Bifold doors, french doors and sliding doors are a great addition to any home. However, in order for them to remain fully functional and prevent damage, it's best to do some regular maintenance. With summer right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to give your glazed doors a good clean. Luckily, no specialist cleaning treatments or techniques are required to keep them clean. Making them very easy to maintain over their lifetime.
It’s important to clean your glazed doors regularly clean to keep them operating as best as they possibly can. All of our glazed doors do not demand constant attention, but routine maintenance makes a noticeable difference to daily use. Dirt, grit, and debris can build up in tracks and moving parts over time. Particularly if your doors are exposed to gardens, patios, or driveways. Without regular cleaning, this debris can cause friction, noise, or uneven movement.
How do I clean the frames?
Firstly, start by removing any dust or loose dirt using a soft brush or cloth. Secondly wipe down the frames with a microfibre cloth or sponge, using a warm water soapy water. Finally, make sure to clean the crevices as well as the corners, as this is important to get rid of any build-up of dirt. Be sure to dry down the frames to create a nice finish to the doors.
How do I clean the glass?
To begin, spray the glass with glass cleaner. Then, using a soft sponge, rub away any dirt. It is best to wipe the glass in a circular motion, moving across the entire surface.
Dry the glass with a squeegee starting from the top corner and make singular strokes downwards. Alternatively use a tissue which will not leave any fibres behind. Wipe the glass with a dry cloth, you can then buff the glass with some scrunched up newspaper or your microfibre cloth. This will make any remaining streaks disappear. Lastly, wipe down the glazing bead (edges of the glass) to eliminate any extra cleaning fluid. And your glass will gleam!
How do I clean threshold?
Start by opening the doors and use a hoover with a narrow attachment to remove any loose debris such as dirt, grit, stones, and pet hair from the complete bottom track. Next, use a soft brush or toothbrush to loosen any dirt stuck in the corners and along the rollers. After this, wash the tracks and surfaces with a soft cloth or sponge using warm soapy water. It is important to avoid harsh, or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the powder coating if its an aluminium door like a bifold. Finally, use a dry cloth to thoroughly wipe up all moisture, especially if your threshold is close to the ground, to prevent corrosion.
You can lubricate the track and rollers by using a silicone-based spray for smooth operation. Avoid oil-based lubricants like WD-40, as they can attract dust and grime.
How often should I clean?
You should aim to clean your glazed doors every 3 to 6 months to maintain smooth operation, with monthly cleaning for glass panes in high-use areas. Tracks, hinges, and locks should be cleaned and lubricated regularly to avoid damage.
What equipment do I need?
- A microfibre cloth it is generally recommended to use a microfibre cloth over a regular dish cloth as microfibre is non-abrasive so will not cause any minor scratches or damage.
- Mild Detergent or Soap a mixture of warm water and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner (like washing-up liquid) is best for frames and glass.
- Vacuum Cleaner with small attachment indispensable for removing dirt, dust, and debris from the tracks.
- Soft-Bristle Brush/Toothbrush for scrubbing stubborn grime out of tracks, corners, and around hinges.
- Squeegee ideal for achieving a streak-free finish on the glass panels.
- Silicone-Based Lubricant Spray used to lubricate the tracks and rollers (avoid oil-based products like WD-40, which can attract dirt).
There you have it, our handy glazed door cleaning guide to keep your french doors, sliding doors and bifold doors sparkling for years to come. By setting aside a small amount of time every few months, you can protect your investment and keep your doors looking as impressive as the day they were installed.
However, if your front doors or windows require a replacement then feel free to browse our window and door ranges or call our friendly sales team on 0333 004 1100 or email sales@supaglazingonline.com for more information or a free quote.
