How to Clean Front Door?

Front doors are what people see first thing in the entryway, bearing a visual appeal and functionality importance. Like other doors, this door shows signs of wear and tear over time. So, if you own a front door, understanding how to clean it is essential. 

To ensure you obtain a clean look, here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean front doors perfectly.

What is the purpose of cleaning front doors? 

Front doors have two functions: elevate the space’s design and let people pass through. This function draws attention to the space; thus, knowing how to clean front doors serves several essential purposes. One of its purposes is to preserve its life span by eliminating dirt buildups like rust, grime, dust, or weather-related deposits. And because the door is clean, opening and closing it is easy. 

Regularly cleaning your doors can also improve their functionality by keeping the door’s hardware, such as hinges, screws, and locks, dust-free and smooth. With more functional hardware, it helps for the door to be secured, increasing the space’s safety and security. Regular cleaning can shield your door from harsh weather, especially during seasonal changes. 

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean Front Doors

Knowing how to clean front doors will save you from future problems and heavy maintenance. Here are the steps you need to follow if you want to keep the appearance and function of your door:

Step 1: Evaluate the State of the Door

Before you start cleaning, you must examine the state of your entryway and front door. Check if there is wear or damage in the door, if the hinges have dust and debris, and if the seal is not tight. You can also assess the paint conditions to see if there are cracks. By doing so, you can have a proper layout of the best cleaning method.

For instance, if the locks and hinges are dusty and rusting, it is suggested to clean and lubricate them. You should also check the materials used in your front door since the cleaning method will vary. For instance, your front door is made of wood, which requires regular cleaning and coating every two years. 

Step 2: Get Supplies

Make sure that you have all the materials you need before you start cleaning your doors. The following are the materials you need to prepare:

• Water
• Soft cloths or sponges
• Light soap or detergent
• Bucket
• Soft-bristled brush
• Glass cleaner (optional)
• Wood polish or cleanser (optional)
• Metal polish or cleanser (optional)
• Touch-up paint kit (optional)

Step 3: Prepare the Front Door

The first thing to follow on how to clean front doors is ensuring the door is clean. It would help to wipe away any cobwebs, debris, and dirt so it is easier to clean. First, you must use a brush to remove dirt from the surface. While doing so, you must start at the top and work your way from the top to the bottom. You must also pay attention to the door, including ledges, sills, or cracks. 

Step 4: Cleaning the Front Door Base on Materials

In understanding how to clean front doors, you must consider the material used. This is the best way to clean, as the methods vary based on the materials. The following are the procedures you can follow:

For Wooden Doors

When cleaning the wooden doors, you must prepare a solution containing water, white vinegar, and tiny drops of detergent. It would be best to use a soft sponge or dry cloth to dip into the mixture. Then, gently scrub the door’s surface, following its natural grain. It is also important to not let the door get too wet. After cleaning, use a cloth with clean water to remove the excess solution, followed by a dry cloth. In doing so, you must ensure that the base is dry completely. 

For Glass Doors

If you have a door made of glass, you must clean it regularly. What you need to do is remove the dust and dirt using a dry cloth. Then, spray the surface using a glass cleaner or a prepared solution. In preparing the solution, you can combine 4 cups of water, 6 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent in a spray bottle. 

After you spray the surface, you need to wipe it using a sponge or a tissue (if the door is not too dirty). To ensure that there’s no water stain left, you need to use a squeegee or a towel to do a final wipe through a circular motion. 

For Metal Doors

When cleaning a metal door, the first thing to do is to wipe away the remaining dirt and dust. Then, prepare your cleaner, either a non-abrasive-purpose cleaner or a natural solution made of vinegar, water, and detergent stored in a spray bottle. To clean the door surface, use a sponge to spread the cleaner and wipe it using a dry cloth. Ensure that there is no soap remaining to prevent rust from accumulating. 

For Steel Doors

Steel is among the materials that require less care yet are long-lasting. To clean steel doors, you can use an all-purpose household cleaner or a homemade solution and a sponge. You can apply the cleaner or solution to the surface and dampen the sponge to clean the door. It would also help to prepare a dry cloth or tissue to ensure that all the cleaning solution or water residue will be removed. 

For Fiberglass Doors

When cleaning a fiberglass door, it is also best to first remove any dirt or debris residue. Next, prepare your cleaning solution using one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water. As you apply the mixture, you need to use a gentle, lint-free cloth or sponge. If there is stubborn dirt, you can use a toothpaste or fine bristle brush. Lastly, when finishing the process, you can use a microfiber towel for a final swipe.

Step 5: Hardware Installation and Maintenance 

It would be best to include cleaning the door’s hardware since its cleanliness affects its functionality. It would help to clean the hardware with a cleaning solution or a homemade mixture. Then, ensure it is dried using a dry cloth to avoid rust or water stains. 

Final Thoughts

In this “How to clean front doors” guide, you will learn how to assemble your cleaning materials to embrace the procedure. Emphasizing how different materials, such as wood, glass, and metal, highlight the necessary process to guarantee longevity and aesthetics. 

If you want to explore more front-door options, Mannlee has them for you. You can find front doors from modern front doors to wood front doors. Interested? Contact us now!