Cleaning your garage door is an essential part of keeping it looking its best year-round and protecting your investment. We typically recommend that you clean your garage door twice each year. However, if your local climate includes high humidity, moisture, or other weather that can impact your door, you may want to clean it every quarter. This is especially true if you live near a large body of saltwater, as moisture in the air from the water can erode aluminum doors or other materials.
Cleaning your garage door requires tools and products you probably already have in your garage. Doing so will typically take four hours to properly clean a residential garage door, so be sure to block out enough time in your day to get the job done. With this in mind, here are some tips to get your garage looking its cleanest and best.
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Gather Your Supplies
Before you get started cleaning your garage door, you’ll need to gather your supplies to do so. You’ll need a ladder, mild dishwashing soap, soft clothes, a bucket, and perhaps a small brush. Typically, it is recommended that you dilute each cup of soap with about a gallon of water. To be sure, however, consult your owner’s manual so your cleaning solution doesn’t hurt the paint or finish.
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Start By Brushing and Pre-Rinsing
First, take one of your soft, clean clothes or your small brush and remove any noticeable dirt or cobwebs from your garage door. Then, take a garden hose on a low-impact setting or your bucket of water to pre-rinse the door.
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Scrub Lightly With Soap and Dry
Take your cloth and dip it into the cleaning mixture, getting a good solid lather. Work from top to bottom, starting at the top of your door and cleaning downward as you go. Work in sections of about a quarter of the space of the door at a time, depending on the size. Be sure to apply added pressure if there are any obvious stains.
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Rinse, Dry, and Sometimes Wax
Once you’ve cleaned the door, give it a good rinse to get all of the soap off. Then, take a dry, clean cloth and dry off any excess water and outside. If you are going to wax your door, give it about an hour or so to completely air dry before doing so.
Many homeowners don’t realize that they should clean the interior of their garage door after the exterior dries. More of them don’t realize that many doors can be waxed for added shine and protection. This is especially true if you own a steel garage door. You can use the same liquid wax you use on cars, but just like with a proper cleaning solution, be sure to consult your owner’s manual before doing so.
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Lubricate Weatherstripping
Lastly, never overlook the need to clean your trim and weatherstripping on your garage door. Be sure to lubricate your weatherstripping so your door lasts longer and looks its best year-round.
Consult the Garage Door Experts
Cleaning your garage door can be a rewarding experience. However, if you’re unsure about anything, and you can’t find it in your owner’s manual, consult an expert before doing so. Using the wrong tools or products can damage your garage door. A common mistake homeowners make in this regard is using a power washer with good intentions, only to discover the pressure damages their door.
With a regular maintenance schedule performed by an expert from Garage Door in My Area, you can get these common questions answered about washing and more. For a quote on a regular check-up schedule or a repair, please don’t hesitate to call us today or fill out the form on our website. We often return calls within 24 hours and emergency calls tend to take priority. We look forward to hearing from you!