You should inspect and clean your garage door every six months to ensure it remains in good working order. Examining the moving parts helps prevent accidents and potentially expensive wear and tear problems. Now that warmer weather is around the corner for Denver, it’s a great time to bust out the suds and wash away that winter grime.
This post will walk you through deep cleaning your garage door, what to avoid, and signs it’s time to call a professional.
Inspect
Wintertime brings salt deposits, grime, and calcium build-up for cars and garage doors alike. Start your bi-annual cleaning with an inspection at the beginning and the end of your cleaning.
First, inspect the inside and outside of the door, the photosensor, the spring and mechanisms, and the weather stripping. Garage doors can last 20+ years, but the mechanics like the garage door springs, rollers, and pulleys only last about 8 years.
Use your eyes and ears to listen for any abnormal popping or grinding sounds and any opening trouble the garage door has. These are dangerous signs that it’s time to call in a professional.
Wash
Now that you’ve gone through your preventative maintenance checklist, it’s time for a wash. You’ll want to start in the early morning or on an overcast day to avoid direct sunlight. Direct sunlight heats the surface of your door, causing it to break down the components in your soap and wax. What’s leftover is a chalky white film that’s unattractive and will need to be rewashed to remove.
Use a mild soap like dish soap or car washing soap to deep clean your garage door. Like your car, harsh chemicals can damage the finish and weather stripping.
Some tools you’ll need:
- A mop bucket for soapy water
- A garden hose
- A step ladder
- A microfiber or other soft cloth
- An abundance of towels and drying rags
Work in circular motions from the top left or right to the bottom, or however is most accessible for you. Circular motions should be firm enough to remove debris but gentle enough not to damage the finish.
Pressure washers are great for spring cleaning your garage floors, but never use a pressure washer on your garage door. Pressure washers use too much force and can damage the finish and the surface of your garage door, voiding your warranty. A gentle stream from your garden hose is more than enough to do the trick.
Wax
Most manufacturers recommend waxing your garage door to extend the life of your door’s finish. Waxing also improves the curb appeal while preventing rust and oxidation.
No need to get fancy. Spray-on car wax will work just fine. Read the directions before you begin. Some waxes require the surface to be completely dry before application.
After waxing, inspect and wipe down your weather stripping on the sides and bottom of your garage door. Weatherstripping is what keeps rodents, insects, and the elements from invading your home. The padding on the bottom should come in complete contact with the ground and have no cracks or tears.
If you are dealing with more severe issues like rust or oxidation, your garage door will likely need to be refinished. Call American Garage Door to prep and refinish the surface without voiding your warranty and ensure the problem doesn’t reoccur. For all other repairs, replacements, or preventative maintenance, we have 30+ years of experience putting smiles on faces. Contact us today for service in the Denver, CO, area.
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