Your front door is one of the first things visitors notice when they approach your home, and a dirty door leaves a poor first impression. Exterior doors are constantly exposed to the elements, and it doesn’t take long for them to look dingy and drag down your home’s curb appeal. Whether you have a wood, steel or fiberglass door, learning how to clean front doors properly can help you keep your home looking its best.
Best Way to Clean Front Doors
No matter what type of door you have, start by brushing off loose dirt, debris and cobwebs with a light brush or soft lint-free cloth. Even dried mud should come off with a little pressure. Removing dirt prevents muddy streaks when you add liquid cleaners.
Always work from top to bottom and don’t forget the sides, including between the door and the frame. Rinse off loose dirt with plain water, then wash thoroughly with a cleaning solution that’s appropriate for the door’s material.
Cleaning Wood Doors
Entry doors made of wood often require more cleaning than doors made of other materials. They also require slightly different cleaning techniques based on whether the wood is stained or painted.
A mild solution of soap and water is usually all it takes for any type of wood door. A mixture of Murphy’s oil soap and warm water also makes a good cleaning solution for stained wood doors. Use furniture polish on stained wood to give it a healthy glow, but skip the polish on painted doors to avoid damaging the finish.
Cleaning Steel Doors
Steel doors are among the most durable and require less maintenance than other materials. Learning how to clean front doors made of steel is relatively straightforward.
Simply spray on a mild, nonabrasive all-purpose cleaner, and use a wet sponge to clean the door. You can also mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a natural cleaning solution.
Cleaning Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. ENERGY STAR® lists fiberglass as one of the most energy efficient door materials on the market, but they require cleaning methods that won’t damage the surface or leave a residue.
The best way to clean front doors made of fiberglass is to combine a cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water. Apply the mixture to the door using a soft lint-free cloth or sponge. For stubborn stains, use a soft-bristle scrub brush but be gentle to avoid damaging the surface.
Alternatively, mix two tablespoons of liquid dish soap with two cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Then, spray and wipe. Add a quarter cup of baking soda to your mixture for extra cleaning and deodorizing power.
How to Clean Front Door Glass
Glass may require more frequent cleaning, because the entire door loses its sparkle when the glass is coated in dust or smudged with handprints. Remove stuck-on dirt with mild soap and water. After the glass dries, use standard household glass cleaner to give it a streak-free shine.
Finish Up
It’s important to give any type of door a final rinse to remove any residual cleaning solution. Then, wipe off excess water to prevent water spots. If you have any doubts about how to clean your front door, contact the manufacturer to see if they have specific cleaning instructions.
Don’t forget your hardware, including the knobs and locks. Wipe these clean with your cleaning solution or glass cleaner, then use the appropriate polish to buff them to a beautiful shine.
Upgrade Your Front Entry Doors
Sometimes, no amount of cleaning brings old doors back to life. Deteriorated doors are also unlikely to be energy efficient. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy-efficient doors improve your comfort level and help reduce your heating and cooling costs.
At Thompson Creek Window Company, we install all types of stunning front entry doors to improve your home’s aesthetics, enhance safety and boost insulation. Our custom entry doors are crafted from the most durable materials and exceed ENERGY STAR® criteria.
Contact us to request a price estimate on a durable, custom entry door and increase your curb appeal while decreasing your energy bills.