Due to its very nature, a garage door is exposed to all of the elements that the British weather can throw its way.
This means that regular cleaning is essential if you are to keep it in the best condition, and this is especially important if you’re located within two miles of the sea, as the salty air can cause debris and dust to stick to the door more easily.
In this blog, the team here at Rollerdor will outline exactly what you need to clean your garage door and how to carry this out effectively.
What you’ll need
Before we delve into the details of how to clean your garage door, it’s important to understand what you’ll need to get your clean underway. Fortunately, specialist equipment isn’t required, and most households will have everything they need already.
This includes:
- A bucket or washing-up bowl
- A hose
- Soap or detergent (car wash soap or washing up liquid will work well)
- A cloth or sponge
You may be tempted to use a pressure washer, bleach or other cleaning products, but these can be extremely harsh and may damage your door’s paint, so we don’t recommend this.
How to clean the exterior of a garage doorÂ
Now that you have everything you need, you can start cleaning your garage door.
First, begin by giving the door a spray with the hosepipe to remove any large pieces of dirt or bird muck before gently wiping the door with a cloth or sponge that has been soaked in soapy water in your bucket or washing up bowl. Grab your hose again and give the door a light spray to rinse off any soapy water.
Then, give your door a few hours to dry. If any stubborn stains remain, you can repeat the process. During the cleaning process, if you notice your door’s paint is flaking anywhere, it could be a sign of oxidation, which can occur when aluminium is exposed to the air. This is normally due to a small scratch, and it is best to clean and then touch up the paint to seal it from the air.
How to clean the interior of a garage doorÂ
As well as giving the outside of your garage door a clean, it’s important to do the same inside. While no one will see the interior of your garage door as frequently as the exterior, keeping it in good condition will help the overall durability and longevity of the product.
For the inside of your garage door, simply repeat the same steps as listed above for an exterior clean. Be sure to remove any dirt or debris to ensure its functionality is not impacted in the future, but do not add any lubricants (like grease or oil) as these will actually impede your door. You may also want to rearrange the inside of your garage before you clean it to ensure no items become wet during the cleaning process.
How to clean a roller garage door
It is also easy to clean roller garage doors. In fact, the process is more or less the same as we’ve outlined above. However, you should make sure to also pay attention to the door’s components, such as tracks and runners. Over time, these elements can pick up dirt or debris as a result of wear and tear, and so it’s important to spend some time wiping them down with a damp cloth.
How to clean garage door windows
If your garage door has windows, you should include them as part of a clean. All you need to do is:
- Remove dirt and debris – Before you start, spend some time using a bucket of water to remove any loose dirt.
- Wash the windows – Using a solution made up of a mild detergent or window cleaner combined with warm water, wash the surface of the windows with a sponge or cloth.
- Rinse – Then, use clear water to wash away the soapy solution.
- Dry – Finally, use a cloth to dry the windows to ensure there are no streaks.
How often should you clean a garage door?
Cleaning garage doors can help enhance their longevity as well as prevent the buildup of nasty corrosion on their surface.
Giving garage doors a regular clean is the best way to ensure they’re performing at their best and to prevent faults from occurring.
Cleaning your garage door every four to eight weeks (more often if you are in close proximity to the sea) will ensure it’s in the best possible condition to keep your property safe.
Here at Rollerdor, we provide a comprehensive garage door servicing and maintenance offering. From minor repairs to full-scale maintenance, our team can assess your garage door and provide a solution that keeps your property secure. To find out more about what we do, get in touch with our team today.
