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Here’s How to Clean Your Patio Door
Whether we recently installed your new patio door or you’ve had it for a few years, it’s important to have pride in your door, and that means cleaning it every month. Cleaning your door does two things; it maximizes the amount of healthy sunlight that can come in and will keep your door in good working order.
Could you roll up your sleeves and clean your patio door yourself? Sure, but we thought we'd share with you a comprehensive cleaning strategy that ensures no part of your door is neglected. If you follow this guide to a tee, then your door will look brand new for years to come.
Prepare the Area Before Cleaning
First, gather the tools you’ll need to clean your door. This is what we suggest:
- Water
- Vinegar
- Bucket
- Microfiber cloth
- Towel
- Brush
- Sponge
- Squeegee
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Lubricant (look for a product known as “dry lube”)
Combine a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water in a bucket.
Cover the Sill
Lay your towel over the door sill to protect it from any water and vinegar that may run down the window. We recommend you use an old towel or lay a bunch of old rags down.
Wipe Down the Hardware (Frame & Handles)
Using a microfiber cloth and the aforementioned vinegar and water solution, wipe down the door handle as well as the surrounding door frame. Take care to remove any smudges on the door handle and inspect the bottom of the door for scuff marks. With enough elbow grease, you should be able to remove the scuffs.
Clean the Rail
Clean the rail at the top and bottom around the door as best as you can. We recommend you use a vacuum with a brush attachment to agitate dirt and debris and suck it up.
(Optional) Lubricate the Rail
Depending on the age of your door and how recently it's been lubricated, you might want to spray some lubrication on the top and bottom rail. We recommend a silicon-based spray lube, usually labeled as "dry lube." This lubricant will not attract dirt and will make your door glide like it's riding on a cloud!
Clean the Glass
Using the vinegar mixture, wipe down the glass with a microfiber cloth. Once finished, switch to a dry microfiber cloth and buff the glass until dry and gleaming. You must use a microfiber cloth during this step to ensure a clean finish without stray fibers and streaks on the glass.
Clean Up & Admire the View
Lastly, clean up your tools and admire your work. If it’s been a while between cleaning, you should immediately notice a difference. If you followed our advice and used a microfiber cloth in conjunction with a 50/50 vinegar mixture, then your glass should look nearly invisible to the naked eye!