How to Clean Your Garage Door

Cleaning your garage door is essential to protect your investment and help it look better for longer. In general, you should wash your garage door at least in the spring and fall. However, if you live in a coastal climate or another area with high moisture, you may want to clean four times a year or once every season. High humidity and salt air, especially, can damage your aluminum garage door or other garage door. 

Steps to Clean Your Garage Door

The good news is that you will generally have the tools you need to wash your garage door on hand. Set aside a few hours for the job and then follow these steps: 

1. Gather your supplies: You will need a ladder, a mild dishwashing soap, a bucket and plenty of soft cloths. When choosing a soap, look for a mild product and be sure to mix it with plenty of water. About two gallons of water to one cup of soap is usually ideal, though you should consult your garage door manual to ensure the products won’t harm the finish. 
2. Brush and pre rinse the door: Start by using a cloth to brush off cobwebs and any obvious dirt from the garage door. Then, wet the door with a gentle stream from a garden hose or bucket of clean water. 
3. Apply soap and scrub lightly: Dip a cloth into your soap and water mixture and, starting at the top of your garage door, scrub downward. Use added pressure on any stains.
4. Rinse and dry: Once you’re done scrubbing, wash off the soap mixture with fresh water. 
5. Wax: Many individuals don’t realize they can wax a garage door. In fact, if you have a steel door, you need to wax it when your garage door has dried fully after washing. You can use a car liquid wax, though you will want to consult the garage door manual to see if specific products are recommended. 
6. Clean and lubricate weatherstripping: Don’t overlook the weatherstripping and trim. Taking care of these features helps them last longer and makes your garage door look its best. 
7. Clean the interior of your garage door: While the inside of your garage door is exposed to fewer elements, it can still get dirty. Use the same process to clean this area.

Check Out Our Other Garage Door Maintenance Tips

Can a Garage Door Be Power-Washed?

While it can seem tempting, never power-wash your garage door. There is a lot of force in a powerwasher, which can be enough to cause damage. For homeowners, it’s best to stick with a handwashing system that protects your garage door. 

Reach out to Marvin’s Garage Doors Today 

One of the advantages of washing your garage door is that it gives you a chance to find potential problems before they become serious issues. If you see any need for repair, contact Marvin’s Garage Doors for help from garage door professionals.

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