You spent a lot of money on your new entry door. It only makes sense that you would do all you can to maintain it. That means you have to engage in regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it looks great all year long. Your entry door is often the first impression people get of your home, so it’s important to make sure it looks good.

Whether your new door is made of wood, fiberglass or wrought iron, here are some tips for cleaning it.

Wood Doors

With its natural beauty and charm, wood doors can range from traditional oak and mahogany to the more rustic pine or knotty alder. With the ability to complement any architectural style, wood doors are insulated, durable and secure. Plus, they keep out noise fairly well.  

As far as maintenance goes, you should seal your wood doors right after installation. You should also inspect your door at least twice a year on all six sides to check for evidence of moisture, rot, insects, dirt and fading from sunlight. If your door doesn’t have an overhang to protect it, inspect it more often.

To clean your stained wood front door, you should:

• Use a brush or dry rag to brush off all surfaces.
• Apply a wood polish, but don’t use acidic products such as those with lemon oil.
• Clean the glass with a glass cleaner or mixture of water and vinegar.
• Use a cloth, warm water and mild soap to clean the hardware.

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors do well when faced with extreme temperatures, which is good for Dallas homes. They won’t crack, warp, or rot like wood will, and they won’t rust or scratch like steel doors will.

Fiberglass doors are also versatile, available in a wide range of sizes, finishes and styles. You can even get woodgrain fiberglass doors that resemble the look of wood, plus they can be stained or painted. You also have the option of smooth fiberglass doors which can only be painted. Fiberglass doors provide a classic, high-end look marked by energy efficiency and security.

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent erosion or finish problems that crop up from the elements like wind, rain, and debris. All you need is a mild soap and water to clean the door and hardware. Just be sure to replace hinges and weather stripping as needed.   

Wrought Iron Doors

Wrought iron front doors ooze old-world charm and grace, whether simple in design or intricate with scrolls and cutouts. Because wrought iron has little carbon content, it can rust if not preserved. You will need to give it TLC (at least once a month) if you want to keep up its beauty and durability. Here’s how to clean it.

• Make a solution of one teaspoon of vegetable-based soap with water.
• Apply it with a low-lint cloth to wipe dirt away, being sure to work from top to bottom.
• Wipe off residue using a damp cloth.
• Gently dry with another cloth so water spots don’t form.
• Inspect your door every so often for chips or scratches. Touch them up so those spots don’t corrode.

Contact Dallas Door Designs

For all the highest quality entry doors you can imagine, come to us here at Dallas Door Designs. We have it all, from wood to iron, so contact us today at 214-973-0373.