Winter weather is often unkind to residential garage doors. The particles from melting snow, ice, and rain can cling to the panels, causing unsightly stains and smudges. Chemicals from de-icing salt can also find their way onto the large surface, leaving behind residue. To restore the appearance of your door this spring, follow the below cleaning advice.

Do:

Use a mild detergent.

Heavy-duty cleaning solutions contain ammonia and other harsh chemicals that could strip away the lacquer and warp residential garage doors. To prevent damage, only use mild detergents, such as dish soap, to remove the grime. If you see chalky marks left from minerals or de-icing salt on the panels or garage siding, spray a vinegar and water solution on the areas to wash away the residue.

Clean behind the weatherstripping. 

Grime could have also accumulated around the weatherstripping. When this happens, it can’t provide a tight seal. As a result, water could get into the garage and damage your property. If you have an attached garage, outside air could also seep through gaps in weatherstripping and filter into the house, causing a spike in heating and cooling costs. To avoid these problems, use a toothbrush or small sponge to remove grime buildup on the seals.  

Don’t:

Pressure wash the door.  

To cut down on time, you might be tempted to pressure wash your residential garage door. Although the fixtures are designed to be durable, the high-pressure water could cause serious damage to your investment. To avoid dents, chips, and cracks, wash the panels by hand. 

Use abrasive cleaning cloths.

Similar to a pressure washer, scratchy cleaning cloths can also leave marks and scrapes in your residential garage doors. To minimize the risk of permanent damage, stay away from stainless steel scouring pads and other abrasive cloths. A microfiber cloth can pull dirt particles and other grime from the surfaces without leaving behind marks.  

 

In addition to leaving residential garage doors dirty, winter weather can also cause problems with mechanical components. For fast, effective repairs, contact the professionals at Central Garage Door in Columbia, MO. Serving Boone County residents for over 30 years, they have the experience and training to fix broken springs, frames, openers, and additional parts to restore the safety and functionality of your system. To ask questions and schedule garage door repairs, call (573) 886-7810. Visit the garage door service specialists online to explore how they will maintain the quality of your investment and become a Facebook follower for safety advice.