No matter how clean you try to keep your garage door, it gets dirty and experiences wear and tear. Fortunately, it’s easy to clean and maintain. Here’s some advice on how to properly clean your garage door so that you don’t damage it.

Do:

Use a mild detergent.

Using a harsh detergent or bleach can corrode the paint or the steel that protects your garage door. Instead, use a low-phosphate detergent to clean it. Make sure to dilute the agent with water before washing the door. Since these detergents are non-toxic and non-porous, you can clean with bare hands, but you should use gloves if you want to keep the dirt off your skin. 

Clean behind the weatherstripping.

Weatherstripping is the tape or firm plastic that insulates your garage and keeps the temperature safe for your car during the winter. You'll notice the weatherstripping deteriorating if the garage becomes more damp or colder than usual. Clean the stripping periodically, so dirt and mold don't damage the material. 

Don't: 

Pressure wash your door.

A pressure washer may seem like an excellent way to clean your garage, but the high-pressure water can damage the door. At best, it will knock the paint off, but it could also damage prefinished steel or wood doors. It can also dent the steel if you spot clean an area. Clean your door by hand to avoid these issues. 

Use rough or abrasive cloths.

It's tempting to be rough when cleaning a wide space, but being harsh on your garage door, weather stripping, or sensors can knock them out of alignment or damage them. Use kitchen sponges with the rough green strip to clean stubborn filth, and use water to rinse the door once you're done.

Perhaps you damaged your garage door while cleaning it and need a repair or you're past due for an inspection. For over 50 years, the professionals at Pioneer Overhead Door, Inc in Lincoln, NE, have serviced the community with commercial and residential garage door installation and repair. View their full list of services online or call (402) 476-6539 to speak to a technician.