It’s a good idea to clean your garage door at least once or twice every year. Wiping off the dirt and grime that have accumulated on the surface over the course of the year will keep your door in great condition for much longer. Cleaning a garage door is simple and doesn’t require much time at all.

Follow the instructions below from Wayne Dalton to keep your wood or steel garage door in good condition all year round. When it comes to keeping your garage door in great shape, preventive maintenance is key.

Pre-Finished Steel Garage Doors

To clean your pre-finished steel garage door, follow these instructions:

1. Use a mild detergent solution. Mix one cup of detergent that contains less than 0.5% phosphate with five gallons of warm water.
2. Wipe down the door’s surface using a soft cloth or sponge.
3. Wash behind the weatherstrips on the sides and top of the garage door.
4. If any particles are difficult to remove with the sponge and solution alone, use your bare hands to remove them.
5. Once you’re done cleaning the door with the solution and dislodging any caked-on particles with your hands, dry the door with a slightly damp chamois.

Important Tips:

1. Never use a pressure washer to clean your garage door.
2. Don’t use a detergent containing more than 0.5% phosphate.
3. Make sure the cloth or sponge you’re using is soft and clean.
4. Don’t use bleach or a mixture of detergent or cleanser and bleach to clean your door.
5. Never use window cleaners or any other solvent-based cleaners on your door.

For detailed instructions from Wayne Dalton on painting your steel door, CLICK HERE.

Wood Garage Doors

Clean and inspect your wood door yearly. Before you begin cleaning, take a look at the finish and note its condition. If it looks good, a quick cleaning is all your door needs.

To clean your wood garage door:

1. Use one cup of a mild household detergent mixed in 5 gallons of warm water to wipe down your door.
2. Remove any dirt, mildew, chalk, or contamination on the surface using a soft cloth or sponge.
3. Rinse the door with clean water, and allow it to dry. 

If the finish on your wood door is thinning or eroding, exposing the wood:

1. Clean the region where the wood substrate is surfacing (by following the above instructions).
2. Prime this area with an oil/alkyd primer.
3. Finish it off with a complete priming and a finish coating.

If you don’t keep your wood door properly primed, it could wear down over time. Exposure to moisture or sunlight can damage its surface. The primer protects your wood from succumbing to damage from the elements.

Note: If the wood isn’t showing through the primer, your door may only require a finish coating. Be sure to follow the instructions listed in your maintenance brochure carefully. Your warranty could be voided if your door is finished improperly. 

For more detailed instructions on painting or staining your wood door, CLICK HERE.

Steel and Wood Garage Doors in Des Moines

WD Door repairs and installs steel, wood, and many other types of garage doors for homeowners and commercial businesses throughout Ankeny, Des Moines, and many of the surrounding communities. If you need your door inspected or repaired, give us a call at 515-963-0989, or send us message online by clicking the button below, and we’ll be in touch soon!