.
Makes some improvement.
-- a mix of 1 part Simple Green, 1 part bleach, 2 parts water, applied
with a sponge. Makes some improvement.

I haven't tried ammonia, since I don't have any in the house.

I admit that I haven't had the patience to wait 5 to 10 minutes for any
of the above to work. I was hoping to find something that I could apply
with a dust-pan brush and have the streaks magically disappear
immediately. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Ray
It sounds like the stains are oxidized aluminum. Repaint.

Might also be mildew, which Jomax will remove easily.

If mildew, bleach would have removed it right away. Bare aluminum,
either cut edges or where paint has worn away, will oxidize and cause
the stains as water runs....looking at the location/pattern of stains
should answer that question.