Some things are just made to be more valued for functionality rather than presentability.
That is probably why the garage door, despite being such a large and noticeable object, is rarely ever the first thing on a homeowner’s mind when time comes around for a good spring, summer, or fall cleaning.
While this is perfectly understandable, it is unfortunate that many people fail to acknowledge that poorly kept overhead doors are more exposed to the effects of wear and tear.
Ironically enough, it is these same people who also dread having to fix their doors because it’s common sense that repairs aren’t always the lightest expense.
Even if many garage doors left in dirty states manage to stay in fair working condition, a grimy exterior can only go ignored for so long before it eventually taints a home’s comforting, homey appeal.
Aesthetics aside though, getting up close and personal with an overhead door through mindful cleaning sessions is a good way to keep its overall condition in check in case of needed repairs or replacement.
Anyone looking to take on the underestimated, yet important chore of cleaning the door to their garage may find the following tips below helpful.
Invest in appropriate cleaning tools
Not all cleaning solutions will be right for every surface.
The most affordable, safe bets include car wash or dishwasher soap.
Any other mild detergent (not exceeding 0.5% phosphate) will do the trick, but there are also non-toxic biodegradable cleaners on the market that work just as well.
Bleach should only ever be used with caution as a spot cleaner on particularly stubborn stains, and never mixed with other cleaning solutions.
In addition, scrubbing materials, such as sponges or cloth, that are too abrasive may ruin the finish on a garage door.
Most tools that can be used to clean car surfaces will equally suffice for garage doors.
Avoid pressure washing
The multipurpose features of a pressure washer are convenient in many ways but, sadly, not for garage doors.
Even on a low setting, this can damage not only finish, but other components such as rubber seals and weather-stripping, found around the door, which will require prompt fixing if broken.
A garage door can simply be washed down using a hose.
Wax after washing
Generally, waxing adds a protective layer that keeps off most external disturbances that would otherwise directly impact a door.
Steel doors in particular should always be waxed after cleaning but, as a necessity, this may vary for different sorts of doors.
Lubricate weather-stripping
Technically, the maintenance of overhead door weather-stripping calls for lubrication every two to three months.
Regardless, it is important to keep in mind that the best time to do so is after a good cleaning.
Silicone-based lubricants are advised as these do not cause the weather-stripping to dry out and crack like petroleum-based ones are known to do.
Bear in mind that all information above must only be taken as general advice for garage door cleaning.
Certain kinds of overhead doors made out of special or uncommon materials may require more specific cleaning directions and precautions, so being familiar with what type of garage door one has is a personal responsibility.
In most ideal cases, garage doors only need to be thoroughly cleaned twice a year, actually doing so can be quite strenuous, especially when done as a solo task.
So, if the possibility of messing up on a relatively simple cleaning duty is too unnerving of a fear, there is another option to avoid this.
Call someone else to do the job
For those garage owners with cash to spare, many overhead door repair companies across the area of Edmonton offer cleaning services.
Other parts of Canada such as Southeast Edmonton, Spruce grove, Fort Saskatchewan, or Beaumont also give out a bounty of overhead door services to the locals in their respective areas.
Entrusting one’s garage door to a team of trustworthy professionals is a must.
There are a number of online sources that can aid one in smartly choosing which garage repair companies are worth reaching out to.
At the end of the day, whether it’s done by hiring, or accomplished as a seasonal DIY project, this should serve as a reminder that overhead doors ought to be as well-kept as any other part of a home.
