How to Clean a Garage Door

Written by Posted On Monday, 14 January 2019 07:42

Do you know how to clean a garage door? Garage doors get dirty and rusty from rain, wind and other adverse weather conditions. To have your garage door looking great and for it to run smoothly, you need to be cleaning it regularly. The garage door is the first thing that people notice on the front of most homes, and that’s why you want to ensure that it’s looking its best at all times. Rainfall will clean the door most of the times, but you must still wash it regularly to keep it clean and ensure it is in good working condition. The following simple steps help in the whole process of cleaning garage doors, whether it be wooden or steel doors.

Cleaning a Garage Door - What to Do and Avoid

Materials You’ll Need

Being organized will help make the whole process simpler and fun, thus it is critical to ensure that you have everything you need before you start. You will need: a bucket, a brush, a broom or a cloth, warm water, and soap. A pressure washer can also be used to get rid of excess dirt. Be keen not to use too much soap as it can power lead to chipping off of your garage door paint.

Steps to Follow

You will first need to make a solution of the warm water and soap. Using your brush, gently wipe away loose dirt and debris. A long-handled broom is of preference to help reach far corners and high places.

Once done, you should then proceed to spray the entire door using water from a hosepipe, then use the cloth to wipe the door. The material should be soaked in the warm soapy water. Hose down the door gently to get rid of any remaining soap since it can affect the paint later after it dries.

For stubborn stains, use diluted bleach or a cleaning solution explicitly used for stains. The interior of the garage door cannot be seen but should not be neglected. Use the brush to wipe off dirt then clean with the wet cloth soaked in soapy water.

Remember always to inspect the door visually while cleaning to check for any issues that need to be rectified.

Things to Avoid

Although cleaning a garage door may seem simple, there are many things to avoid to prevent damaging your garage door. Garage door pros at Cedar Park Overhead Doors states that you should avoid using rough cloths that might scratch the door; use a soft sponge or cloth instead. Secondly not mix detergents with bleach. Moreover, you should not use strong detergents when cleaning your garage door and make sure that the detergent has less than 0.5% phosphate. Window cleaning solutions and solvent cleaners should be avoided at all costs. Pressure washing your garage is also discouraged, but at times one can opt to use this method on stubborn oils and in case you should use them ensure to use low power.

Bottom Line

Garage doors face all harsh outdoor elements. Over time, spoil can build up leading to dents and scratches making the garage door look old and weathered. Cleaning the door regularly with the correct items can help maintain the door and keep it in good condition; but don’t know how to clean a garage door? You’ll simply have to make a solution with soap and water and scrub your garage door down. Be sure to avoid using certain solutions such as detergents with more than 0.5% phosphate and being too abrasive on your door. You can also use preventive maintenance to help maintain the door.


Rate this item
(0 votes)
Dalia Rotrammel

Cleaning business for over 20 years. Property Management. Mother of 2, grandmother of 1 beautiful girl. Foster parent.

www.healthycarpetcleaningstl.com/

Agent Resource

Limited time offer - 50% off - click here

Realty Times

From buying and selling advice for consumers to money-making tips for Agents, our content, updated daily, has made Realty Times® a must-read, and see, for anyone involved in Real Estate.