Because it is the most prominent feature on your entire home, you want your garage door to always look its best. Keeping your garage door clean not only improves its lifespan, but it also gives your home increased curb appeal. Here are a few simple rules to keep in mind when washing your garage door.​

KEEP IT CLOSED WHILE CLEANING
Safety should always come first whenever you’re cleaning your garage door. To keep yourself from being injured, you should always keep your garage door closed while cleaning it. Leaving it partially open can result in accidental injury if your hand gets pinched or caught on a garage door component.

You should also make sure no one else can open your garage door while you’re cleaning it. Be sure to disable the garage door opener or disconnect the carriage by pulling the overhead emergency release.

AVOID HARSH OR ABRASIVE DETERGENTS
You want to get rid of the dirt and grime on your garage door, but you don’t want to mar your door’s finish in the process. Unfortunately, using overly harsh cleaning agents or abrasive detergents can do just that. Harsh cleaners can also dry out weatherstripping and seals, allowing them to crack and eventually disintegrate.

Instead, you’re better off using ordinary dishwashing soap or a similarly mild detergent to clean your garage door. For stubborn dirt and grime, you can spot clean these areas using diluted bleach. Make sure to thoroughly rinse cleaned surfaces immediately afterwards.

NO PRESSURE WASHING, PLEASE
Pressure washing may seem like the quickest and most effective way of cleaning your garage door, but it’s also one of the most damaging. Even on its lowest settings, the sheer force exerted by a pressure washer can easily strip away paint and cause other lasting damage to your garage door.

It’s safer to use a bucket of water and a large, soft sponge or soft brush to clean your garage door. You can still use your garden hose for rinsing, just as long as the nozzle is set to a relatively low pressure.

START AT THE TOP
Washing your garage door from the bottom up can lead to streaks of soap residue rolling over freshly cleaned areas, which means you’ll have to go over those surfaces a second time. Instead, start from the top of your garage door and work your way down. This way, you won’t have to re-clean surfaces that were accidentally dirtied during the cleaning process.

USE WAX TO PROTECT YOUR DOOR’S FINISH
A little wax can go a long way towards keeping your garage door’s finish in good shape. Applying a highquality liquid car wax to your door can help it repel dirt while giving your garage door’s surface some wellneeded luster.

Keep in mind that some garage door finishes shouldn’t be waxed, including anodized aluminum doors. Check with your manufacturer before using any wax on your garage door.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR WEATHERSTRIPPING
As you wash your garage door, you’ll want to give your weatherstripping some well-needed attention, too. An all-purpose cleaner can take care of any dirt or grime you find on your weatherstripping. You’ll also want to take this opportunity to inspect your weatherstripping for any cracks or tears that could let air or unwanted insects through.

Sealing your weatherstripping with a silicone-based lubricant will also prevent it from drying out and cracking. Steer clear of petroleum-based lubricants, as it’ll only damage your weatherstripping and make it ineffective against the outdoor elements.

GOT RUST? CALL YOUR TECHNICIAN
Happen to spot a little rust on your garage door? It’s usually a sign that your door has seen better days. Whether you see a small amount of rust or major buildup, it’s a good idea to call your technician so repairs can be made as soon as possible.

If you need any help taking care of your garage door, get in touch with the experts at Garage Door Pros.