How to Remove Dried Mortar from Aluminum-Clad Windows
- 1). Clean the windows as quickly as possible after repair or construction. Rinse the windows before applying any type of cleaner. Begin cleaning at the top of the house or building and the top of the window and work your way down. Start with a mild detergent (safer for bare hands) and only use stronger cleaners if required. Follow the instructions from the cleaning product manufacturer.
- 2). Scrub the metal with a small nylon cleaning pad (do not use steel wool) if there is still mortar residue on the aluminum frame. Saturate the pad with clean water or with the mild cleaner. Begin at the top of the window, using steady pressure, and work in the direction of the "grain" of the metal. Do not allow the cleaner to dry on the metal. Rinse completely.
If the mortar is still present, use non-scratch cleaners such as Zud or BonAmi and the nylon pad to scrub the surface. Again, rinse completely. - 3). Apply denatured alcohol or xylene to the aluminum. This will remove any fingerprints and residue. Apply Everbrite protective coating to the aluminum after you have cleaned it thoroughly. The coating will help protect the aluminum from future run off from the chemicals in the mortar.
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