Cleaning Interior and Exterior Doors

How to Clean Doors.

How to Clean Wood and Glass Doors

When it comes to cleaning interior and exterior doors, it’s important to remember that a door is no longer just a door. In today’s homes, doors come in many materials, styles, and designs—and each one needs the right kind of care to look its best.

Doors are made from a wide variety of materials and come in countless sizes and designs. For example, you may have plain solid wood doors, paneled wood doors, vinyl, aluminum, steel-core doors, half doors, folding doors, decorative glass doors, security doors, storm doors, or patio doors. In other words, the list truly goes on.

Despite their differences, all doors have a few things in common. First, they must be properly hung, set in a frame, balanced, and leveled. In addition, some doors include thresholds while others rely on tracks. However, regardless of their construction, every door needs regular cleaning.

Because of this, whether you have elegant entry doors or standard “home store” models, keeping them clean matters. After all, doors create one of the first impressions people have of your home and the way you live.

Using these tips and cleaning recipes will not only help you save money, but will also make the job easier and more efficient. Best of all, you’ll love the results.

Choosing a Cleaning Solution

When it comes to cleaning solutions, the choice is yours. If you already have a commercial cleaner and prefer to use it, go right ahead. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully and read all cautions before using.

On the other hand, if you want to save money—and avoid an extra trip to the store—homemade cleaners are a great option. Not only are they more natural, but chances are you already have the ingredients at home. Additionally, they don’t contain harsh fumes, are non-toxic, and can be safely disposed of down the drain when you’re finished.

Homemade Multi-Purpose Cleaner

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

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and mix thoroughly.

Homemade Glass Cleaner

3 tablespoons white vinegar
2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol
About 1 ½ cups water

Using a funnel, pour the vinegar and rubbing alcohol into a 16-ounce spray bottle. Next, add water, leaving a little space at the top. Shake well to combine. Spray onto glass and wipe for a sparkling, streak-free finish.

Homemade Brass Cleaner

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

½ cup vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
A small amount of flour

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

Assemble Cleaning Tools and Supplies

Before you begin, it helps to gather everything you’ll need.

Gather Your Tools

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

How to Clean Wood Doors

Dust the Top: First, use a damp rag or vacuum to remove dust from the top edge of the door.
Wipe the Door: Next, wipe the entire door with a Swiffer duster or clean damp rag, making sure to reach edges and corners.
Clean Varnished Wood: For varnished wood doors, apply oil soap with a soft rag, wiping along the grain. Then buff with a clean cloth to remove excess and dry.
Clean Painted Doors: For painted doors, use a sponge with a homemade or commercial all-purpose cleaner, then dry with a soft rag.
Clean Door Handles: Apply cleaner to knobs or handles, wipe thoroughly, and dry.
Polish Brass Fixtures: If your door has brass fixtures, polish them with a brass cleaner.
Clean Glass Insets: Finally, clean any glass inserts inside and out using glass cleaner.

How to Clean Sliding Glass Doors

Clean the Door Tracks

Since tracks collect dirt, dust, and debris, start here.

Vacuum Regularly: Use a vacuum to remove loose debris. For compacted dirt, loosen it with a whisk broom, then vacuum again.
Apply Cleaner: Spray a heavy coat of all-purpose cleaner into the tracks and let it sit briefly.
Scrub Deep: Use an old toothbrush or small stiff brush to scrub along the tracks. For tight spots, use Q-tips or toothpicks.
Wipe Up: Wrap a rag around your finger (or a pencil) and run it along the track to remove grime. Repeat as needed.
Finish with Lubricant: Once clean, apply a sliding track lubricant for smooth operation.

Clean the Outside Glass

Choose the Right Day: Clean on a cloudy, calm day to prevent streaks.
Scrub Away Debris: Spray the glass with cleaner and scrub using a sponge until smooth.
Dry and Squeegee: Dry the top edge, then squeegee from top to bottom, wiping the blade between passes.

Clean the Inside Glass

Avoid Direct Sunlight: Work quickly to prevent streaking.
Remove Dirt: Wipe down glass and check edges and tracks.
Spray and Wipe: Apply cleaner and wipe in circular motions or use a squeegee.
Final Rinse and Dry: Rinse if needed and dry with a clean cotton cloth.

Cleaning Interior (Painted or Wood) Doors

Tip: To remove black marks or fingerprints, use a magic eraser with a light touch. Keep it wet and avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent paint damage.

Wipe the Edges: Start at the top and wipe around the door with soapy water.
Clean Tough Spots: For stubborn areas, gently scrub with a brush.
Rinse: Use a clean sponge and warm water to remove residue.
Dry: Dry with a soft, absorbent towel.
Let Dry: Allow paint to dry completely before touching.

Cleaning Interior and Exterior Doors

Once your doors are clean, maintaining the surrounding area helps keep them looking good longer. Consider adding these tasks to your seasonal cleaning routine.

Pick up seasonal debris around entryways
Keep entryways clear of clutter
Maintain door hardware and oil hinges
Check and replace weather stripping as needed

By following these steps and staying consistent with cleaning interior and exterior doors, you can keep your doors looking polished, welcoming, and well cared for all year long.