A dirty sign that needs to be maintained clean

17/02/2026

How to Maintain and Clean Your Signage for Longevity: 5 Easy Steps for Outdoor Signage

Your outdoor signage plays a vital role in representing your business, making a good first impression, and guiding customers to your premises. Despite this, a worrying number of outdoor signage installations end up looking tired and neglected, battered by the elements, faded, and decorated with the ministrations of passing pigeons. To keep it looking professional and impactful over time, regular maintenance is essential. Follow these five easy steps to ensure your signage remains in top condition for years to come.

Clean your signage regularly

Clean signage is happy signage. Over time, dirt, dust, and pollution can dull the appearance of your outdoor signage, especially in built-up areas in town centres. And unfortunately, even a small amount of dust, sand, and bird droppings can make outdoor signage appeared dirty and unloved. Clean your signage at least once a month, if access allows it, using mild soap, water, and a soft cloth or sponge. For light grime, a gentle wipe is normally sufficient, but for tougher stains, opt for specialised cleaning solutions recommended for the material of your signage. Avoid abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals as they can damage the surface of many materials. For LED signage, turn off the power before cleaning and wipe down the screens gently with a microfibre cloth.

Inspect for damage

Weather, vandalism, and general wear and tear can cause cracks, peeling, or faded elements in outdoor signage. Inspect your signage monthly or quarterly for easily addressed signs of damage like flaking paint, corrosion, or dimming lights. Early detection allows for timely (and cheaper) repairs, preventing minor issues from escalating into costly replacements. Many businesses keep a maintenance log to track inspections and repairs, ensuring they never miss routine upkeep.

Protect against weather

Outdoor signage is constantly exposed to elements like rain, UV rays, and wind, month in, month out, season by season. Protect your assets by applying weather-resistant coatings or sealants. UV protectant solutions, in particular, can reduce the risk of fading caused by prolonged sunlight exposure. Seasonal maintenance, such as applying anti-rust treatments before winter, can also greatly extend your signage’s lifespan.

Use the appropriate cleaning materials

Acrylic, metal, and vinyl signs each have specific cleaning needs, so use cleaning agents tailored to the material of your signage to avoid causing damage. For example, avoid using ammonia-based cleaners on acrylic, as they can cause discolouration or cracks. Additionally, we recommend avoiding abrasive materials such as steel wool or harsh scrubbing brushes on metal or acrylic signs, as these implements can scratch and damage the surface of your signage.

If you're not sure which cleaning agents are safe to use on your specific type of signage, consult with your sign manufacturer or do some research online for recommended products. Keeping your signs clean will not only maintain their appearance but also help prevent costly replacements due to damage caused by improper cleaning methods.

Regularly inspect and replace damaged parts

Despite proper maintenance and cleaning, wear and tear are inevitable for outdoor signs. Regularly inspecting your signage for any damage or malfunctions is, therefore, crucial in order to address any issues before they become bigger problems.

If you notice any damaged parts, such as cracks or breaks in the sign material, it's important to address them immediately. The sign isn’t going to fix itself, and ignoring minor damages can often lead to larger and more expensive repairs in the future. In addition, damaged signs can also pose safety hazards for customers and employees, and even the public.

Replacing damaged parts should be done by a professional sign company or a knowledgeable individual with the right tools and equipment. This ensures that the replacement is done correctly and safely, preventing further damage to the sign or potential harm to individuals handling the repair.