How to Properly Clean Your Garage Door This Summer

Now that the weather is finally warming up, you've probably got a list of "to-dos" for your home's exterior. An important part of outdoor maintenance is properly cleaning your garage door, and summer is the perfect time to do it. Regular cleaning and maintenance is crucial to preserve your garage door’s appearance and lifespan. Here’s how to clean it properly.

Steel

Pre-painted steel doors are finished with a durable coating that should last far longer than typical paint. Your pre-painted steel garage door will undergo some regular wear and tear and may develop a dingy or chalky color from extended sun or dirt exposure. A gentle cleaning can freshen up your door’s aesthetics and help protect it from future exposure. To clean your steel garage door, follow these simple steps.

1. Mix 1 cup laundry detergent into 5 gallons of warm water.
2. Use a soft, clean rag, sponge, or towel to wipe the door clean with the solution.
3. Gently rinse the door with a bucket of cool water or a low-pressure hose.
4. Allow the door to dry.
5. Repeat steps 2–4 for areas that need more attention.
6. If you plan on repainting your door, follow these steps.

Wood

Wood garage doors must be painted or finished in order to protect the integrity of their structure. They require regular cleaning to retain their beauty and functionality. To clean your wood garage door, follow these easy steps.

1. Make a solution of 1 cup of household detergent to 5 gallons of warm water.
2. Use a soft, clean rag, sponge, or towel to wipe the door clean with the solution.
3. Gently rinse the door with a bucket of cool water or low-pressure hose.
4. Inspect your door for exposed wood.
5. Prime areas that need refinishing with oil/alkyd primer.
6. Finish these areas with a thorough priming and fresh coat of paint, stain, or clear resin.

Aluminum

Though less common than steel or wood, aluminum garage doors are coming into their own. Here’s what to do to properly clean your aluminum garage door.

1. Make a solution of 1 cup of household detergent to 5 gallons of warm water.
2. Use a soft, clean rag, sponge, or towel to wipe the door frame. Clean with the solution, avoiding any glass.
3. Gently rinse the door with a bucket of cool water or low-pressure hose.
4. Spray glass cleaner onto a clean rag or paper towel and wipe glass panes clean.

Never

You don’t want to damage your garage door while in the process of cleaning it, so here are a few things you should never do, regardless of the material of your garage door:

• Use a power washer
• Use a cleaning solution including bleach
• Use a detergent with more than 0.5% phosphate
• Use an abrasive brush or sponge to clean the door
• Use a solvent-based cleaner on your garage door

If your garage door needs a little more than just a routine cleaning, contact Doors by George. Doors by George is among top garage door repair experts in the Cedar Rapids area. Whether you need a minor repair, yearly maintenance, or a new install, Door by George has you and your garage door covered!