The first thing that people see when they approach your home is your entry doors. Keeping those doors clean and well maintained can help your home make a great first impression. Many homeowners avoid cleaning their doors until they notice smudges on the glass or dirt on the wood, but it’s easy to keep your doors clean and looking great without voiding your warranty.
Regular Cleaning
At least once a week, take a damp rag and rub it across the frame and wood or metal areas of your door. The rag will remove dust, dirt and debris without damaging the door’s surface, and the water will slowly evaporate within a few hours. Wipe down any glass surfaces on the door at least once a month with a mild window cleaner or one you make yourself from distilled vinegar and water. If your doors have brass or stainless steel handles, use a special cleanser to remove natural oils from your hands and other debris from those surfaces.
Spring Cleaning Time
When spring cleaning time arrives, mix one part distilled white vinegar with two parts warm water. Dip a soft cloth or a rag into the solution, and wipe the rag across the top of the door. Start at the top edge and work your way down, paying special attention to any panels or decorations on the door. Once you reach the bottom of the door, let the door sit for several hours. Check for any signs of streak marks left behind on the door. Don’t forget to clean the interior side of the door too. Cleaning the windows with glass cleaner and wiping down any metal surfaces is also helpful.
What Not to Do
Never clean your door with any type of pressure washer. Specifically designed for brick and other hard surfaces, a pressure washer can cause significant damage to your doors, and a pressure washer can even strip the paint from the doors. For brass and other types of metal, avoid using any cleanser with a high acidity level, as acids can strip the color of the brass or make it look dull and worn. If you notice paint peeling off the door, or you have problems removing built in debris from the doors, consult an expert for help. Professionals can remove that ground in debris without damaging the door or scratching the surface. When you have questions about maintaining the doors in your home, call Mad City for advice and help.
