With the changing of the seasons, it is a good time to consider what outdoor jobs you should tackle. Cleaning your overhead door is one of them. While it might not often come to mind, a garage door needs some care after installation. We recommend taking the time to clean your overhead door at least twice a year, such as in the spring and fall.
Regular care of your garage door is one easy way to brighten the look of your home and make sure it stays in good condition. To help you get ready, we at A Well Hung Garage Door put together a list of Do’s and Don’ts for cleaning your overhead door.
Do Use a Soft Cloth, Sponge Or Brush
Many of us use our power tools every chance we get! However, when cleaning your garage door, it is best to leave tools, like the power washer, for other jobs around the outside of the home. The high pressure from the power washer can damage the outer finish on the door.
As well, it’s best to save the broom for sweeping or cleaning the garage floor. The stiff bristles from a broom can scratch the finish on the door, damage the weather stripping, or cause gaps to form in the rubber seal around the windows.
Instead, if needed, start your cleaning by using a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and debris. When the majority of the dirt is removed, you can switch to a soft cloth or sponge to finish cleaning the door and windows.
Do Use a Mild Detergent
The detergent you use is also important. Another way to protect the finish and the windows on your garage door is to use a mild detergent. Household dish soap is one option. A solution you could use is one cup of dish soap to five gallons of water. Another solution that can be used is a mixture of vinegar and water. With either of these solutions, use warm water to help cut through any grease on the door.
Other cleaners may be used, but be sure they contain less than .5% phosphate. Car cleaner can also be used. Stay away from harsh or abrasive cleaners, which can scratch or discolor the finish on the door.
Do Clean The Garage Door Tracks
Pet hair and other debris that cling to grease in the tracks can clog them and prevent the garage door from working properly. Over time, if left uncared for, clogged tracks may require assistance from an overhead door company to restore the tracks to working order. A good time to tend to them is when you do your seasonal garage door cleaning.
Do Clean The Weather Stripping
The weather stripping on overhead doors can easily be overlooked, but it serves to help insulate the garage as well as keep dirt and debris from entering. While cleaning the weather stripping, check for any cracks or damage. If there is too much damage, contact your local overhead door company. They can easily replace it for you.
Do Use Plenty Of Water
Before you start cleaning the overhead door, give the door a good rinse. This can be with a garden hose with a pressurized flow through the handle or just the regular flow of water. Then, while you are applying detergent, it is helpful to rinse the door as you go along to see if there are any spots you may have missed. Especially after the door has been washed, be sure that all of the detergent has been thoroughly rinsed off.
Don’t Forget To Make It Shine!
If your overhead garage door is made of pre-painted steel, aluminum, or fiberglass, consider applying a silicone wax. It is recommended that you do this once a year. Silicone wax is simple to apply and easily fills in the small spaces on the door. Taking this step will enhance the look of your door and further protect the finish.
Don’t Assume a Sunny Day Is a Good Time to Clean Your Garage Door!
Warm, sunny days are often a great time to work on outdoor projects, but cleaning your overhead door under direct sun can lead to undesirable results. The heat from the sun can cause the detergent or wax to break down and leave smears and streaks—not the shiny finish you were expecting! Save yourself the trouble of working in the heat and look for a partially cloudy day to clean your overhead door.
Don’t Open The Door Before It Dries
You can dry the overhead door by hand or wait until it dries on its own, but be sure it is completely dry before you open it.
Don’t Hesitate To Contact Your Local Overhead Door Experts In Arvada!
Giving your overhead garage doors a little TLC certainly will help enhance the appearance of your property. It may even extend the life of your garage door. While cleaning your overhead garage door, you may have noticed items that need to be repaired. You may be wondering if you can fix them on your own. Don’t hesitate to call your overhead door experts in Arvada to find out.
From broken garage door springs to the door not opening, whatever your needs are, we can help. We are a trusted overhead door company, working in Broomfield County, Adams County, and throughout the Denver area for over 19 years.
If you have any questions, please contact the garage door installation professionals in Arvada at A Well Hung Garage door. You can reach us at (303) 422-0232.