How To Clean Your Front Door

Your front door serves as more than just an entrance to your home; it’s the face of your dwelling, the first thing guests encounter, and a reflection of your personal style. However, over time, exposure to the elements, grime, and everyday wear and tear can cause your once inviting front door to lose its luster and charm.

To ensure a warm welcome for visitors and maintain the curb appeal of your abode, regular cleaning and upkeep of your front door are essential.

Whether your front door is made of wood, fibreglass, steel, or another material, our expert tips and techniques will help you tackle dirt, stains, and weather-related blemishes. After all, your front door is an investment—don’t let it go to waste!

If you’re wondering how to clean your front door, you’ve come to the right place.

The Best Way to Clean Your Front Door

Start by putting down some towels for any mess you’ll make. Then, wipe off all the loose debris and dirt from your door’s surface. Using a dry microfibre cloth, start from the top and work your way down without forgetting the sides or the very bottom.

Even dried mud can be removed using a soft cloth and some light brushing techniques. Do this to avoid muddy streaks when you clean the surface with liquid later.

Step #1: Check for Damages

Check your front door for any visible damage or signs of wear and tear. Old and damaged doors lead to decreased insulation and poor energy efficiency.

A hole in your door will also lower your home’s resale value and appeal, making it harder to sell. Not to mention the impact damaged doors could have on your property’s security and leave you vulnerable to burglaries.

Step #2: Wash With Water and Mild Soap

Fibreglass, vinyl, wood, or steel—all doors need to be cleaned regularly.

You can clean your front door using mild dish soap and a warm water mixture, lightly scrubbing the surface with a soft sponge or microfibre cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals like a steel brush, as these can scratch your door’s protective layer.

Step #3: Rinse and Dry Gently

The next step is to rinse thoroughly. However, make sure you’re not using a high-pressure hose or a power washer that could damage your front door. Finally, dry the door gently using a clean microfibre cloth to prevent smudges or streaks from drying on the surface.

How to Clean Wood Doors

Wood doors need frequent cleaning and require slightly different cleaning techniques, depending on whether your door is painted or stained. Luckily, the best wooden door cleaner is a simple concoction of mild dish soap, water, and distilled vinegar.

The last ingredient may be baffling to some, but distilled white vinegar is commonly used for cleaning. It’s especially beneficial in cleaning front doors as it doesn’t contain a colouring agent, making it a great option that won’t stain its surface.

If you’re worried about the smell, it goes away after an hour or so. You can also open up your windows to ventilate the area if you want to get rid of the vinegar’s smell faster.

How to Clean Fibreglass Doors

Fibreglass doors are a bit more delicate than other door types, so protecting the surface and working to not leave a residue should be a priority. You can apply the same distilled white vinegar, dish soap, and water solution with a soft brush or microfibre cloth.

Alternatively, you can add two tablespoons of mild dish soap and two cups of warm water in a spray bottle. Shake the solution well before using it on your door. Wipe off any residue that’s left with a damp microfibre cloth to avoid leaving streaks.

Cleaning Exterior Door Handle (+ Other Hardware)

Dirt and grime can make your knobs look dull, reducing its overall functionality and aesthetic. Rust can also corrode the hinges, which makes your door squeak and weakens the structure’s strength. With that in mind, here is a tip for cleaning these parts of your door.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

A good tip for cleaning your door handle, lock, and hinges is to be gentle with them.

Avoid bleach or other harsh chemicals that contain chloride, and don’t use wire wool and other abrasive cleaning tools because it damages the surface of the metal. Anything that could leave scratches or damage the metal should be avoided.

The safest way to clean your door handles and their hardware is to use a soft cloth, dampen it in a soapy mixture, then scrub the surface gently. Once you have done this, rinse with clean water and wipe away the residue with a dry microfibre cloth.

For stubborn grime, mix equal parts of olive oil and vinegar and gently clean your door’s handles. Rinse with water, then wipe it dry afterward.

Upgrade Your Front Door With Burano

Whether you’re cleaning your front door for good luck (yes, people do this) or because you want to feel more confident in your home, it’s worth doing properly. However, soap and water can only do so much—it might be time to make an upgrade.

Burano Doors installs a wide variety of door types that are fully customizable, with a wide range of styles, colours, and designs to choose from. Our products are also ENERGY STAR certified to ensure that you get the absolute best value for your money.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a FREE estimate!