Let’s face it – winter can be a dirty month. Yes, the cold and snow are wonderful, but they do leave behind some grit and grime. Your beautiful garage door that was painted with care to match your home is now dull and covered with remnants of snowstorms past. Spring is near and there’s no better time to do a little spring cleaning to your garage door.
Steel garage doors are by far the most popular style because of their durability and easy maintenance. By cleaning your garage door, you are protecting your investment and prolonging its life. For homes in Wisconsin where we get a lot of snow, this is especially important because excessive exposure to salt can erode the finish of a garage door more quickly. Here is a simple guide to cleaning your garage door after winter to bring it back to beautiful for spring and summer.
Cleaning a Steel Garage Door
Before you begin, it’s important to note that you should not use a pressure washer to clean your garage door. A pressure washer could damage your door by denting the steel surface or chipping the paint. Instead, clean the surface of your pre-finished steel garage door by following these easy steps.
Use a mild, liquid detergent, such as a car washing soap or dishwashing soap (that contains less than .5% phosphate). Combine one cup of soap with five gallons of warm water. It is important not to use a harsh or abrasive detergent as this can damage the painted surface of the door or the seals.
Your tool of choice to scrub both the interior and exterior should be a sponge, cloth, or soft brush. Use these tools to remove dirt, chalk, mildew, and residue left behind by snow and salt. Be sure to clean behind the weather stripping on both sides and the top of the door. You can wipe down the inside surface of the door like you would a range or refrigerator.
Use a gentle garden hose to rinse all areas you scrubbed with clear water and then allow everything to dry completely.
Once the surfaces are dry, give your pre-painted steel door some added protection. Take the extra time and effort to apply wax after cleaning. Like waxing a car to protect its finish, wax can also be used to protect the finish on steel doors. A layer of wax will guard against daily wear and repel dirt and grime. During the Wisconsin winter, it will help shield your door from salt that can erode the finish.
Wax is best applied on a clean, dry surface. Apply a liquid wax suitable for automotive use and never a paste wax. Cover all exposed surfaces of the door, including the bottom interior of the door, which is exposed to dirt from the outdoors. Cleaning and waxing your door are essential to keep it looking great and preserve the finish for as long as possible.
Service and Repair
A cold winter season also puts wear and tear on the parts of a garage door and opener. If your door is struggling to open, give Joe Wilde Company a call for service. Our technicians have decades of on-the-job experience and will get your door working smoothly again. Joe Wilde Company services all brands of doors and accessories, and we keep our trucks stocked with parts. Contact us today to schedule your annual tune-up, or request an estimate, by phone at (262) 782-0500 or online at www.joewilde.com.