As winter weather begins to fade and warmer temperatures arrive, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about spring cleaning. Decluttering and deep cleaning is on everyone’s list, but it’s important not to overlook the impact of your entry door. Your front entry door is the first thing guests see when they visit, making it vital for curb appeal, and it also provides security and additional insulation to your home. This spring, take some time to give your entry door the attention it deserves with these maintenance tips for its finish and hardware, provided by our friends at ProVia.
Your Door’s Finish
A door’s finish refers to the final coating applied to its surface to protect it from moisture, sunlight, and wear and tear. It enhances your door’s aesthetic appeal and house. Common finishes include paint, stain, varnish, or a combination of these, and they can be applied to various door materials
Clean Your Doors
Mild soapy water and a clean cloth is all you need to clean your entry door. Simply wet the cloth with soapy water and wipe down the door, paying extra attention to any particularly dirty or stained areas. Rinse the cloth with clear, clean water and use it to remove any remaining soap residue, then wipe your door dry with a clean, dry cloth. This process can be applied to any type of door, leaving them looking clean and ready for company in no time.
Keep Weatherstrip Clean
Properly functioning weatherstripping is crucial for keeping out drafts and moisture. Keep them clean by washing with mild soapy water, rinsing them with clear clean water, and then wiping them dry. Finally, apply a light coat of paraffin-based wax and wipe off the excess. This will help ensure that your doors and windows provide a tight seal, making your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Remove Scuff Marks
Remove scuff marks on painted finishes using a mild liquid cleanser. Apply the cleanser to a clean cloth and gently rub the scuff marks until they disappear. Rinse the cloth with clear clean water and use it to remove any remaining cleanser residue, then wipe the surface dry with a clean dry cloth. By following these simple steps, you can help to restore the appearance of your painted finishes and keep your front entry door looking their best.
Your Door’s Hardware
A door’s hardware refers to the various mechanical and electronic components that are installed on or in the door to facilitate its opening, closing, locking, and unlocking. This can include items such as hinges, doorknobs, locks, deadbolts, latches,
Polish Hardware
Over time, brass finishes can tarnish. To maintain the appearance of your brass hardware, it’s important to regularly clean and polish it using non-abrasive wax. By doing so, you are protecting the brass finish from further oxidation and ensuring a long-lasting finish. So, make sure to keep your hardware cleaned and maintained to enjoy its beauty and longevity for years to come.
Keep Screws Tight
General use of your front door and lockset may cause screws to loosen. Inspect the state of your screws a few times a year and tighten them with a screwdriver as needed. With this simple act, you can keep your front entry door looking like it did when it was first installed!
Oil Hinges
Over time, door hinges may cause functional sticking. Much like with screws on the lockset or hinges loosening over time, the oil on your hinges can eventually reach a point where it will need to be replenished in order for the hinge to function optimally. Simply apply a light amount of oil, a silicone based spray or white lithium grease is optimal,to the hinges as needed. Wipe off the excess when you’re finished, and you’ll enjoy a smoothly operating front door for many months to come!
What Not to Do
DO NOT USE paint thinners, lacquer thinner, gasoline, kerosene, or any other harsh chemicals!
Chemical-based substances can be extremely abrasive and may cause serious damage to the finish of surfaces. For example, paint thinners and lacquer thinners can strip away the finish entirely. Similarly, gasoline and kerosene are highly flammable and may corrode surfaces over time. It is important to use only mild cleaning solutions when cleaning your doors and hardware to ensure the surfaces remain undamaged and in good condition.
Learn More About Our Quality Replacement Entry Doors
Whether you’re looking for front entry doors for homes, stylish patio doors, or tough-as-nails security doors, you can count on RJW Exteriors to deliver the best products and expert installation at competitive prices. We only install replacement doors from top brands.
Contact RJW Exteriors for more information about our custom, high-performance doors. Call us today to speak with a team member, or fill out our simple online form now to schedule a free, in-home consultation.
