Doors are very vulnerable to outside weather conditions. They are the bridge between clean interiors and autumn leaves and debris or spring dirt and pollen. If we carefully look at the door bottom, we might even see shoe prints since kicking the door with your foot when you are carrying heavy bags will never go out of fashion.

A clean door represents a healthy living environment. Besides looking unpleasant, a door who hasn’t been shown the regular cleaning attention will start becoming more vulnerable to cracks, pests and loss of functionality. But doors are made from various materials: wood, steel, fibreglass… so maintenance may seem a bit confusing. Don’t worry though, here are some tips and the basic steps of cleaning exterior doors, and it isn’t hard at all.

Types of Doors

There are different methods for cleaning different types of doors. Some which work well for steel may damage wood and vice versa. Here is what you should do if your door is made from:

• Wood – Needs more maintenance than other materials. These means that you’ll be cleaning your doors much more often. To prevent doing damage on it, you can also use furniture or wood polish – this gives nicer glows. If you have repainted the wood recently, mix the polish with water to minimize damage and fading.
• Steel – More durable than wood and requires less maintenance. However, the cleaning may be harder since it involves a lot more scrubbing. To clean steel, use an all-purpose household cleaner or the vinegar mixture. Apply either one on a sponge and start scrubbing. Remember to wash away the cleaning agent later.
• Glass – Whether it’s your windows or doors, cleaning glass needs to be done more gently. Lots of people suggest using newspapers, but avoid doing so at all cost! If the glass is poorly maintained it can get damaged so much that you’ll need a windows and doors replacement. Instead, use a microfiber cloth – the gentlest way to wipe out stains and residue. Also, clean the corners and frames from dust and debris as well.

Steps to Cleaning Exterior Doors

The main things you’ll need for cleaning are spray bottle, cleaning product, cloth, sponge and water. There are tons of cleaning products out there, but you can make one at home with simply mixing equal amounts of vinegar and water together. After mixing, only half an hour spent cleaning will make your doors look shiny and brand new.

• First Step – Use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris around the frame, trim and edges. Also applies for cleaning glass doors and windows.
• Second Step – Spray the cleaning mixture/product on every door part. You can open it to catch every inch. Next, take the soft preferably microfiber cloth and wipe away the product. Make sure that all of the dirt and debris is removed.
• Third Step – Start cleaning the hardware with steel or brass polish. After you spray the polish on locks and handles, use a soft cloth to wipe and dry the polish.
• Fourth Step – If there are any signs of moisture, use a separate cloth to dry down your door. If left unwiped, that moisture can damage door material and hardware.

Tips & Tricks for Cleaning Exterior Doors

Some homeowners may face more difficult cleaning situations. So here are some tips on overcoming the obstacles and making the door shine like it’s supposed to:

• Dry Stains & Grease – Some stains are harder to clean than others. If the vinegar solution doesn’t work, apply mineral spirits to a damp sponge and start scrubbing these annoying stains. Remember to wipe and dry the door from the cleaning agent.
• Ventilation – Some cleaning products are hazardous and influence our health in a bad way. Therefore when applying them, try to keep the door open so the smell won’t stick on the inside.
• Cloths & Sponges – When you clean the door it is obvious that you should wet it first and then dry it up. You should use different cloths/sponges for both of these steps. One for cleaning, one for drying up. And remember to use microfiber for the best results!

About Clip and Save

Clip and Save is your #1 source of printable coupons in Canada. Find your Canada hot deals from a wide variety of companies from different categories.