With the arrival of spring comes that next dreaded task: cleaning your home. But be sure to go beyond the interior and extend your cleaning tasks to the exterior: specifically your garage door. Clean and well maintained garage doors last longer and give you higher property value and curb appeal than those that are neglected.
Check out these four helpful hints when cleaning your garage door in Metro Detroit.
1. Gather Garage Door Cleaning Supplies
Throughout the year, your door collects a lot of dirt, dust, and other debris. Start off spring right with a thorough cleaning. You’ll need the right cleaning supplies to do this. Here’s what you will need:
- Cleaning solution: You don’t need to spend a lot on fancy soaps. You can use dishwasher soap or other mild detergent and cut it with a couple of gallons of warm water in a bucket.
- Sponges and cloths: You don’t want to scratch your door, so be sure to pick up some non-abrasive sponges or cloths. Get some clean dry cloths too to ensure a thorough drying process.
- Step ladder: This will help you reach the top of your door easily, as well as light fixtures and windows.
2. Start Scrubbing Your Garage Door
Put some elbow grease into it. Be rigorous in your scrubbing, especially since you’re using soft sponges. If you come upon a stubborn spot of dirt that’s caked on, you can use bleach and water (one cup bleach to one gallon water) to work on it. Don’t forget to clean the weatherstripping and trim around the door. You will also want to clean the interior of the door, as well, since this is where cobwebs and dirt accumulate the most.
If the finish of your door is wearing away, consider repainting, refinishing or restaining the exterior to give it a few more years’ protection.
3. Avoid These Things When Washing Your Garage Door
While cleaning your garage door is pretty straightforward, there are some things you’ll want to avoid.
- Don’t clean all over with bleach: Save the bleach for small, tricky spots. Use a mild detergent for the rest of the door. If you do use bleach, rinse it immediately.
- Don’t use a pressure washer: The high pressure involved could dent the surface or strip off paint. Always hand wash your door.
- Clean the windows by hand with glass cleaner and a squeegee. Clean light fixtures carefully. Take off coverings and wash them separately to prevent damage.
4. Wax Your Garage Door
If you have a steel garage door, the last step you should take is to wax it to prevent wear and tear and prevent dirt and grime accumulation. Only use liquid waxes on garage doors, such as an automotive wax. Stay away from paste waxes.
Contact M&M Garage Doors
For more cleaning tips or to schedule installation or repair of your garage doors, call your leading garage door supplier in Metro Detroit at (586) 610-5434.