Spring is a natural time to spruce up your lawn, garden, and outdoor structures, and your garage door should be no exception. Follow these steps to safely clean your garage door and get it looking spiffy for the warm weather ahead.
Before You Clean Your Garage Door
When you’re ready to clean things up, the first step is to consult your owner’s manual. See if there are any special considerations in terms of cleaning or maintenance that you need to be aware of. Depending on the structure or material of your door, you may need to use a particular type of cleaner or method so that you don’t cause any damage.
If there aren’t any specific instructions to consider, follow these basic steps for cleaning your garage door. Your door will be looking bright and new in no time!
Remove Dirt and Debris
Start the garage door cleaning process using a dry, soft cloth to brush any debris off the door. You can also use a broom to clear away anything that’s gathered along the base of the door or frame. This includes:
- Dust and dirt
- Cobwebs
- Leaves or twigs
- Any other dry material that has accumulated
Once that’s done, give the door a gentle rinse to remove any top layers of grime that will come off with just water. You can use a garden hose with gentle water pressure or you can rinse down the door with a cloth and bucket of water.
Soap it Up, Rinse it Off
Next, mix a gentle soap, like a mild dishwashing liquid, with water to create a cleaning solution. A good rule of thumb is two gallons of water to one cup of soap.
When your cleaning solution is ready, soak a large sponge or soft cloth in the soapy water. Working from top to bottom, gently scrub the door to remove dirt and stains.
Once you’re done, rinse the door off to remove any leftover soap. If you still notice dirty spots, repeat the washing and rinsing process until you’re satisfied that the door is clean.
Use a dry cloth to get rid of any leftover water. This will also help wipe away any lingering grime, leaving your door sparkling.
Apply Wax to Protect the Surface
While not all garage doors call for wax, many do. Your owner’s manual will clarify whether or not you should use wax, as well as specify what kind. In most cases, liquid car wax will do the job.
Applying wax improves the surface appearance of your garage door. It also creates a layer of protection, giving your door an extra buffer against scuffs, dings, and dirt accumulation.
Clean the Other Door Surfaces
While the main part of the door is now clean, there are a couple of other surfaces you need to attend to: the weatherstripping and the inside of the door.
You can follow the same overall cleaning process to clean off the weatherstripping: wipe it down, wash it, and dry it. The same goes for the inside of the door. On the inside, you may opt to skip waxing since that side of the door is less visible and isn’t exposed to the elements.
Cleaning your garage door will take a little time and elbow grease, but this annual spruce-up will help keep it looking good throughout its lifespan. During the cleaning process, you can also watch out for any areas of damage that might need some maintenance or repair work.
If you have questions about how to care for your garage door in Heathsville or the region, call the team at Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC, today! We’ve been serving the local community since 2006 and we provide comprehensive garage door installation, maintenance, and repair services for both residential and commercial clients. Our team is licensed and we have over 32 years of experience. We offer both regular appointments, Monday through Friday, and we’re available for emergency service 24/7. Easy Open Garage Doors, LLC—Because Life Is Hard Enough!
