In this post you will learn ...

• Why it is important to keep your home doors clean.
• Tips on how to clean fiberglass and steel doors in your home.
• The supplies you will need to clean doors.

How to Clean Fiberglass and Steel Doors

A beautiful entry door can genuinely add to the elegance of your home. Like most parts of your home, your entry door will need some special cleaning attention. Today’s fiberglass or steel entry doors meet the highest standards for beauty, durability, security and energy efficiency and are easy to clean and maintain.

Just as any other part of your home, doors can get dusty and soiled over the years. It is important to clean them periodically in order to keep them looking great and prolong their use. Use the cleaning suggestions below or consult your manufacturer.

Cleaning the Finish

• To clean doors, wash with mild soap and water, rinse with clear water and wipe dry.
• Keep weather stripping clean of dirt and grit for proper seal. Wash with mild soap and water, rinse with clear water and wipe dry. Apply a light coat of furniture wax and wipe off excess.
• For scuff marks on painted finishes, use mild liquid cleanser. Rinse with clear water and wipe dry.
• If finish is accidentally scratched or chipped, clean as recommended above and use touch-up paint supplied by manufacturer or standard wood finish repair crayon.
• Don’t forget to clean any glass portions with your favorite window cleaner or vinegar.

Cleaning the Hardware

• To maintain the hardware on the door, polish with a nonabrasive automotive or furniture wax. Keeping the hardware clean and maintained will reward you with a long-lasting finish.
• Tighten screws on lockset and hinges when necessary.
• Lightly oil hinges as needed. Wipe off excess.

To do a professional job on your doors, allow yourself plenty of time to complete the job. It’s important to take your time in the initial removal of dirt. You can put some elbow grease into hitting those dirt particles. If your door is painted, identify any areas you want to address immediately after removing the dirt.

If your door has a key lock, you should spare a few extra minutes to address any lock issues. It’s common for keys to start to stick in door locks over time. Grab a can of WD-40 and the extension straw and spray just a few drops into the lock. Once you’ve completed this step, grab your key and a cloth to test out the lock. It’s important to hold the cloth up while turning the key a few times; this will help collect any excess lubricant.

The first step to extending the life of your entry doors is taking the time to talk with the manufacturer to learn about the finish. Next, take the measures to clean your doors to keep from outside element buildup and common wear. With this knowledge you can improve the look of your home. It can have a particularly dramatic impact on entry doors, which often help form the first impression visitors experience.

If you have any additional questions, contact the experts at Stanek® Windows. If you are looking to replace your entry door, contact us today to schedule a free, in-home estimate. Our window and door experts are happy to help!