How to Clean Your Garage Door

When the time for spring cleaning comes around, you often think about tidying your home and maybe even outdoor fixtures like your patio and deck. But how often do you think about cleaning your garage door? Most people don’t give this part of their home much thought or attention, but that should change. We encourage you to show your garage door a little love today. 

Why is Cleaning Your Garage Door Important? 

Cleaning your garage door is important for several reasons. First, if you do not maintain your garage door, you could lose the warranty. Garage door warranties usually last between one and five years. Second, a dirty garage door detracts from the curb appeal of your home. Third, not caring for your garage door properly can lead to exterior damage from sun, salt, or other outdoor elements. For the sake of your garage door’s longevity and looks, it’s best to clean it at least twice a year. 

Tips For Cleaning Your Garage Door 

Now that you know the importance of cleaning your garage door, it’s time to learn how to kill the maintenance game. To clean your garage door, you’ll want to use mild cleaners and cleaning implements. Here’s what you’ll need: 

1. bucket of water
2. gentle cleaner such as dish soap 
3. soft cloth or sponge
4. hose 
5. window cleaner (if you have windows)

What you use to clean your garage door makes a huge difference in the success of your efforts. There are some things you should avoid when cleaning, as they could cause damage to your property. Among them are: 

1. Bleach 
2. Detergent
3. Brushes with tough bristles 

Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to get started. It’s easy to learn your garage door with a few simple steps. All you have to do is:

1. Mix your soap and water, then get scrubbing. You should scrub every nook and cranny of your garage door. Make sure to get the front and back, then use a hose to spray everything down.
2. Be careful around delicate parts. Please know that while you should be thorough, you need to be careful not to damage the weatherstripping or seals of your door. Be extra careful when cleaning around these areas, lest you make your garage less energy efficient. 
3. Let everything dry. Moisture attracts insects and mold. It’s best to dry as much as you can with a towel, then let the rest air dry. Don’t close your garage door until you’re sure everything is free of moisture.

When you’ve finished with your garage door, you can move on to the windows. A mild glass cleaner and a soft cloth should be enough to bring out the gleam in your windows. If you notice any scratches, you can buff them out with a gentle car polish.

Perform Routine Maintenance While You’re At It 

Extending your garage door’s life requires more than cleaning. While that’s a great start, you should also perform routine maintenance on the parts of your garage door. Your garage door might seem like a simple contraption, but it isn’t. An intricate system made up of multiple components works behind the scenes to help your door raise and lower. This system is made up of parts like springs, cables, tracks, and rollers. Here’s how to make sure everything works together smoothly: 

1. Check your cables. If there are any signs of fraying or rust, it’s important to get them replaced. If one cable snaps, it causes an imbalance that puts strain on its partner. The last thing you want is for both cables to snap, potentially causing your garage door to slam shut on you or a family member. 
2. Lubricate your rollers and tracks. To make sure your garage door can raise and lower smoothly, you should lubricate your rollers and tracks twice a year. You should also be sure to clear away any dirt, grime, and debris that may have accumulated. 
3. Tighten loose hardware. Tracks and bolts can become loose from the vibrations of your garage door’s movements. You should check for any instabilities and tighten all loose parts.
4. Listen for strange noises. Sometimes, it’s easy to identify that your garage door needs maintenance. All you have to do is listen for strange sounds such as shrieking and rattling. If you hear any of these sounds, it’s best to call a professional and have them come diagnose what might be causing the issue. 
5. Test your autoreverse function. If your autoreverse function isn’t working properly, your garage will become a safety hazard. Make sure your garage door is working properly by placing a block or other small, solid object in its path. If your door reverses when it touches the block, you’re good to go. If it takes too long or does not reverse at all, that’s when it’s time to call a professional. 
6. Get a professional inspection once a year. You can only take care of your garage door by yourself for so long. Unless you’re an expert, there are things you’re bound to miss. Getting an annual inspection from a professional company like ASAP Garage Doors is important. 

We Can Keep Your Garage Door Running Smoothly!

ASAP Garage Doors proudly serves residents in Houston, Texas, and surrounding areas. Our trained technicians are ready to help you keep your garage safe and secure. Contact us today and find out all of the ways we can assist you!