How to Clean Doors.

How to Clean Wood and Glass Doors

A door is a door is a door – not anymore is a door a door.

Doors are made with various materials and come in a lot of sizes and designs – plain solid wood, paneled wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel core, half doors, folding doors, decorated glass doors, security doors, storm doors, patio doors, you name it, the list goes on.

One thing they all have in common is that they must be “hung” and set in a frame, balanced and leveled. Some doors have a threshold, some have tracks, but all need to be cleaned!

So, no matter if you have beautiful and elegant entry doors or just your standard “home store” brand, you will want them to look their best because this is the “first impression” that many people have of your home and the way you live.

Using these tips and cleaning recipes will help you save money and make this task more efficient, and you will love the results!

Choosing a Cleaning Solution

The choice is yours. If you have a commercial cleaner on hand and prefer them, go ahead and use it. Be sure to follow all manufacturers’ directions and really read the cautions.

If you want to save money (and a trip to the store) you can use easy homemade cleaning products. They are more natural and chances are, you have all these ingredients at home. They also do not contain harmful fumes and are non-toxic and best yet, when you are done, you can dispose of them safely down the drain.

Homemade Multi-Purpose Cleaner

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• a dab of liquid soap
• 4 cups hot water

Combine these ingredients in a spray bottle. Mix thoroughly.

Homemade Glass Cleaner

• 3 tbsp white vinegar
• 2 tbsp rubbing alcohol
• About 1 1/2 cups water

Use a funnel to pour the vinegar and rubbing alcohol into a 16 ounce spray bottle, add water to the bottle (leave a little room at the top), shake well to combine. Spray windows and wipe for a sparkling clean finish.

Homemade Brass Cleaner

You can easily clean and scour brass (and copper) with this homemade cleaner.

• 1/2 cup of vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• A little flour

Combine the vinegar and salt, mix, then gradually add flour until a paste forms. Apply the paste to your brass item, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water and dry with a microfiber cloth for a brilliant shine!

Assemble Tools & Supplies

Gather Your Tools:

• Vacuum cleaner with nozzle attachment
• Soft, absorbent cleaning rags
• Multipurpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Brass cleaner (if applicable)
• Small brush – whisk broom
• WD-40 for squeaky hinges.
• Waterproof sliding track lubricant

How to Clean Wood Doors

• Dust the Top: Use a damp rag or vacuum to remove dust from the top of the door.
• Wipe the Door: Go over the entire door with a Swiffer duster or clean damp rag, reaching all edges and corners.
• Clean Varnished Wood: For varnished wood doors, apply oil soap with a soft rag, wiping along the wood grain. Then buff with a clean cloth to remove any excess and dry the surface.
• Clean Painted Doors: Use a sponge to apply a homemade or commercial all-purpose cleaner to painted doors, then dry with a soft rag.
• Clean Door Handles: Apply all-purpose cleaner to the door knobs or handle, wiping well to remove dirt, then dry.
• Polish Brass Fixtures: For doors with brass fixtures, use a brass cleaner (homemade or commercial) to polish.
• Clean Glass Insets or Windows: If your door has glass, use glass cleaner inside and out to make it shine.

How to Clean Sliding Glass Doors

1. Clean the Door Tracks

• Vacuum Regularly: Tracks collect dirt, dust, and even bugs. Use a vacuum to remove loose debris. For compacted dirt, use a whisk broom to reach the ends of the tracks, then vacuum again.
• Apply Cleaner: Spray a heavy coat of all-purpose cleaner in the tracks and let it sit for a minute.
• Scrub Deep: Use an old toothbrush or small stiff brush to loosen dirt along the tracks. For corners and tight spots, use Q-tips or toothpicks for a deep clean.
• Wipe Up: Wrap a rag around your finger (or a pencil) and run it along the track to soak up grime. Repeat until clean.
• Finish with Lubricant: Once clean, spray a sliding track lubricant for smooth operation.

2. Clean the Outside Glass

• Choose the Right Day: Clean on a cloudy, wind-free day to prevent streaking.
• Scrub Away Debris: Use a sponge with a scrubby side and spray the glass with your favorite window cleaner or a homemade solution. Scrub until the glass feels smooth, then rinse.
• Dry and Squeegee: Dry the top inch of glass with a soft towel. Squeegee from top to bottom in bold strokes, drying the blade after each pass. Continue until the entire glass is spotless.

3. Clean the Inside Glass

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Cleaning in sunlight can cause streaks. Work quickly and start at the top.
• Remove Dirt and Debris: Wipe down the glass and check the tracks and edges for grime.
• Spray and Wipe: Apply cleaner and wipe in a circular motion, or use a squeegee.
• Final Rinse and Dry: If there’s any residue, rinse with plain water and dry with a clean cotton cloth for a clear, streak-free finish.

Cleaning Interior (Painted or Wood) Doors

Tip: To remove black marks or fingerprints, use a “magic eraser.” These are available at most stores and work wonders on stains, fingerprints, and scuff marks. Just remember to use a light touch and keep it wet as scrubbing too hard or letting it dry can damage paint.

1. Wipe the Edges: Dip a rag in soapy water and wipe around the door, starting from the top.
2. Clean Tough Spots: For stubborn areas, use a scrub brush dipped in your cleaning solution, but scrub gently.
3. Rinse: Use a clean sponge and warm water to wipe off the cleaning solution.
4. Dry: Use a soft, absorbent towel to dry the door.
5. Let Dry: Allow the door paint to dry completely before touching.

Tips To Keep Doors Clean

Once your doors are clean, make sure to keep them that way by maintaining the area around them. Add these tasks to your annual or spring/fall “to-do” list to stay on track.

1. Pick Up Seasonal Debris: Regularly clear leaves, dirt, and other debris from around the door to keep the area tidy and prevent tracking it inside.
2. Tidy Up Entryways: Avoid leaving toys or clutter in the entryway, as it can be a tripping hazard and looks messy.
3. Maintain Door Hardware: Keep hinges oiled and make sure the door works smoothly.
4. Check Weather Stripping: Replace weather stripping when needed to improve energy efficiency and save on heating and cooling bills.

These simple steps will help keep your entryway looking great year-round.