Garage Door Spring Cleaning

It's that beautiful time in Colorado when winter is wrapping up and spring is moving in. Leaves begin to return as grass is getting green again and the snow is beginning to melt making it the perfect time for some spring cleaning. Garage doors can cover up to a third of the front of your home and can be the highlight of any home with a good spring cleaning. Cleaning your garage door or doors can be a simple task for a warm day just like washing your car with steps that are very similar to steel garage doors. A freshly cleaned garage door can not only make your home look amazing, but also helps protect the paint or finish on your garage door from excessive dirt, salt, and rust. Most garage door manufacturers recommend at least one cleaning of your garage door a year for any kind of door material (wood, steel, or aluminum). If you have a garage door you can clean it in 3 simple steps with common supplies you probably already have at home. 

Getting started you have to gather the supplies needed to properly clean your garage door which includes: 5 gallon bucket, soap, brush or sponge, hose for rinsing, and wax (optional). Do not pressure wash your garage door as it can damage the paint on all types of garage doors as well as cause physical damage to your garage door. There are a few soap options suggested by manufacturers: one cup of simple green or dish/laundry detergent are common recommendations diluted with at least 2 gallons of water. When choosing a sponge or brush the material your door is made of plays a role as well as what you are cleaning. Overall it is recommended to clean any garage door gently unless needed, that being said a sponge is always a safe option. In situations that call for more attention bristle brushes can be a good option and heavier soaps. Lastly, have a hose or water source that is not a pressure washer to rinse your door. Garage doors with windows also can use standard window cleaners to clean.

Now that you have what you need to clean your garage door it’s time to get started. If needed, open your garage door and sweep all sand, salt, dirt or debris from around where the door sits when closed. Once you have closed your garage door, rinse gently with a hose getting light dirt and debris off the door. Also be sure to properly dilute your mild detergent with at least 2 gallons of water. Get those sponges wet and gently wash your garage door similar to how you would wash a car, too much pressure can damage your garage door or the paint. Be sure to clean the edges and weather seals including bottom seal. When washing a wood garage door it is recommended to clean lightly with a sponge and water only. After washing your door, rinse again with the hose unless further touch up is needed. Clean windows if you have them and you can gently dry the door if you would like or if you plan to wax your door now would be the time. Wood garage doors do not get waxed over the life of a wood garage door; it may need to be sanded, painted, stained or refinished instead. Waxing a steel garage door is simple to do simply use the same wax you would use for your car and follow the same instructions. Benefits of waxing your door include giving an extra layer of rust and salt protection, increases the life of the paint, and keeps your garage door looking cleaner longer.

Cleaning your garage door is beneficial in more ways than just looking good. Removing excess dirt and debris helps keep not only the exterior clean but decrease build up on rollers and hinges. Helps keep the paint and color of your garage door looking brand new for longer and prevent uneven weathering due to dirt build up. Longer life for seals that are annually cleaned giving your garage door a better seal year round. Cleaning your garage door can be a good time to inspect for damage and rust noting problem areas for your next tune-up.

When you have the garage door open it is a good time to clear leaves, dirt, and other debris from your garage door seal before sweeping the area. Another tip for a full clean is clearing excess dirt and lube from the tracks while the door is open. Homes that have decorative hardware on their garage door generally don’t require specific cleaning, but if the paint is fading or damaged you can follow a few steps to refresh them. Simply remove fasteners and hardware touch up or paint as needed and re fasten to the door. Now that you are prepared to clean your garage door you’re ready to tackle that spring cleaning list.