Considering how often it’s used, it’s crucial to know how to clean a garage door. Keeping it neat and sanitized will prevent corrosion and other types of damage from spreading bacteria. Here is how to properly clean your door to maintain a beautiful home aesthetic.

3 Suggestions for Cleaning a Garage Door

1. Use the Right Materials

Unless you don’t mind ruining the paint on your garage door, don’t use harsh detergents, rough or hard-bristled scrubbing tools, or a pressure washer. Instead, use a mild soap, such as a cleanser you’d apply to your car or dishes; combine this soap with warm water, then use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to clean the door.

When you’re done, rinse the door with your garden hose. For oil spots and other troublesome stains, mix some bleach with water to spot-clean them. Use a soft, clean cloth to manually dry the door.

2. Wax the Door

Just like with cars, waxing a garage door will provide it with an extra layer of protection from elemental damage and rust. After your door has dried, apply a layer of liquid wax to the surface, especially to the steel parts. If you do this every six months or so, your garage door will likely preserve its structural quality and look attractive.

3. Inspect Your Garage

While you’re cleaning your garage door, examine its structure and functionality. Check on the weather stripping at the bottom of the door, usually made of vinyl. If it looks cracked or worn, ask a garage door services professional to replace it. Otherwise, extend its life by coating it with a vinyl sealant. Ensure that the screws are tight and the springs are properly functioning when you use your garage door opener. You can also call a garage door repair company for any maintenance that you’re not sure how to complete yourself.

For more advice or support with cleaning a garage door, contact American Garage Door, Inc. in Kalispell, MT. Whether you need the weatherstripping replaced or door repainted, they have 15 years of experience maintaining these structures. In the event of an emergency, they’re also available 24/7 for repairs. You can also ask them about custom garage doors that may be easier to maintain in the future. Find out more about their services by calling (406) 752-2662 or checking out their website.