Cleaning Garage Doors

The next time you straighten out or clean up your garage, it's a good idea to clean your garage door as well. Chances are that you have pulled everything from your garage, and you have plans to wet the floor and clean it. While you've got the water hose, cleaning agents, and bucket handy, clean your garage door following these tips:

1. Close your garage door.
2. Use a stiff brush to remove mildew, dirt, and bird droppings. Before using cleaning agents or water, simply brush the surface of the garage door to dislodge all excess debris.
3. Use a softer broom and gently sweep the entire door.
4. Mix a solution of five gallons of warm water to one cup of mild detergent. Using a large sponge, wash your garage door with the solution in increments. Wash one-third of the door, rinse with clear water, and continue until you've washed and rinsed the entire door.
5. Allow the garage door to dry completely before opening.

If your garage door is a pre-painted steel door, you can apply a car wax to the exterior to help protect it from the elements. If your garage door is laminated over steel, or constructed of vinyl over steel or aluminum, avoid using abrasive cleaners since they can damage the paint or remove the lamination. When using the brush to remove debris, use gentle action to avoid removing paint, vinyl, or lamination. Never use bleach full strength, and do not use acid-based products, such as vinegar.

Clean the weather stripping with an all-purpose cleaner, such as Formula 409, and lubricate the weather stripping with a silicone-based lubricant. Check the weather stripping between the door panels for cracks and replace, if needed.

Once you've washed your door and allowed it to dry, take the time to perform preventative maintenance to the inside of the door to ensure that it works properly and safely. Lubricate the hinges, tracks, and rollers with lubricating oil. Spray the lubricating oil on a clean cloth and wipe down the garage door springs.