It’s important to keep your commercial garage door in good condition for your customers. A beautiful, clean finish that’s well maintained reflects well on your business and on your business practices. Help attract customers who have confidence in your company by keeping your commercial garage door looking beautiful, strong, and new. Clean your commercial garage door on a regular basis to remove dirt and grime.
Different garage door materials are cleaned in different ways, so we’ve provided two different tutorials to help you with this process.
How to Clean Steel Commercial Garage Doors
Steel garage doors can show stains and dirt, which can develop on the surface of the steel over time. By keeping the finish on the doors clean, or by washing your steel garage doors when the dirt build-up is still minimal, you can avoid a lengthy and potentially damaging cleaning process. The longer the dirt and grime stay on the surface of the doors, the more likely it is the finish will be permanently stained.
Not only does a dirty garage door make a poor impression on customers, but it can also lead to damage and reduced lifespan if left unchecked.Gather your supplies
Gathering your supplies before you start cleaning your commercial garage door is an important first step in the process. Having all of the necessary tools and materials on hand will make the job easier and more efficient. It will also help to ensure that you are using the right products and techniques to effectively clean your garage door without causing damage.
Here are the supplies that you will need to gather:
- Hose: A hose is essential for washing the garage door. It will provide a source of water for rinsing the door and will also allow you to apply water and detergent to the door surface.
- Bucket: A bucket is useful for mixing the mild detergent and for holding the scrub brush and other supplies.
- Mild detergent: Use a mild detergent to wash the garage door. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the door’s finish and reduce its lifespan.
- Scrub brush: A scrub brush is essential for scrubbing the door surface to remove dirt and grime. Choose a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the door.
- Soft cloth: A soft cloth is useful for drying the door after washing it. It will also come in handy for wiping away excess lubricant after lubricating the tracks and hinges.
By gathering all of these supplies before you start cleaning your commercial garage door, you can ensure that you have everything you need to effectively clean and maintain your door. Remember to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive brushes, as these can damage the door and reduce its lifespan.
Clear any debris
Clearing any debris from the surface of your commercial garage door is an important step in the cleaning process. Debris such as dirt, leaves, and other foreign particles can accumulate on the door and its tracks over time, making it more difficult to clean and potentially causing damage. By removing this debris before you start cleaning the door, you can make the job easier and ensure that the door is thoroughly cleaned.
To clear debris from your garage door, start by removing any dirt, leaves, or other debris from the door surface. Use a broom or a dustpan to sweep these particles away. Next, remove any debris from the tracks by using a small brush or a cloth. Be sure to pay attention to the edges and corners of the tracks, as these areas can accumulate more debris.
Wash the door
Using the hose and mild detergent, scrub the door surface with the scrub brush. Pay extra attention to any areas that are particularly dirty or have built-up grime.
Rinse the door
Once you have scrubbed the door, rinse it thoroughly with the hose to remove any soap residue.
Dry the door
Drying your commercial garage door after washing it is an important step in maintaining its appearance and functionality. Water left on the door can lead to problems such as rust, rot, and other forms of damage. It can also create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health. Therefore, it is important to dry the door thoroughly after washing it.
To dry the door, use a soft cloth and pay special attention to the edges and corners where water may collect. These areas can be particularly susceptible to water damage because they tend to have more joints and crevices where water can accumulate. By making sure that these areas are completely dry, you can reduce the risk of water damage and ensure that your garage door remains in good condition.
In addition to using a soft cloth, you can also use a microfiber towel to dry the door. Microfiber towels are highly absorbent and can help to quickly and effectively remove water from the surface of the door. They are also gentle on the door’s finish and will not scratch or damage it.
By taking the time to dry your commercial garage door thoroughly after washing it, you can help to prevent water damage and keep your door looking clean and well-maintained.
Lubricate the tracks and hinges
Lubricating the tracks and hinges of your commercial garage door is an important step in maintaining its smooth operation. The tracks and hinges are essential components of the door’s mechanism and are responsible for allowing it to open and close smoothly. Over time, these parts can become dry and corroded, which can lead to problems such as sticking, binding, and grinding. Lubricating them helps to reduce friction, prevent wear and tear, and keep the door functioning properly.
To lubricate the tracks and hinges, you will need a silicone-based lubricant. Silicone is a good choice because it is water-resistant and does not attract dust and dirt like other lubricants can. It also does not harden or break down over time, which makes it an effective long-term solution.
To apply the lubricant, follow these steps:
- Clean the tracks and hinges: Wipe down the tracks and hinges with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will help the lubricant to adhere better and prevent it from being contaminated by foreign particles.
- Apply the lubricant: Using a small amount of lubricant, apply it to the tracks and hinges. Be sure to cover all surfaces and move the door back and forth to distribute the lubricant evenly.
- Wipe away excess lubricant: Use a dry cloth to wipe away any excess lubricant from the tracks and hinges. Be sure to remove all excess lubricant to prevent it from attracting dirt and debris.
Tips:
- Don’t pressure wash your garage door.
- Read your commercial garage door warranty to familiarize yourself with the content and avoid doing anything that could potentially invalidate the warranty.
- Never use abrasive cleaning pads or cleaning products on your garage.
How to Clean Glass Commercial Garage Doors
Glass garage doors need to be cleaned primarily with glass cleaner. Start by cleaning the aluminum frame with warm, soapy water, then rinse with a hose. When this is done, spray the glass with glass cleaner, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Work with two cloths: one that wipes away the cleaning product, then a dry cloth that wipes away streaks once the glass has been cleaned.
To prevent scratching, glass commercial garage doors require a few extra considerations when cleaning them.Tips for Glass:
- Switch cloths periodically through the cleaning process.
- If the glass is very dirty, start by wiping away loose dirt with a dry towel before using the glass cleaner to polish the glass.
Need to Replace Your Commercial Garage Doors? Contact Overhead Door Company
By following these simple steps, you can keep your commercial garage door looking clean and functioning properly. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help extend the lifespan of your door and keep it operating smoothly.
At Overhead Door Company of Oklahoma City, we sell functional and attractive steel-finished and aluminum glass commercial garage doors. To find out more about installing new commercial garage doors on your property, call today to make an appointment.
