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Last updated: April 2026
PVC strip curtains are low-maintenance compared to powered door systems, but they do require regular cleaning and periodic inspection to perform at their best. A poorly maintained curtain loses thermal efficiency, becomes a pest ingress risk, and in food environments creates compliance problems.
Recommended Cleaning Products
- Warm water and mild detergent — suitable for all environments; the standard first-choice method
- Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) wipes — excellent for removing oils, grease, and paint mist
- Food-safe sanitising solutions — quaternary ammonium compounds at food-safe dilutions for food environments
- Chlorine-based disinfectants — for healthcare; at 1,000ppm available chlorine are compatible with PVC
Products to Avoid
- Ketone-based solvents (acetone, MEK) — aggressively attack PVC
- Aromatic solvents (xylene, toluene) — similar PVC attack
- Abrasive pads or scourers — scratch PVC surfaces
- Wax or polish products — increase static build-up and attract dust
Maintenance Schedule by Environment
| Environment | Visual Inspection | Cleaning | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food manufacturing/retail | Daily | Daily + weekly (removed) | Annually (high-risk); 2–3 years (standard) |
| Healthcare | Weekly | Daily (kitchen/mortuary); weekly (other) | 1–2 years |
| Warehouse / loading bay | Monthly | Quarterly | 1–3 years (forklift); 3–5 years (pedestrian) |
| Cold room / freezer | Monthly | Quarterly | 2–4 years |
| Agricultural / farm | Quarterly | Quarterly (pressure wash) | 2–4 years |
Signs a Strip Needs Replacing
- Visible cracks (especially at strip edges in cold rooms)
- Tears or holes (even small ones are pest ingress routes in food environments)
- Permanent curl or twist preventing correct overlap
- Yellowing reducing visibility in clear strips used for forklift areas
- Heavy contamination that cannot be cleaned off
Browse our replacement PVC strips for all rail types.