Just like the rest of the outside of your home, your garage door faces the elements, from sun to dirt brought on from high winds and especially here in Houston, rain. That means like the rest of the outside of your home, your garage door needs to be cleaned and cared for to make sure you get the maximum use of the garage door. Here is how to go about cleaning your garage door.
Why is Cleaning Your Garage Door So Important?
First, we wanted to go into why cleaning your garage door even matters. That is aside from that you want your home to look good and have that curb appeal. The reason is simple because if you don’t it can cost you in repairs and even needing a new door sooner. Dust and dirt can work their way into the tracks, causing the door not to lift properly. If there are exposed metal parts, such as hinges or scratches on the door and the door is made from metal, those parts can rust if not wiped off. Rusty hinges can break and damage your garage door. So it really is imperative that you regularly clean your garage door.
When Should You Clean Your Door?
Usually, you should clean your garage door at least twice a year. Here in the Houston area, your garage door may need to be cleaned more than that due to all the different types of weather we have here. This also goes for homes closer to the coast, as salt in the air can cause rust and eat paint faster.
Cleaning the Garage Door
To get started, all you really need to get started is a bucket of water, a garden hose, soap, and soft cloth. Mix the soap and water together in the bucket. Rinse the garage door with the water hose then start scrubbing the door with soapy water. You do not want to scrub hard though, as that can damage the garage door paint. Use the garden hose to rinse off the soap. If your garage door also has windows, just clean them like you would any of your other outdoor windows on your home.
We do want to stress that we do not recommend using a power washer, as that can damage the paint. You will want to wipe off the water with a dry cloth, so exposed metal such as the hinges will not rust. If you have a wooden garage door, if you have not put a sealant on your door, now may be a good time to do so.
Spectrum Overhead Doors is a local, family-owned business proudly serving the Houston community. If you have any questions about garage doors in Houston, need a garage door tune-up or repairs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through our website, or call 281-748-9542 or 713-557-3407 if you live in the eastern parts of Houston.