How to Clean and Maintain Your Garage Door and Garage Door Panels

Garage door maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and functionality of your garage door. Garage door panel maintenance is important for improving the appearance of your home and maintaining its curb appeal. Over time dirt debris and weather conditions can cause wear and tear on the door, affecting their performance and look.

Proper maintenance involves regularly cleaning the panels to remove dirt and debris to preserve the finish. It also involves lubricating the door’s moving parts, such as the springs, hinges, and tracks, to prevent wear and tear and ensure smooth operation – we call that a garage door tune up!

Ignoring regular maintenance can result in costly repairs and replacements in the future. It can also increase the risk of accidents or injuries due to a malfunctioning door, not to mention you may get a call from your HOA for dirty garage door panels.

Following a regular maintenance schedule can help extend your garage door’s life, keep it functioning properly, while improving your home’s appearance and maintaining its value.

Garage Door Maintenance Safety

Safety is a top priority when performing any garage door maintenance. Here are some important safety precautions to follow:

• Use a sturdy ladder: Make sure it is strong and stable and place it on a level surface. Avoid leaning the ladder against the door panels, as this can cause damage.
• Be mindful of your footing: While climbing or standing on the ladder, make sure your footing is secure and avoid standing on the top rungs.
• Wear protective gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes from cleaning solution and debris.
• Disconnect the power: If your garage door is automated, disconnect the power before cleaning the panels. This will prevent accidents or injuries from a sudden movement of the door.

Garage Door Panel Cleaning Instructions

Cleaning garage door panels is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools and cleaning supplies. Here is a short step-by-step guide for cleaning garage door panels:

Gather your Materials

You will need a ladder, a bucket of soapy water, a soft bristled brush or sponge, a soft cloth, and a cleaning solution specifically designed for metal surfaces*.

Washing your Garage Door Panels

After wetting the outside of the door, apply the cleaning solution starting at the top and working your way down. Using a non-abrasive brush or sponge, gently clean the garage door panel surface.

Rinse & Dry

Rinse the panels thoroughly with a hose or bucket of clean water. Avoid using a high-pressure hose as this can damage the paint or panels.

Using a soft cloth, dry the panels thoroughly, removing all water spots and streaks as these can cause staining over time.

*Applicable for factory applied paint. Check to see what cleaner is appropriate for your specific paint application.

Garage Door Tune Up

Regular Garage Door Maintenance includes the interior side of your garage door panels too.

Using a broom, brush away any cobwebs, wasps nest, or dirt that may have accumulated. If you have a non-insulated door, sweep out the panel channels where dirt may have accumulated, as well as the panel itself.

Next, using a silicone based lubricant, you will give the garage door a tune up by lubricating the following moving parts: Hinges, springs, bearings, tracks and rollers**. It is important to avoid using oils or greases as they can attract dust and dirt, which over time can actually cause damage to the garage door by inhibiting the operation of the door. The lubricant we use is called National 400.

Included in a proper tune up would be checking the panels for cracks, dents, or other damage. If damage is discovered, consider immediately repairing or replacing them, but at minimum keep a watchful eye as these can quickly grow into a bigger problem.

Finally, ensure the garage door is properly balanced and adjust as needed. This prevents excessive wear and tear on the garage door, as well as the opener.

Inspecting your door is a perfect opportunity to make sure there are no heavy objects or tools stored near the garage door itself. Objects falling in the path of a closing garage door are the number one reason for doors falling off track. Avoid this costly and preventable issue by keeping these areas clear.

**Tracks and rollers only need lubrication when you have metal rollers. If you have vinyl rollers, you do not need to lubricate the tracks or rollers.

Dented garage door panel

Garage Door and Garage Door Panel Maintenance

We’ve already shared why maintenance of your garage door and garage door panels are important, but how often should you do a garage door tune up or clean your garage door panels? We recommend every six months for both. Staying abreast of the condition of your door – inside and out – is key to avoiding larger problems by catching them early.

When Should I Hire a Garage Door Repair Specialist for Maintenance?

We understand washing the outside of your garage door panels is easy enough for a homeowner to tackle on their own, but what about the tune up?

To many home owners, a tune up is not considered important or necessary and is easily put off. As professionals, we know how important regular tune ups are. We have seen year after year how many costly repairs could have been avoided with the regular preventative maintenance of a tune up. Therefore, we advise scheduling regular tune ups in advance.

Here are some more reasons why you would consider having a garage door specialist handle your regular maintenance:

• Expertise: A garage door repair specialist has the necessary training and experience to quickly and thoroughly inspect your garage door panels, tracks, springs, and other components for potential problems.
• Time Saving: Should they discover an issue, they are prepared to address the situation immediately. They know the proper techniques to keep your garage door functioning properly.
• Safety: Maintaining and repairing a garage door can be dangerous, as it involves working with heavy and high-tension components. A specialist has the proper equipment and training to complete the work safely and properly.
• Equipment: Garage door repair specialists have the necessary tools and equipment on hand to perform a proper tune up, which includes any necessary adjustments like adding extra turns to your spring or adjusting the force on the opener. They can also provide you with quality parts and components if replacements are needed.
• Warranty: Most garage door repair specialists offer warranties on their services. If something goes wrong after the repair, you can contact the specialist, who will fix the problem at no additional cost.
• Cost-Effective: While hiring a garage door repair specialist may seem like an added expense, it can save you money in the long run. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your garage door and prevent future costly repairs.
• Convenience: Hiring a garage door repair specialist is convenient, as they can schedule the maintenance and repairs at a time that works best for you.

Looking for a reliable garage door repair in Katy? Ohana Garage Door Repair is here to help you! Schedule your appointment now, and we’ll solve your garage door problems in no time!