VP Corner: Cleaning Tips for your Mailbox
How to Clean and Care for Your Mail Boss Mailbox
Recently, several customers have asked us how to clean your mailbox. Well, I’m here to tell you.. it’s really simple! A little wash and a little wax will go a long way in keeping your Mail Boss looking dapper for many years.
Caring for your Mail Boss is just like caring for any powder coated metal. Just think of your mailbox like your car – it needs a good wash and wax from time to time.
Wash your mailbox.
Yes, really! I recommend that your washing your mailbox every 6 months or so, depending on the conditions. Since Mail Boss finishes are more textured than flat, use a soft bristle brush. Just a little bit of dish soap and some warm water will do the trick!
Wax your mailbox.
Seriously. After washing your mailbox, apply a clear coat of wax. I recommend Meguiar’s or Mother’s products, since that is what I use on my cars. Unless your finish is getting older and appears to need some restoring, you will just need a wax, not a cleaner-wax.
But what about discoloration?
The texture of our finish varies by color. The granite and bronze finishes are especially textured, so some wax may penetrate the pores. This will not harm the powder-coat, but may alter the color appearance of the mailbox. If you are concerned about this, use a clear variety wax. Then, the surface will look wet, but not discolored.
One final point:
If your mailbox is ever scratched to the point that the powder coat is compromised, rust could develop. Therefore, you will want to promptly apply a “Rustoleum” paint in similar color to protect the metal.
I called today with a question about removing a shadow left after removing stick on numbers. I have shared a link to show the before and after of following the advice to clean with iso alcohol. My results are pretty bad but I am hopeful that clear wax or a clear coat can undo the damage. Photo 1 shows where the four numbers left darker areas. The dull area around the number area was caused by goof off. Photo 2 is a close up. Photo 3 is the rag after wiping with a household wipe… faint pink. Photo 4 is the rag after wiping with iso Alcohol. Photo 5 is what the mailbox looks like after this wipe dry. Photo 6 is the mailbox wet. Bottomline is I wish your rep had not suggested cleaning with the alcohol.
I love this mailbox but I hate the mess caused by the adhesive numbers. Wish I had never used them.
Oh no, Pam. Thanks for sharing. That does look bad. I think we should only recommend the iso alcohol for black and white mailboxes. Bronze and Galaxy finishes don’t do as well. At this point, a coat of rustoleum followed with a clear wax may be your best bet. Rustoleum makes some hammered sprays that would work well. Give us a call at (800) 589-7990 if you have any further questions.
My mailbox has no flag it is on my house. It is so dirty. I tried windex, and oil to clean it. I was told to use oil. But it is so dusty, it looks bad. So i need something that will make it look nice again. So would spray polish work?
Hi Alice, thanks for your inquiry. I am not sure as to the brand or model of mailbox that you have, but we have had great success in restoring the finish on our mailboxes using agents designed for automotive use. A spray or buffing polish may provide some removal of built of particles on your finish, and a carnuba wax will restore some shine and provide protection against the elements. With a little bit of elbow grease your box should be back to looking new in no time, good luck!
Hi Alice, thanks for your inquiry! We recommend using warm water, a sponge or brush and some dish or automotive soap. After, try applying some carnuba wax to give the mailbox a like-new shine and protect it from the elements. Good luck!
What is the best thing to use to remove bird droppings and pine pitch from a black painted metal mailbox?
Great question Ginny! Bird droppings can be quite acidic, so you will want to remove them as soon as possible using soapy water, and a small, soft plastic scraper if necessary. Luckily, bird poop is generally fairly easily to remove, but if left on the surface long enough it can certainly damage the finish!
Pine pitch/ tree sap can be uniquely difficult to remove. I would recommend the use of car soap or mild dish detergent solution, scrubbing with a sponge or wash mitt. A plastic scraper or spatula is a great tool to use, because it is usually softer than the finish and won’t scratch it easily!
We don’t recommend the use of chemical goo or sap removers on our powdercoat finishes, as they can damage the sheen of the finish and leave it looking worse than before you cleaned it! Soap water and elbow grease is really the best way to go.
I have a plastic mailbox that is dull. What products do you suggest to make it shiny again. I don’t want to paint it. I have cleaned it already.
We typically recommend metal mailboxes, specifically locking ones like our curbside mailboxes. However, if you do have to paint a box (regardless of material) be sure to use a quality outdoor spray paint like enamel.