Keep your steel doors looking their best with the right cleaning routine
Your front door is not just the first thing guests see when they visit your home, it’s also a statement piece to reflect your style. At Clark Hall, we create custom steel doors, designed to your specifications and made using robust, long-lasting materials. All of our doors require very little maintenance, unlike wood doors that need regular sealing and touchups. However, we do recommend occasional cleaning to keep your doors in top condition. In this article, we discuss the things you need to consider when cleaning your steel doors.Why It’s Important to Clean Steel Doors
The regular cleaning of doors is often overlooked, but it’s an essential part of door maintenance. Below, are some important reasons to keep on top of door cleaning and maintenance:- Preserves aesthetic appeal. Doors can be both practical and attractive, adding curb appeal to your home as well as complimenting interior furnishings. Whether you choose to go with a traditional door or a more elaborate ornate door, if it’s well cared for, it can really boost the appearance of your home.
- Increases life span. Our steel entry doors are built to last. However, they are prone to wear and tear as they age. So, it’s important to have a regular cleaning regime to remove dirt, pollen or fingerprints as well as keep an eye out for rust. Pay particular attention to any door hardware, like hinges and locks, when cleaning because dirt buildup can cause damage over time. Well-maintained doors can last for up to 30 years.
- Maintains hygiene. Doors are one of the most highly touched surfaces in any home, office or other establishment. A lot of bacteria are invisible to the naked eye, but can live on surfaces for up to 2 hours and double every 20 minutes. So, your doors can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms if they aren’t regularly cleaned.
Materials Needed for Cleaning Steel Doors
Fortunately, steel doors don’t require any specialized cleaning products. However, incorrect cleaning can potentially cause damage to door surfaces. Let’s look at the materials you need to effectively clean your steel doors:- Mild soap (liquid castile soap is a great option that can be purchased from most grocery stores)
- Warm water
- Microfiber wash cloth
- A couple of additional soft clean cloths
- Toothbrush
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Steel Doors
Unlike factory-built products, each one of our doors and windows is bespoke to your specifications and can even add value to your home. A lot of time and love go into the creation of our products, so it makes sense that they would require some upkeep to keep them looking their best. Below is a step by step guide to cleaning your steel doors:1. Dust off any dirt and debris
The first thing you need to do is wipe any dirt, debris, dust and cobwebs off your door with a soft cloth in preparation for cleaning.2. Make up the cleaning solution
Add a few drops of mild castile soap to a bucket of warm water and swirl the mixture until suds begin to form. Avoid liquid dish soaps like Ajax, ammonia-based cleaning products, or any other harsh chemicals because these can damage the protective coating on your doors.3. Use mild soap and water to clean your doors
Dip a clean microfibre cloth into your soap mixture and wring it out until it’s just damp. Gently scrub your door in small circular motions, starting from the top and making your way down to the bottom. Feel free to take your time with this step, making sure you pay extra attention to any crevices, corners, and visibly stained areas. You can even use an old toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach areas.4. Rinse away any soap residue
Grab another clean cloth and dip it in plain water. Use this to wipe the door again to remove the soap. You may need to replace the water if suds start to form. Continue until the door is clean and soap-free. This step is important because soap residue can cause a streaky appearance and even damage the steel if left to dry.5. Thoroughly dry with a clean, dry cloth
With a dry, soft cloth, wipe excess water from the door until it’s dry to the touch. Pay particular attention to the hinges, locks and any grooves to prevent water spots.Special Considerations for Different Steel Finishes
When it comes to cleaning, different materials and coatings require slightly different approaches. In this section, we run through the types of steel doors and the best way to clean them:- For polished steel doors. Applying a metal polish after cleaning your door will help to maintain its shine and add an extra protective layer. Apply a small amount to a microfibre cloth and rub it into your door’s surface until the streaks disappear.
- For stainless steel doors. Warm water and a mild detergent are usually enough to effectively clean stainless steel doors. Apply this solution with a cloth, sponge or soft brush in the direction of the grain. For extra shine, add white vinegar and water to a spray bottle in equal parts. Spray the stainless steel surface with the mixture and wipe it down with a microfibre cloth. This is an excellent way to remove fingerprints as well as grease and grime.
- For galvanized steel doors. Galvanized steel has a zinc coating that prevents corrosion and increases the lifespan of your door. To effectively clean galvanized metal doors, create a cleaning solution by adding a tablespoon of laundry detergent to a bucket of warm water and gently scrub your door. Avoid using any harsh household cleaners. A cleaner with a pH of 12 or more can dissolve the zinc in galvanized steel.
