How to Clean a Garage Door the Right Way
A clean garage door lasts longer and looks better. Dirt and road salt wear on paint and seals and moving parts. A wash is also a good time to look for damage. This guide covers the steps.
What you need
- A bucket and mild dish soap or a cleaner made for your door finish.
- A soft brush or sponge.
- A garden hose.
- Clean cloths for drying.
Wash the door
- Close the door. Unplug the opener if children or pets are nearby.
- Rinse the door with a hose to remove loose dirt.
- Wash one panel at a time from the bottom up. Use soapy water and a soft brush.
- Rinse well. Soap that dries leaves streaks.
- Dry the door and the edges with a cloth.
Avoid harsh chemicals and stiff brushes. They can dull the finish. Avoid a pressure washer on high. Strong water can force its way past seals and damage wood or paint.
Clean the tracks and seals
Wipe the inside of the tracks with a damp cloth. Remove grit and leaves. Do not lubricate the track. Lubricant there attracts dirt. See how to lubricate a garage door for the parts that do need it. Wipe the bottom seal and the side stops. Look for cracks. This guide explains when to replace them.
Pay attention to salt
Road salt sticks to the lower panels in winter. Rinse the bottom of the door in late winter and spring. Salt speeds up rust. Read garage door rust causes and prevention.
Look while you work
Use the wash to inspect the door. Note dents and cracks and loose hinges and frayed cables. If you see a frayed cable stop using the door. Here are the signs. Do not touch the bottom brackets at the lower corners. Here is why.
When to clean
Many owners wash the door once or twice a year. A spring wash after winter works well. Add it to your seasonal maintenance checklist.
A dented or cracked panel is more than a cleaning issue. Our panel repair page explains when one section can be replaced.
Found damage while cleaning?
Call us or send a request. Tell us what you saw and we will point you to the right fix.