How to Clean Your Garage Door

Your garage door is one of the most important and practical features of your home. Cleaning your garage door is a way to invest in that crucial amenity. The experts at Best Garage Door have created this guide to help you learn more about the importance of cleaning garage doors. Read on to discover how to properly clean your garage door.

Why Should You Clean Your Garage Door?

Here are a few of the reasons you should clean your garage door:

• Extend your garage door’s life span: Your garage door takes a beating throughout the year. Rain, snow, dirt and salt can do a number on your garage door, wearing it out prematurely. Clean your garage door to remove these harmful substances and keep your garage door working for years to come. 
• Keep it looking great: When you pull up to your home, you want your garage door to enhance the beauty of your facade. Cleaning your garage door enhances your home’s curb appeal. This is important if you’re selling your home or thinking of selling it soon. Protect your garage door’s finish and prevent rust by cleaning your garage door. You can impress potential buyers and increase your satisfaction with your home’s visual appeal with a beautiful-looking garage door. 
• Discover other issues: Cleaning your garage door provides a great opportunity to inspect it. After you clean all the dirt and grime from its surface, you’ll have a better view of the hardware, finish and other components. You may discover some areas that need attention. Use this time to inspect the rest of your garage door, including the rollers, roller tracks, cables and springs. 
• Protect it from future damage: When it comes to garage doors, issues add up and can lead to costly repairs. A dirty garage door can contribute to other garage door issues down the road, so clean it to reduce your chances of more problems. 

How Often Should You Clean Your Garage Door?

We recommend giving your garage door a routine cleaning session every spring and fall. Cleaning in the fall prepares your garage door for the impending harsh weather. Giving it some spring cleaning removes the built-up grime it accumulates over the winter. You could take it a step further and clean your garage door seasonally. We know life is busy, so try your best to clean your garage door at least every fall and spring. 

You can take part in different garage door cleaning methods at different times of the year. Several tasks come together to give your garage door a complete cleaning over the course of the year. You may prefer giving your garage door a standard cleaning once or twice per year and save projects like repainting and re-staining for every other year. Find a regimen that works for you and your schedule. Over time, you’ll fall into a rhythm that will keep your garage door in great shape. 

How to Properly Clean Your Garage Door

It’s essential that you clean your garage door the right way. Here’s how to properly clean your garage door:

• Use non-abrasive sponges: Think of your garage door like your car. You wouldn’t use a rough sponge or cloth on your car. Treat your garage door the same way. A non-abrasive sponge or cloth will protect your garage door’s finish while removing dirt and grime. With a soft cleaner, you can use extra force without worrying about damaging the finish. 
• Mix the right cleaning solution: Use a solution of warm water and mild detergent to clean your garage door. This solution will be strong enough to remove grease and dirt, but it’s also gentle enough to preserve your garage door’s finish. Using this gentle cleaning solution with non-abrasive sponges is a great starting point for cleaning your garage door. 
• Rinse with a gentle hose: After scrubbing your garage door with a non-abrasive sponge and mild cleaning solution, you’ll need to rinse it off. Connect your garden hose to a nearby spout and use the water to rinse off all the suds and dirt. No need to use any attachments, as the pressure from the hose should be enough to get the job done. 
• Dry with a clean and soft cloth or towel: Make sure you dry your garage door after rinsing it off. If you’re researching how to clean a metal garage door, remember that water contributes to rust in metal garage doors. Wooden garage doors can absorb water, which can lead to bulging and warping. Drying your garage door with a clean and soft cloth is key toward keeping it clean and protecting it from other issues. 
• Clean the inside and outside: Cleaning the outside of your garage door is obvious, but remember to clean the inside, too. Some of the dirt and grime from your garage floor can make its way to the lower section of the inside of your garage door. While you’re cleaning the outside of your garage door, remember to give the inside some attention. 

What to Avoid When Cleaning Your Garage Door

To ensure your cleaning remains successful, take a look at the following garage door cleaning practices to avoid:

• Pressure washing: The force exerted by pressure washers is too much for your garage door’s finish. It could remove the paint or stain from your door, which does more harm than good. Remember that with garage doors, gentler is better. 
• Abrasive sponges and cloths: Cleaning your garage door is all about protecting the finish. Abrasive sponges and cloths run the risk of scratching the finish. This can result in ugly scratches and scuffs on your garage door instead of the beautiful final product you’re seeking.
• Detergent and bleach solutions: Bleach is great when removing stains from white laundry. It is also an effective cleaning agent for some of life’s toughest messes. But when cleaning your garage door, bleach has the opposite effect. It can discolor your stain and even do permanent damage to wood. You’re better off sticking with the mild detergent and water mixture. 
• Air drying: Water can contribute to rust on metal garage doors and warping in wooden garage doors. Make sure you have a soft drying cloth nearby to remove the water from your garage door after cleaning and rinsing. 

Maintain Your Garage Door With the Help of Best Overhead Door

Cleaning your garage door is essential to improving its life span and its appearance. As you clean your garage door, you might realize it’s in need of some repairs. If you’re in the Portland or Vancouver area and need garage door maintenance services, Best Overhead Door is the company for you. 

We’ve been in business for over 30 years, so we are experts when it comes to keeping your garage door in great shape. We even offer brand new residential garage doors if you think it’s time to invest in a new door that will last you for years to come. Contact us today to schedule a garage door service visit or learn more about our other services.