The Best Way to Clean Your Garage Door
cleaning garage doors
The garage door is probably the first thing you and anyone visiting you see when you come to the door. This is the first impression people have of the rest of your home and reflects how much you really care about how your home looks. While its sheer size and the fact that you may have more things going on in your life may keep you from cleaning it, cleaning your garage door is essential to protecting your investment and getting the most out of it. Fortunately, cleaning your garage door is easier than you might think and doesn't require any specialized equipment or cleaners. This is the best way to clean your garage door and keep it as fresh as possible.
Why you should clean your garage door
Beyond aesthetics, there are many benefits to cleaning your garage door, including extending the door's finish and preventing rust. The chemicals sprayed on roads in winter are highly corrosive, so if nothing is done to keep them out, snow melting from vehicles in garages can cause doors to rust. Scrape off as much water as you can near the garage door. Ideally, you should clean these chemicals off your garage door monthly during the winter, but twice a year -- once in the spring and once in the fall -- can also help. The great thing about washing your garage door is that it allows you to check it up close for any wear and tear before any major problems arise. You can also include cleaning as part of your annual fall garage door maintenance.
How to Clean a Garage Door
The more you clean your garage door, the less time it has to get dirty and the less effort you need to put in the next time you clean it. That being said, cleaning a garage door is relatively simple and requires very little. All you need is some water, detergent, a soft sponge or cloth, and a ladder to get you to the highest point of your garage door without much effort.
You don't have to be fancy when it comes to cleaning solutions and other supplies. Regular dish soap, car soap, or even a mild detergent mixed with water will do. Never mix cleaning solutions with bleach or other harsh chemicals as this can damage the door finish. When it comes to garage door finishes, it's important to use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching your garage door. As tempting as it may be, don't use a pressure washer to get the job done faster, and don't use strong abrasives like steel wool or scouring pads. The best way to clean your garage door is to think of it as cleaning your car. If you don't use a specific soap or sponge on your car, then you shouldn't use it on your garage door either.
Just like cleaning your car, cleaning your garage door is relatively simple. Simply dip a sponge or cloth in the cleaning solution, drain off excess liquid, and wipe down the surface of the garage door in light circular motions. Focus on one corner of the garage door first, then move from left to right, and vice versa, instead of a random pattern. Re-soak your cloth or sponge every so often to remove any accumulated dirt. After a complete inspection of your garage door, simply rinse it off with a hose or a bucket of water, then dry it with a soft, clean towel. Or, weather permitting, you can allow the garage door to air dry.
When cleaning your garage door, don't forget to inspect and wipe down other parts like weatherstrips, door rails, and sensors to ensure they remain in good working order.
