Just like most major things around your house, properly cleaning and maintaining your garage door will help it in the long run. After all, the best way to clean a garage door doesn’t just boost curb appeal, it also improves functionality.
When you allow dirt or oil to build up on the tracks of your garage door, you can put an unneeded stress on the mechanical parts necessary to keep it working right. It is much more costly to have your garage door fixed — or worse, replaced — than it is for you to take some time on the weekend and clean it properly.
A solid recommendation is to clean your garage door twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall. But don’t let that stop you from extra cleaning if you notice that buildup or dirt, oil or grease. It won’t be too much of a hassle, because you should already have all the equipment needed for the task.
Grab a bucket, the hose, a soft rag, and some gentle soap. Mix the soap and water in the bucket, and give the garage door an initial rinse with the hose. Do your work in sections, using the rag or a brush with the cleaning solution, and scrub off the dirt. Rinse off that section with your hose, and then you can move on to the next section.
Cleaning the windows on your garage is a similar process to how you would clean the windows of your home. Using the same gentle cleaner is your best bet, but be sure to mind the sensitive areas with seals or weather stripping.
You might think your garage door is so dirty that you need to bring out the stronger stuff. Don’t. To avoid damaging your garage door, avoid using a pressure washer, combining a cleaning mixture with bleach, or an abrasive sponge.
With a cleaner garage door, feel more comfortable that it can continue functioning properly. Besides, when you’re up close doing the cleaning, you can take the time to inspect the door, tracks, rollers, and garage door opener. As you know, cleaning is cheaper than needing a repair, but a repair is cheaper than needing a replacement.
When your garage door needs a repair or replacement, that’s when you need to call the professionals. For more information on cleaning and maintaining your garage door, call Environmental Door at 616-453-0164.
