How to Clean Your Garage Door
For many people, when they think about garage door cleaning, they probably picture giving it a squirt with a hosepipe every so often.
But there’s a bit more to it than that.
In fact, if you want to keep your garage door looking and performing its best, there are a number of things you can do.
In this blog, the team at SAA Industrial & Garage Door Specialists will explore how to clean your garage door properly.
Why should I clean my garage door?
Before we delve into the process, it’s important to understand why you should regularly clean a garage door. We’d advise that you give your garage door a clean at least twice a year. Spring and autumn are probably the best times to do this, as the seasons bookend winter, which is regarded as the harshest month for your door.
The main reason why you should clean your garage door is to enhance its longevity. Due to the fact that it spends all of its time outdoors, a garage door is exposed to the elements all year round. This means that it takes the brunt of rain and snow, as well as dirt and debris blown onto it by the wind. To prevent it from wearing out, giving it a clean can remove harmful substances from its surface and help to maintain its lifespan.
Another fantastic reason to give a garage door a clean is aesthetics. While functionality is all well and good, a big reason why people opt for certain types of garage doors is that it boosts their kerb appeal. Cleaning your door will make it look great, particularly important if you’re looking to make a good first impression or are considering selling your home.
Finally, cleaning a garage door is the first step in the overall maintenance of it. While you’re conducting the clean, it gives you the opportunity to inspect your door and its components and spot if any faults or problems have occurred. Keeping it clean can also reduce any problems down the road, future-proofing the door and possibly saving you from costly repairs by noticing issues early.
How to clean your garage door?
Cleaning your garage door is actually extremely straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and it won’t be long until your door is looking great and operating smoothly.
- First, give the door a quick wash with your garden hose to clean any dirt or debris on its surface layer
- Next, grab a clean bucket, fill it with water and add mix with a small amount of dish or car wash soap
- Using a soft sponge or cloth, wipe the entire surface with the water and soap mixture
- Then, use your hose to rinse the garage door
- If you have a steel or fibreglass garage door, use spray car wax and lightly apply it to the door
- Dry the door using a dry cloth
- Remember not to clean just the outside, repeat the process on the inside of your garage door too
What not to do when cleaning a garage door?
While the cleaning process above is fairly straightforward and easy to carry out, there are a number of things you should avoid doing to your garage door.
These include:
- Pressure washing – these machines are not appropriate for garage doors. The force they use is far too much for a garage door, and can actually end up rubbing off the door’s paint. The gentler the better when it comes to garage doors.
- Abrasive cloths – always use soft cloths when wiping your doors, abrasive ones can scratch or scuff the door leaving it with ugly marks.
- Bleach – using bleach might seem like a good idea, especially if trying to remove stains, but for garage doors, it’s a big no-no. This is because bleach can cause a garage door to discolour and leave permanent damage
- Air drying – always make sure you dry your garage door using a soft cloth. Leaving water on the door can cause it to rust.
At SAA Industrial & Garage Door Specialists, we supply domestic, commercial and industrial properties with a whole host of garage door systems. Plus, we offer fantastic servicing and maintenance to ensure your doors remain in the very best condition. Operating across Brentwood, Waltham Abbey & Essex, get in touch with our team today to find out more.
