U.S. General Services Administration
Technical Procedures Disclaimer
Prior to inclusion in GSA’s library of procedures, documents are reviewed by one or more qualified preservation specialists for general consistency with the Secretary of Interior Standards for rehabilitating historic buildings as understood at the time the procedure is added to the library. All specifications require project-specific editing and professional judgement regarding the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers are to serve as a general guideline and do not constitute a federal endorsement or determination that a product or method is the best or most current alternative, remains available, or is compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards. The library of procedures is intended to serve as a resource, not a substitute, for specification development by a qualified preservation professional.
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We’ve reviewed these procedures for general consistency with federal standards for rehabilitating historic buildings and provide them only as a reference. Specifications should only be applied under the guidance of a qualified preservation professional who can assess the applicability of a procedure to a particular building, project or location. References to products and suppliers serve as general guidelines and do not constitute a federal endorsement nor a determination that a product or method is the best alternative or compliant with current environmental regulations and safety standards.
ROUTINE CLEANING OF PAINTED OR WHITEWASHED DOORS
PART 1–GENERAL
1.01 SUMMARY
A. This procedure includes guidance on cleaning painted or whitewashed doors using mild soap and water or a liquidbleach solution.
PART 2–PRODUCTS
2.01 MANUFACTURERS
A. The Proctor & Gamble Co.
1 P&G Plaza
Cincinnati, OH 45202
2.01 MATERIALS
NOTE: Chemical products are sometimes sold under a common
name. This usually means that the substance is not as pure as the same chemical sold under its chemical name. The grade of purity of common name substances, however, is usually adequate for stain removal work, and these products should be purchased when available, as they tend to be less expensive. Common names are indicated below by an asterisk (*).
A. Neutral pH detergent such as “Orvus” (Procter & Gamble), or approved equal, using dilution recommended bymanufacturer.
B. Household bleach (diluted with an equal part of water):
CAUTION: DO NOT MIX AMMONIA WITH CHLORINE BLEACHES, A POISONOUS GAS WILL RESULT! DO NOT USE BLEACH ON BIRD DROPPINGS.
1. Other chemical or common names include Sodium hypochlorite; Bleaching solution*; Laundry bleach*; Solution of chlorinated soda*.
2. Potential Hazards: CORROSIVE TO FLESH.
3. Available from chemical supply house, grocery store or supermarket, hardware store or janitorial supply distributor.
C. Clean, potable water
2.02 EQUIPMENT
A. Two buckets (solution and rinse)
B. Two sponges (solution and rinse)
C. String mop
D. Supply of dry wiping cloths and chamois
E. Broom and garden sprayer
F. Soft fiber bristle brush or rag
G. Garden hose
PART 3–EXECUTION
3.01 EXAMINATION
A. Regularly inspect for dirt build-up. Cleaning should be done regularly.
3.02 PREPARATION
A. Surface Preparation: Adjacent surfaces and permanent equipment must be masked or covered during cleaning. Coverings must be adhered without adhesive tape or nails. Impervious sheeting that produces condensation shall not be used.
3.03 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION
A. Painted Doors: Clean only a small area at a time. Move historic furnishings and objects away from area to be wet cleaned.
1. Clean with a mild detergent and water. Scrub with a soft bristle brush. Scrub corners with a tapered-end hand brush or hand held mop strands.
DO NOT ALLOW CLEANING SOLUTION TO REMAIN ON SURFACE FOR MORE THAN 10 MINUTES.
NOTE: THERE IS SOME DIFFERENCE OF OPINION AS TO WHETHER IT IS BEST TO WASH A WALL WORKING FROM THE TOP DOWN OR FROM THE BOTTOM UP. BOTTOM UP IS SAFER BECAUSE SOLUTION STREAKS RUNNING DOWN ON A DIRTY WALL CANNOT BE REMOVED. THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO WORK DRY OFTEN ENOUGH TO AVOID DRIPS.
2. Rinse surface twice thoroughly using a sponge and clean, clear water, and allow to dry. Remove streaks with a damp chamois and water.
NOTE: TO PREVENT WATER FROM STREAKING THE WALL, THE SPONGE USED FOR THE CLEANING SHOULD BE WET BUT NOT DRIPPING.
3. Remove mildew, moss, fungal growth, and vegetation by scrubbing with a sponge soaked in a 50/50 solution of liquid bleach and water.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean, clear water and allow to dry. If discoloration persists contact Regional Historic Preservation Officer (RHPO).
5. Dust doors and frames seasonally to remove dust and cobwebs.
B. Whitewashed Doors:
CAUTION: DO NOT USE DETERGENTS OR BRUSHES; WHITEWASH COATING IS NOT AS DURABLE AS PAINT.
1. Clean exterior side of door twice annually with water sprayed under normal pressure from a garden hose and nozzle.
2. For soiled areas or for interior doors, use mild detergent and water applied with a soft sponge.
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean, clear water and allow to dry.