You can clean garage doors using household cleaning products, but some garage doors require additional care. It’s best to consult your garage door manufacturer to learn how to clean your garage doors, and you should always test any cleaning method in a small, inconspicuous area first.
Garage doors are a particularly noticeable part of home exteriors. In fact, Garage Door Living states that garage doors can make up around 1/3 of a home’s exterior. A dirty garage door can affect curb appeal, and this is particularly troubling if you’re in the market to sell your home.
The importance of regular cleaning
Regular garage door cleaning is important for looks, but it can also make a difference in garage door performance. Dirty garage doors can indicate larger problems with dirt, debris and gunk buildup around the mechanisms that open and close your garage door. Over time, a dirty garage door may become harder to open and close and can even lead to failure.
Benefits of regular maintenance
One way to keep your garage doors clean and operating efficiently is to have them maintained on a regular basis. While it’s best to have a professional handle garage door maintenance, lubricating and cleaning springs, roller, chains and other moving parts can extend the service life of your garage door.
Recommended cleaning frequency
According to The Home Depot, you should clean garage doors at least twice a year. Spring and fall can both be ideal times to clean and maintain garage doors to ensure they will hold up for the summer and winter.
Gather necessary cleaning supplies
Before cleaning any type of garage door, gather the necessary supplies. Consult your door’s manufacturer for specifics, but gentle detergent, water and a soft sponge often work best.
Essential tools and materials
Some garage doors may need special equipment to clean, including pressure washers or sprayers.
Safety equipment needed
Although cleaning a garage door isn’t especially dangerous, eye protection and gloves should be worn. You may also need hearing protection if you plan to use a pressure washer.
Eco-friendly cleaning options
Detergents and gentle cleaning chemicals can be good options for cleaning garage doors, but eco-friendly solutions like baking soda, vinegar and water can also work.
Determine the type of material for your garage door
Garage doors are made using a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel, wood, fiberglass and vinyl. Chemical cleaners can react differently to various materials, so check with your garage door manufacturer to learn what cleaning products are safe. Always test any cleaning products or methods on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Cleaning steel garage doors
You can clean steel garage doors by mixing some mild detergent in a bucket with warm water and applying with a soft sponge.
Cleaning wooden garage doors
When cleaning wooden garage doors, be mindful of any staining products or finishes. You’re encouraged not to allow excess moisture to soak into the wood to avoid damage.
Cleaning fiberglass garage doors
Fiberglass garage doors can be cleaned using a gentle washcloth and some dish soap and warm water.
Cleaning aluminum garage doors
To clean aluminum garage doors, use gentle soap and water, but be mindful of chemical cleaners. Some chemicals can react to alloys and cause damage.
Cleaning vinyl garage doors
Vinyl garage doors are fairly easy to clean using mild detergent and some warm water.
Inspect for potential issues during cleaning
When cleaning a garage door, take some time to look for issues. Spotting problems early can help you address them before they lead to serious damage or garage door malfunction.
Check for rust
Rust is a common problem for metal garage doors and can be found on garage door components as well as the door itself. Inspect for rust while cleaning to address these issues.
Look for damages or dents
While cleaning your garage doors, take a moment to look for damage like dents or cracks. Address these issues quickly to keep damage from spreading.
Identify weather damage
You should also look for weather damage while cleaning your garage doors. Pay attention to signs of weather damage like fading, chipping or peeling paint as well as wood rot or mold growth.
Check seals and weatherstripping
Cleaning presents an opportunity to check and repair or replace seals and weatherstripping. Keeping these garage door components in good shape can prevent moisture from getting into your garage during rainy weather.
Choose the right cleaning technique
The right cleaning technique can make a big difference in the effectiveness and safety of cleaning a garage door. Below are some considerations for different scenarios:
Using mild detergents
Mild detergents like dish soap are usually best for general garage door cleaning. Harsh chemical products may damage the finish of garage doors or harm plastic and alloys that make up garage door components.
Pressure washing considerations
If you use a pressure washer to clean your garage door, always start with the lowest setting. Some pressure washers are extremely powerful and can damage garage doors and even injure people.
Hand cleaning methods using sponges
When using a sponge to clean a garage door by hand, make sure the sponge is saturated with soapy water, then squeeze out excess moisture. You can then gently apply the sponge to your garage door and move it in a circular pattern as you clean across the door’s surface.
Spot cleaning stubborn stains
If you only need to clean small spots on a garage door, you may need to use a chemical cleaner depending on what has caused the spot. Some dirt and stains may also require the use of scraping tools to remove stuck-on messes.
Clean both the exterior and interior sides of the door
The exterior side of a garage door usually gets dirty faster than the interior side, but both should be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid dirt and debris buildup.
Lubricate weather stripping and hinges
While you’re cleaning your garage door, take some time to inspect, clean and lubricate weather stripping and hinges. White lithium grease products are usually best for lubrication.
Check and clean the tracks of the garage door
It’s also a good idea to check and clean your garage door tracks while cleaning the exterior of the door.
Removing debris from tracks
Remove visible debris and wipe down the tracks to remove excess dirt. This will help the tracks to perform efficiently.
Proper track alignment
It’s a good idea to check the track alignment with your garage door while cleaning. You will likely want to consult with a professional if major adjustments are needed.
When to call a professional
It’s generally a good idea to contact a garage door professional whenever you run into a situation that requires moving a garage door around on its tracks or when dealing with components like chains and rollers. Mistakes made while adjusting these parts can lead to injuries and property damage, so it’s best to let a professional handle them.
Tips for maintaining your garage door after cleaning
After you’ve cleaned your garage door, keep up with maintenance to preserve the look and functionality of your door.
Seasonal maintenance schedule
To make life easier, create a seasonal maintenance schedule to remind yourself to clean and maintain your garage door. Consult with a professional to discover what seasonal tasks your door needs.
Preventive measures
It’s always a good idea to take preventative steps to keep a garage door in good shape. Give a visual inspection daily to check for obvious problems, and take action if you see, hear or smell anything odd around your garage door.
Touch-up painting tips
For minor scratches and chips, consider touch-up paint instead of replacing your garage door or repainting the entire door.
When to seek professional help
For large jobs that require adjustments to your garage door or repairs for things like garage door openers, it’s best to call for professional assistance.
Signs of serious problems
Signs of serious problems to be mindful of include doors that won’t open or close, doors that have come loose or off their tracks and doors that suddenly feel very heavy while opening and closing.
Cost considerations
The cost to have a professional inspect, clean or repair a garage door can vary. According to Home Depot, you can replace many garage door parts for well under $500, but professionals vary in terms of labor costs.
Choosing a reliable service provider
When choosing a service provider for your garage door, look for someone who has experience, but also take some time to look for reviews online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to use to clean a garage door?
For general garage door cleaning, mild detergent and warm water works well. Some garage door materials require special care, so it’s best to consult your garage door manufacturer for specific instructions.
How can I make my garage door look new again?
You can make your garage door look new again by cleaning it. Some garage doors may benefit from painting or staining depending on the door’s construction material.
How do you clean a metal garage door?
You can clean a metal garage using mild detergent and warm water. Always consult your garage door manufacturer for specific cleaning information.
Can I pressure wash my garage door?
You can pressure wash a garage door to clean it, but you will need to ensure you use the proper pressure setting for your specific garage door material to avoid causing damage.
