If you’re one of the homeowners, maintaining your garage door is generally not at the top of your priority list, and it is understandable. A lot might be going on in your life, due to which you may not get time to glance at your garage door. However, keeping your garage door proper and tidy is just as important as cleaning the rest of your house. But why is it so essential to clean your garage door?
With appropriate care and maintenance, the typical garage door may last up to 20 years. When you clean your garage door, you are safeguarding your investment and extending the life of a door that you use often. You might think that cleaning only makes the door look presentable, but it’s an effective method to avoid more severe problems. In other words, cleaning your garage door for an hour now may save you several hours of labor and thousands of dollars later on when you need to repair and maintain it.
So what method should you apply while cleaning your garage door? Well, there are several components to take care of when you begin to clean your door. Some of the door components may need extra care when cleaning, but besides that, there are several essential points to consider. Continue reading to know the best tips while cleaning your garage door.
How to clean your garage door?
Rain, dirt, flies, and other factors will inevitably make your garage door grimy and filthy over time. The powdery, faded shading of an aged or unloved garage door can become unpleasant enough to decrease the appeal of your home. It’s ideal for cleaning your garage door in the spring and early fall. Apart from this frequency, here are some essential tips for cleaning your garage door for its longer lifespan:
- It all starts with a cleaning solution:
A moderate detergent, such as dishwashing soap or car wash solution, is your best option as it doesn’t cost much and will do the job just fine. If you are looking for a good detergent, you may get one with less than 0.5 percent phosphate. Any non-toxic, sustainable cleanser will also work.
Grab a container and combine one cup of liquid cleanser with two gallons of water once you have soap on hand. This ratio is usually optimum for keeping your garage door clean.
- Avoid using corrosive sponges:
The last thing you need to do is scratch the finish of your door with a scratchy bristle or sponge. Scrub the door using a softer option, such as a non-abrasive mop or wiping cloth. Avoid using scouring goods and filthy fabrics or towels that may have mud or sand on them. You’ll need some delicate, fresh wipes to dry the door once it’s been cleaned.
The same sponges or towels that you would use on a vehicle are a decent rule of thumb. It will be ideal if you protect your garage door against scratches in the same way you shield the surface of a car.
- A step ladder is essential:
Even the tallest homeowner is unlikely to be able to reach the peak of their garage door without effort. A step ladder ensures thorough cleaning from beginning to end. Moreover, the top part requires much more cleaning than the bottom part, accessible once you get a ladder. This will also assist you in inspecting the various components of your garage door to ensure that everything is in functioning condition.
- Lubricate regularly:
Every 3 to 4 months, weather sheeting should be oiled, and there’s no better time to do it than after it’s been washed clean. Use a silicone-based oil instead of a petroleum-based version since petroleum-based lubricants will cause the weather coating to dry out and fracture.
- Don’t use a pressure washer:
It’s okay to clean the garage door with a mild hose, but don’t use a pressure washer. While it may be appealing to give the washing process “more power,” this may compromise the sturdiness of your door.
Instead of using power equipment, opt for delicate hand washing and waxing. It may take a little longer, but it will safeguard your door and maintain it in excellent shape, which is why you are cleaning it in the first place.
- Don’t mix bleach with the solution:
Spot-cleaning particularly stubborn stains with a bleach-water combination is possible, but you should never do it while the soap is still on the door or mixed into your cleaning solution. If a bleach solution is needed to remove a stain, first wipe away all cleaning solution from that area of the door, then use bleach that has been dissolved in water.
- Clean other components of your door too:
Don’t forget to wipe the weatherstripping around the bottom of the door while you’re at it. Take a few minutes to clean the garage door rails as well as the photo-eye detectors on your garage door opener. You maintain these components in excellent operating condition by keeping them clean. While no garage door can endure indefinitely, there’s no need to hasten its expiration. You may prevent issues down the road and spare expenses by maintaining your garage door and door opener.
In conclusion
Rain, sunlight, wind, and dust are all factors that your garage door is subjected to regularly, and they can all take their toll even on the most robust door. The paint on your door may deteriorate over time, becoming dreary and, in some instances, damaged or corroded. The tips mentioned above will assist you in properly cleaning your garage door and taking good care of it, making your door durable and sturdy.
Author Bio
Rebecca Siggers is a full-time content marketing specialist and a passionate writer who loves to write about creating an aesthetic and ambient living environment for everyone. She focuses on sharing ideas and techniques learned from his experience in a concise manner so that it can be used by everyone to make their surroundings beautiful to live in. Currently, She shares great tips on Elite Garage Door Repair
