Spring is almost in the air in the Twin Cities, and we all know what that means: spring cleaning! Though it’s neither exciting nor glamorous, spring cleaning is one annual practice that almost all homeowners take part in, and if you’re planning to spring clean your garage this year, don’t neglect your garage door! At Door Power, we know what a difference routine cleaning and maintenance can make in the appearance, functionality, and life of your residential garage door. So, when it’s time to dig out your cleaning supplies and tackle your garage, follow these tips to give your door some attention, too.
Why Clean Your Garage Door?
If you’ve never given your garage door a thorough wipe-down, you might be wondering why on earth we recommend regular cleaning. While many homeowners never give a second thought to the condition of their garage doors until something goes awry, that’s not how a proactive homeowner operates. Routine cleaning and maintenance should be a standard, biannual practice because it helps you:
● Prolong the door’s life
● Ward off rust
● Keep your warranty intact
● Boost your curb appeal
● Inspect the door for minor issues
Though biannual cleaning is often sufficient, if you live in a harsh climate that receives substantial snowfall, you may need to increase your cleaning frequency to once per quarter. If you have questions about the appropriate maintenance schedule for your door, you can always check with the garage door company that performed the installation.
Tips for Cleaning & Maintaining Your Garage Door
When you’re ready to clean your garage door, grab a bucket and fill it with warm water and a dash of mild dish soap. Make sure to gather a few non-abrasive cleaning cloths and sponges to avoid damaging the door’s finish or scratching its various components. You’ll also need a step ladder to ensure you can get to every last nook and cranny. Once you have your supplies in order, it’s time to get cleaning! Here’s what you’ll need to do:
● Scrub the door. First, you’ll need to tackle the dirt and grime on the surface of the door itself. Don’t be afraid to use some elbow grease when cleaning the door — as long as you’re using non-abrasive cleaning materials, the finish will remain intact. If you run into tough stains, try using a mixture of bleach and water to tackle hard-to-clean spots.
● Wipe down the weatherstripping. Use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the weatherstripping around the door, and once it’s completely dry, apply a silicone-based lubricant to prevent dehydration and cracking. Ideally, you should reapply the lubricant at two to three-month intervals to maintain the protective seal around the door.
● Tend to the hardware. Wet your non-abrasive cleaning cloth slightly, and use it to wipe down all of the garage door’s metal components. When the garage door tracks, rollers, hinges, and all other moving parts are completely dry, apply a lithium-based lubricant or specialized garage door lubricant to each component. Be sure to check for worn or loose hardware components and test the functionality of each of the door’s moving parts.
● Check the opener. Certain garage door opener tracks and chains require periodic lubrication, so refer to the manufacturer’s guide for the appropriate lubrication schedule. Before applying lubricant, be sure to thoroughly clean the chain and track using an all-purpose cleaner and soft cloths. If the opener apparatus has accumulated significant dust, dirt, and grime, be sure to clean the outside of that as well.
Should You Mess With the Springs?
Garage door springs are under a tremendous amount of tension, so you should NEVER attempt to adjust them on your own. Only a trained garage door repair professional can safely and accurately address issues with both torsion and extension springs. That said, gentle do-it-yourself cleaning and lubrication will help maintain the springs in smooth working order. You can use the same all-purpose cleanser and lithium-based lubricant to clean and grease each spring.
Door Power: Your Source for Garage Door Installation & Repair
At Door Power, we’ve been serving homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro since 1967, and we’d love to make you our next fully satisfied client. Whether you’re in need of garage door repair, maintenance, or new installation, our team is here to serve you. To learn more about our installation services or how we can help you maintain your garage door, give our team a call at 952-467-3199 or send us a message on our contact page. For your convenience, you can also request your service appointment online.