Cupolas can be made out of various different kinds of materials. Some of these materials include fiberglass and metal. At American Steeples, we specialize in fiberglass cupolas. Cupolas are a statement piece for your church and are also exposed to the elements. Maintaining a cupola is needed to keep it looking new for years to come. Cleaning your cupola regularly will extend its lifespan and make it look as good as new.
Steps to Clean Fiberglass Cupolas
Step 1: Prep
The prep your cupola for cleaning, the first step is to remove dust from the cupola. You can do this by dampening an abrasive washcloth and gently wiping the surface of the cupola in circular motions. This should get rid of any dirt and/or dust.
Step 2: White Vinegar
Using some white vinegar in a spray bottle will help clean your cupola in an economical and efficient way. Try adding water to the spray bottle to dilute the solution so you can cover more of the cupola’s surface. When you apply the vinegar solution, let it sit for several minutes to set in and really work on that dirt and grime. Then, wipe in a circular motion with a soft sponge or washcloth. Once the cupola has been cleaned from the vinegar solution, use water to rinse off the excess vinegar with a spray bottle or clean, damp washcloth. If there are no other stains or dirt, your cupola should be good to go. However, if you still notice some stubborn stains, you can try one more step.
Step 3: Baking Soda
Baking soda can help get the stubborn stains out of the cupola that the white vinegar solution couldn’t. Sprinkle some baking soda on the areas that are stained and let it sit for a few minutes. After it sits, spray some white vinegar on top and let it sit some more. If you do not have white vinegar, you can also use warm water. This will create a fizzy reaction that should loosen up any tough stains. You should let that sit for about 15 minutes and then wipe away the solution in circular motions. After you wipe the dirt and grime away, your cupola should look brand new!
Steps to Clean Metal Cupolas
Step 1: Prep
Similarly to cleaning a fiberglass cupola, you should make sure your cupola is dust and dirt-free. To dust metal, it is best to use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the metal cupola.
Step 2: Create Solution
Create a solution of 500 ML water, 50 ML peroxide, and 1 ML citric acid. You can use any kind of 3% hydrogen peroxide found at grocery stores for this solution. Citric acid can be found at any store that sells food canning supplies.
Step 3: Apply
Once you mix the solution, you are ready to apply the solution to the cupola! You should start off by testing a small section of the cupola and letting the solution sit for about 30 minutes and then wipe it away with a microfiber cloth. After 30 minutes, if everything looks good, you can use the rest of the solution on the cupola. Depending on the size of your cupola and how dirty it is, you may want to use more of the solution. Go back to step 2 if you need more solution. Once the cupola has been cleaned and wiped dry, your cupola will look fresh and welcoming.
American Steeples
At American Steeples, we can help create the best steeple, cupola, cross, or baptistries for your needs. We are able to customize your cupola to be the perfect fit for your church. Our products are high quality and built to last. That means you are making a worthwhile investment in our products. With American Steeples, you get the best price point for a long-lasting product. Contact us today to pick out your own cupola and don’t forget to give it a good cleaning every year!