The front door is the first thing that draws the viewer’s attention from the curb, so it only makes sense to keep it looking as pristine as possible. If your home has a steel entry door, keeping it clean has never been easier.
ALL YOU NEED ARE SOAP AND WATER
• Steel doors generally do not require special cleaning products. In fact, all you need to clean your steel entry door is water and diluted dish soap. A soft brush with a telescoping handle will let you reach all the way to the top of the door, then use a garden hose to rinse it clean. You can use any type of dish soap to clean your front door; we recommend using plant-friendly products if the runoff will reach plants in your yard.
AVOID USING PRESSURE WASHERS
• Pressure washers are great for cleaning the driveway and other outdoor surfaces, we strongly recommend against using it on your steel door, even at its lowest settings. Most steel doors have nonporous surfaces, which means if you must remove stubborn stains on your steel door, all you need is a 1:1 water and white vinegar solution. Dip a clean cloth on the solution, dab it on the stain, leave it for a few minutes, then scrub with a sponge or soft cloth.
WATCH OUT FOR CHIPPING, FLAKING, OR BLISTERING
• Factory-applied coatings protect steel doors against corrosion. Certain conditions may cause damage to this protective layer: impact from windborne debris may cause dings or chips, or excessive heat may cause cracks or blisters. When cleaning your entry door, take care not to force moisture into gaps or cracks to prevent further damage.
REPLACE THE WEATHERSTRIPPING
• Weatherstripping seals the gap between frame and door sash and helps prevent air leaks. When cleaning your steel entry door, make it a point to inspect the weatherstripping, and look for cracks or missing sections. Replacement kits can be purchased from most hardware stores, or you can hire an entry door contractor and have it replaced for you.
CARE OF HARDWARE & HINGES
• It is important to lubricate locks used in front doors. Special attention is required for locks on the doors in cottages and country houses used at times. Experts recommend using a lubricant aerosol spray: it is more economical and convenient. Apply them periodically, several times a year. Always read the instructions on the label. Consult the supplier of the lock before self-lubricating the latch mechanism. Some manufacturers forbid lubricating locks of premium grades. Always look for such information on the packaging to avoid damage.
• How to lubricate the door hinges? Slightly lift the door leaf using a special pinch bar. Apply the lubricant to the hinge pin or the hinge itself. Ask a strong tough friend to lift the door if you have no pinch bar. Do not lubricate every inch of the hinge; one dab is quite enough. In the process of normal usage, the lubricant will spread throughout the surface.
