Dos and don’ts to keep those patio doors clean

Patio doors make a great focal point for any home; they let in a lot of light, offer a great view of the garden, and make your home look inviting and fresh. However, they need careful cleaning to keep them looking as good as the day they were installed. If you struggle to get a clean, streak-free shine on your patio doors, try these handy cleaning tips.

Do: Avoid Chemical Cleaners When Possible

There’s no need to use chemical based cleaners to clean patio glass. In fact, if you have kids or small pets running around you should avoid harsh chemicals as much as possible. A solution of warm water and vinegar should be enough to clean the glass, and the best thing about this cleaning solution is that unlike soap it doesn’t streak when you wipe it off.

Use a simple sponge and soft cloth to clean the window. After wiping the screen dry give it a little time to air dry before closing the door.

Do: Try Steam for Stubborn Marks

Steam cleaners are a great way to remove stubborn bits of dirt and grime, and they can reach areas that a simple sponge and cloth struggle with. If standard cleaning solutions aren’t doing the job, consider hiring a steam cleaner for the weekend.

Do: Clean The Track Too

A surprising amount of dirt and dust can build up in the tracks of a sliding patio door. Use a small brush to remove that dirt. If you can reach the spring, carefully clean that too. Check the maintenance manual that came with your tracks to find out whether any extra maintenance (such as lubrication) is required.

Don’t: Forget to Clean Both Sides

It’s important to clean both the outside and the inside of the door. Treat the outside frame with an anti-fungal preparation to prevent mold and mildew from building up on the door. Clean the inside to remove all signs of fingerprints, dust and day to day dirt.

Don’t: Ignore The Handles

Greasy finger-prints or dirt on door handles will really stand out after the patio glass is cleaned. Be sure to wipe down the handles with a solution of mild soapy water. This will make sure that the door looks as good as possible, and will also help to protect your family from the germs that inevitably build up during day to day use. Buff the handles to a nice, polished finish.

Don’t: Oil Locks, Unless Required

While some people swear by using graphite or oil to lubricate locks, this can actually be a bad idea. Lubricating locks can cause dirt and dust to adhere to the mechanism, making the lock more likely to stick than it would be if it was un-lubricated. Leave the locks alone unless you actually have a problem with them.

With proper cleaning and maintenance, your patio doors should last for many years. It doesn’t take long to clean your patio doors properly, and if you do it every few months they will look good all year round.