Expert Techniques for Thoroughly Cleaning Doors

At Rock Solid Doors, people always ask us about the best way to clean their doors safely and effectively, so it seemed like the right time to create a simple guide on how to thoroughly clean doors without causing any damage. Our experts contributed the following tips, tricks, and solutions to the problem of keeping your doors clean and functioning perfectly for years to come.

Why do I need to clean my doors?

Even the incredibly robust, durable composite doors we provide at Rock Solid Doors can benefit from the occasional wipe-down and clean. Some reasons why it is a good idea to stay on top of the job include:

• Improved air quality—Dust, allergens, and dirt that collect on your exterior doors often find their way inside when the doors are in use, and it is preferable to keep them at bay by cleaning your doors regularly.
• Increased longevity—Less hardy doors will last and continue to function perfectly for longer if regularly cleaned and maintained.
• Aesthetics—Who doesn’t love a nice spick and span door to finish the look?

Preparation

Before rolling up your sleeves to clean your doors, a few useful products and items are necessary. Essential door-cleaning supplies you should prepare beforehand include:

• Damp cloths—Microfiber cloths are perfect, being non-abrasive.
• Universal cleaning product—Mild, non-abrasive cleaning products without toxic chemicals are best as they are less likely to damage the paintwork.
• Fresh, clean water—Two buckets are best; one to mix the cleaning solution and create suds, the other to keep clean for rinsing
• Protective gloves
• Soft-bristled brush—for more stubborn dirt and grime
• Squeegee—for flat composite panels and glass doors

Traditional household products for door cleaning

• Vinegar and water—Mix in equal parts and watch in awe at the grime-removing power of vinegar. 
• Baking soda and water—Superb at removing stains, let the paste sit on the affected area for a few minutes before wiping it away.  
• Rubbing alcohol and water—Door handles are unrivalled at harbouring germs and bacteria; it pays to wipe them down regularly.

Specialised cleaning techniques

• Wooden doors

1. Dust to remove cobwebs and loose dirt. A vacuum cleaner may be necessary for carved doors with deep recesses. 
2. Mix warm water with mild dish soap
3. Cloth/sponge the soapy solution onto the surface and wipe away, checking for stubborn marks
4. Rinse the cloth/sponge and wipe away soap residue
5. Dry with a clean, lint-free cloth

Maintenance tip — Apply wood polish or conditioner to nourish the surface and provide ongoing protection.

• Metal doors

For metal doors, follow the same steps as for wooden doors, but substitute dish soap for an all-purpose cleaner if preferred and metal instead of wood polish. 

• Glass doors

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle
2. Spray onto the glass surface and leave for a few minutes
3. Use a microfiber cloth/squeegee to clean away the residue. Make circular motions
4. If glass is frosted and textured, use a soft brush or sponge
5. Rinse clean with fresh water 
6. Wipe dry with a lint-free cloth

• Composite doors

As the toughest, lowest maintenance of all exterior doors, composite doors could not be easier to clean. Any mild soapy liquid or non-abrasive/corrosive spray-on cleaner will suffice. Simply apply it to the door, wipe away the dirt, and you’re done. 

Door hardware

For knobs, hinges, and handles, you can choose a universal cleaning spray or damp cloth with mild soap. If parts are rusted and tarnished, it is possible to rejuvenate them using cider vinegar. Remove the pieces from the door and let them sit in the liquid overnight. Clean thoroughly, dry and re-install; they should look significantly better.

How often should I clean exterior doors? 

Aside from obvious times (especially during winter) when doors start to look grubby and jaded, the frequency of cleaning depends on how heavy the usage, environmental factors, and the material of the door itself.  Speaking generally, it is safe to assume that once every three to six months, you should consider cleaning your doors, even if they appear relatively clean. 

Can I use a pressure washer? 

In professional hands, a pressure washer can be a magnificent piece of equipment. In the hands of an amateur, it can be a total liability. The chances of damaging, warping, or otherwise ruining your door are exponentially higher if you use a pressure washer. If you insist on having a go, set it as low as possible and test the pressure on a small area first. All this is irrelevant if you have composite doors, which can withstand virtually anything.

Contact us

The team here at Rock Solid Doors takes immense pride in our reputation as premium suppliers and fitters of composite doors, operating right across London and the Home Counties. If you have any questions or comments about our unique products and peerless fitting service, please contact us.