Best Ways to Keep Your Doors Clean in the Summer

If there’s one feature that’s overlooked in a home’s overall aesthetic, it’s doors.  We may not notice that over time, doors tend to collect dust, dirt, and debris on their surface, acting as the source of that unmistakable dingy, rundown look we can’t quite put our finger on.  Giving your exterior doors a good clean can transform the appeal of your home from frumpy to fantastic.  Plus, there’s the bonus of keeping your doors and their hardware intact and functional for their expected lifespan.

Not all cleaning methods will work on every type of door.  The door’s material will determine what type of cleaning products you’ll need as well as how to properly clean it.  For example, wood doors will require different care than a painted door or a door comprised of vinyl

Cleaning Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors are one of the most popular door styles these days thanks to their energy efficiency and sleek, long-lasting look.  Fiberglass doors are durable and require very little maintenance in their lifetime.  To clean them, you’ll want to wipe them down first with a dry cloth to remove the initial layer of grime.

Create a mixture of one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water.  With a fiberglass door, you can use a soft-bristled brush or soft sponge to scrub in the crevices or to remove particularly tough stains and spots.  This should be enough to keep your fiberglass door clean in the summer.  When you’re finished, it will look brand new—simply wipe off the vinegar mixture and enjoy its cleanliness.

Cleaning Painted Doors

Is your door painted?  If it is, you’ll want a mixture that’s gentle enough to not disturb the layer of paint as well as avoid the use of hard-bristled brushes, scrubbers, and harsh chemical cleaners.

Conduct an initial wipe-down of the painted wood door with a dry microfiber cloth or a dry duster.  This will remove any superficial dirt and debris, making the next step more effective.  Next, use a mixture of a gallon of warm water with a dollop of mild dish soap, mixing well until you see a bubble form.  Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean off the door.  Again, don’t scrub too vigorously, otherwise, you’ll disturb or chip the paint.

Cleaning Wood Doors

First, do an initial wipe-down of your wooden door with a dry microfiber cloth.  Cleaning off this first layer of dust and dirt will allow the cleaners to be more effective and help minimize streaking.

Next, create a basic mixture of dish soap and warm water.  This mixture will break down and remove stubborn dirt and debris from the wooden door.  For beveled doors, use a gentle scrub brush to clean out the nooks and crannies.  For an extra cleaning boost, add in Murphy’s oil into the cleaning mixture of dish soap and warm water.

Use a dry towel or cloth to soak up any excess water off of the door’s surface.  Exterior wood doors are constructed to withstand moisture, but you won’t want to expose the door to any more moisture than necessary.

After the door is dry, use liquid wood furniture polish to spray the entirety of the door.  Use a clean rag to rub the polish in, moving in the same direction as the door’s natural wood grain.  This will bring out your wood door’s unique grain pattern and give it some shine.

Polishing Your Exterior Door

The summer sun can wear out your exterior door, making it look duller than normal by the end of the season.  Give your exterior doors a layer of protective coating with polish.  You can use polish designed for furniture but note that there are several different kinds.  Knowing which polish to use for your exterior door will help it shine and keep it looking clean and brand new all summer long.

Varnish polish:

Varnish is great for exterior doors and is long-lasting in the hot sun thanks to its UV-resistant nature.

Wax polish:

Polish that has a wax base is appropriate for your doors that have seen better days because it helps cover up and hide scratches with its shiny, glossy coat.

Polyurethane polish:

Although polyurethane polish is extremely durable and waterproof, it does yellow in the sun over time.  Use polyurethane polish on your garage’s man doors or interior doors.

Lacquer:

Lacquer polish is available in a glossy or matte finish.  It’s easy to apply and dries quickly.

Routines Keep Doors Clean

The best way to keep your doors clean for the summer is to make a routine that involves wiping down, dusting, and washing your doors.  You don’t have to spend hours keeping your doors clean, but a routine will ensure that your doors stay looking brand new and sparkling all summer long with little effort.

Feldco has high-quality doors in many shapes and sizes to perfectly fit your home. We also have professional and experienced installers to make sure the job is done correctly.

We provide homeowners with great local services and showrooms so they can customize their homes with a variety of styles and colors. Get a free quote today to start your project.