Keeping your garage door clean is an important step in preserving its appearance. It is recommended to clean your garage door at least twice a year.

The ideal cleaning solution is a mild dishwashing soap mixed with water. Avoid bleach as it may discolor particular finishes. A soft sponge or cloth is also preferable.

Visit ArtsyHome.com to get effective garage door cleaning advice. Easily maintain both appearance and functionality. For advice from experts, read here.

1. Use a Soft Cloth or Sponge

When cleaning your garage door, it is important to use only non-abrasive products. Abrasive cleaners can damage the surface of your door and leave it with permanent marks. Using a sponge or cloth with a gentle cleaner is ideal for your daily clean.

The first step is to gather your supplies. You will need a bucket, a sponge or cloth, water and your favorite cleaner. It is best to use a mild soap for this job.

A good rule of thumb is to wash your garage door twice a year. This will help to keep the dirt and debris from causing wear and tear, as well as improve the overall curb appeal of your home. This is especially important if you live in an area with high winds or frequent rain storms.

2. Avoid Harsh Detergents and Sponges

Harsh chemical cleaners can eat away at a garage door’s paint finish and possibly even damage the layer underneath. This damages the visual appeal of the garage door and could cause it to stop working properly.

Stick with a mild detergent like dish liquid or car wash soap. These are affordable and effective at handling most everyday dirt on garage doors. If you need to clean a set-in stain, use bleach diluted with water.

Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to wash your garage door to remove dirt, grit and debris buildup. This can prevent the need for repainting and help it look great. It also helps you spot potential problems before they become major issues. If you have windows on your garage door, remember to clean them too!

3. Don’t Skip the Pre-Rinse

Just like washing your car, you need to hose down your garage door before you apply soap. This gets rid of all the loose dirt that might be caked on and helps prevent your soap from just pushing around the dirt.

Use a sponge or cloth made of soft materials that won’t scratch the surface of your garage door and can be rinsed off easily. Coarse materials can leave scratches on your garage door and may fling off the cleaning solution and dirt onto other parts of your property.

Next, mix your cleaning solution. A cup of mild detergent with two gallons of water is typically sufficient.

4. Don’t Leave Debris on the Door

Dirt, dust and debris on the garage door may interfere with its proper operation. For example, it can block the photo eye sensors that prevent it from closing on objects and cause safety problems or clog the tracks. If this happens, it is important to remove the debris and re-lubricate the track.

Leaving dirt on your garage door can also eat away at the paint and affect its appearance. It can also rust faster and void the warranty on the door. So, it is important to clean your garage door on a regular basis to keep it looking and functioning its best. If you are struggling to keep up with this maintenance, a professional cleaning company can help you. They can provide a thorough, quick and inexpensive garage door cleaning service.

5. Use the Right Tools

Cleansing your garage door doesn’t need to be a difficult task. Just make sure you’re using the right cleaning products and tools to prevent any damage.

This includes choosing a mild detergent like dish liquid or car wash soap, and non-abrasive sponges and cloths. Alternatively, you can also use a specialized garage door cleaner.

Avoid using a pressure washer. These can cause denting and scratching to the surface of your garage door, even if it’s made from durable materials.

After scrubbing, rinse off the soap with your garden hose nozzle on a low pressure setting. This will help to prevent mold, mildew and algae build-up. It’s also a good time to do a quick inspection of your garage door to check for any signs of wear or damage that may need to be addressed.