Garage doors are entries you have to look at daily—if your door is clean, it will make you happier when you leave in the morning for work. If yours looks dirty and you don’t have a cleaning regimen, where should you start? Here’s a guide outlining six best practices to freshen its appearance.

Do:

Use a mild detergent.

A harsh or coarse detergent is going to wear away at the protective coating and the door’s finish. Use a milder solution consisting of warm water and detergent. Use dish soap or try cleaner formulated for cars.

Clean the weatherstripping.

The weatherstripping around your custom garage doors forms a protective barrier that keeps out harsh rain, snow, debris, and insects. However, it can accumulate dirt and grease, so wipe it down with a non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner. If you notice cracks in the weatherstripping, ask your garage door repair company to replace it.

Wax your garage doors.

Although it sounds unusual, waxing your doors prevents premature fading that harsh weather conditions can cause. A high-quality car wax will leave a protective coating.

Don’t: 

Pressure wash your door.

While a pressure washer is ideal for removing clumps of dirt and debris, it’s only for concrete, asphalt, and other more durable surfaces. Your garage doors and weatherstripping can be damaged by a high-pressure hose. Instead, use a regular garden hose and light manual scrubbing to remove dirt and debris.

Use rough or abrasive cloths.

Rags made from regular clothes can also be damaging to the finish of your garage doors. Instead, use a washing mitt or large sponge to clean the door’s surface. After you rinse the door, use a soft towel to dry it.

Use bleach.

You wouldn’t use bleach to wash your car, so you shouldn’t use it to clean your garage door. Even in a diluted state, bleach can be very damaging to the door’s protective coating and underlying finish.

If you need your doors repaired or replaced, consider the experienced professionals at Garage Door Service: Paul Holscher, Mike Panaro. Located in Cincinnati, OH, they have more than 36 years of experience servicing and installing quality garage doors. These professionals operate within a 50-mile radius of the city. You can request a free estimate on new doors by calling (513) 347-3000, or you can learn more about the business by visiting their website.