A Simple Guide to Cleaning a Wood Garage Door

Wood garage doors also require more frequent cleaning since the finish can be prone to erosion.

A wood garage door can look amazing after the right cleaning process. However, homeowners want to be careful because damaging wood is easier than using steel or aluminum doors. Wood garage doors also require more frequent cleaning since the finish can be prone to erosion. However, the process doesn't need to be complicated.

Here's a simple guide to cleaning a wood garage door:

Cleaning frequency and primer condition

Dirt buildup can cause the wood garage door to lose its original luster. In most cases, a thorough cleanup session once a year will do the trick. However, too much buildup can cause wear and tear, and the finish can eventually erode. Wash a portion of the garage door with plain water before checking the primer. If it seems in bad condition, get a refinishing rather than an ordinary cleaning session.

If the primer is still in good shape, continue with the next steps of the cleaning process.

A cleaning solution for the wood garage doors

Wood garage doors need special treatment because they're especially vulnerable to erosion and abrasive chemicals. But that doesn't mean homeowners need to pay for costly cleaning agents. Instead, mix a cup of mild household cleaning detergent with about five gallons of water. Homeowners can change the amount of detergent to their preference.

This simple solution will do the trick because it won't damage the wooden finish while effectively cleaning stains, grime, dirt, and other buildup.

Cleaning materials for wood garage doors

There's no reason that cleaning a wood finish on garage doors has to be complicated. One only needs a smooth cloth, rag, or sponge to wipe the surface. Homeowners can opt for extra soft materials to further minimize the risk of damage. Begin by dipping the cloth in the water before removing stains and buildup from the garage door.

Pay attention to set-in stains and smaller components such as handles or knobs. Homeowners should clean any exposed wood where the primer is eroded too. This will prepare the door for new priming.

A shiny wood door

Once a homeowner has cleaned every area of the garage door, it's best to rinse off all excess detergent with regular warm water. Once complete, allow the wooden door to dry. If there is any missed buildup, it will be especially visible for homeowners to address once the garage door is completely dry.

Get the experts on board

While homeowners can effectively clean their wood garage doors without assistance, some projects require professionals. This can include installation, repairing faulty doors, or weather sealing. Some owners even prefer to leave the garage door priming to experts. For such projects, contacting a professional painter is best to ensure the job is done successfully.

Quality Overhead Door, Inc. is a full-service garage door installation and repair company for both residential and commercial customers in the GIlbert area 480-838-8850.