It goes beyond impressing the neighbors. Even if your garage is at the back of your property or your home is located miles from the next one, there are reasons to keep your garage door clean. Don’t get us wrong, we love pulling up to a shiny exterior that has been freshly pressure washed – but the aesthetics isn’t the only reason why teach our customers the right way to clean their garage doors and the reasons why it is important.
Garage doors are one of the best returns on investment out there (with a 96% ROI) when it comes to home updates. Keeping your garage door clean and functional is one of the best ways to add value and appeal to your home.
Why You Should Clean Your Garage Doors
You don’t have to clean your garage doors every week, or even every month, but committing to a deep, thorough cleaning of your garage door twice per year can go a long way in improving the look and function of your door (and maintaining that 194% ROI). Here are a few reasons you should add ‘Garage Door Cleaning’ to your annual or bi-annual home maintenance checklist:
- Enhanced Appearance: A clean garage door can significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. Dirt, grime, and stains can detract from your home’s overall aesthetic.
- Improved Functionality: Dirt and debris can interfere with the door’s mechanisms, leading to operational issues. Regular cleaning helps prevent premature wear and tear on your garage door components.
- Safety and Security: A clean garage door operates more smoothly, reducing the risk of accidents. Dirt and grime can compromise the door’s security features, making it more susceptible to break-ins.
- Energy Efficiency: A clean garage door can help improve your home’s energy efficiency by preventing air leaks. Clean tracks and rollers ensure that the door seals properly, reducing heat loss and energy costs.
- Increased Home Value: A well-maintained garage door can add value to your home. Curb appeal is a significant factor in attracting potential buyers.
How to Clean Your Garage Doors (the Right Way)
No, grabbing your pressure washer doesn’t count as cleaning your garage door. There is a better, more thorough way. One thing to keep in mind as you start this process is that harsh chemicals and solvents may harm the exterior of your door – so use mild products and soft rags and cloths. Here are our steps for cleaning a garage door:
- Gather Supplies: You’ll need a soft-bristled brush, mild detergent, a bucket of warm water, a hose, and a microfiber cloth.
- Remove Debris: Start by removing any loose dirt, leaves, or debris from the door surface and tracks.
- Wash the Door: Use a mild detergent solution and a soft-bristled brush to scrub away dirt and grime. Look behind molding and in the nooks and crannies. Rinse thoroughly with a hose (avoid pressure washing as this can cause small dents or can harm the finish).
- Clean the Tracks: Pay attention to the tracks, as dirt and debris can accumulate there and cause operational problems.
- Lubricate the Hardware: Apply a light lubricant to the rollers, springs, and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation.
When to Add a Wax or Finish
Some garage doors require additional care to help preserve the finish and keep the door looking beautiful. Certain Clopay doors need to have wax applied quarterly:
- Coachman®
- Grand Harbor
- Gallery® Steel
- Classic™ Steel
- Modern Steel™
- Canyon Ridge® 4-Layer
- Canyon Ridge® Elements
- Bridgeport™ Steel
Always use a liquid wax, not paste. Garage doors near the coast may need particular care because of the exposure to salt.
When to Call the Pros at Suburban Overhead Doors
While you can do a lot of garage door maintenance yourself, such as cleaning, there are some times when calling a professional is best. Certain elements of a garage door can be dangerous, so if you think there is debris stuck in the functions of your garage door, or you need to remove certain mechanisms to thoroughly clean the door, please call our team at Suburban Overhead Doors.
Our team has decades of experience and we know the right way to remove parts to ensure the garage door is not damaged. Additionally, the springs and cables of a garage door are incredibly dangerous – so please don’t attempt to clean or service these areas yourself. Schedule a service with our experienced techs today.
