How to Clean Patio Doors: Glass, Screens, and Tracks

Like anything in our homes, patio and front doors can accumulate dirt and grime — whether from inclement weather or a curious child’s exploratory hands. To make sure it lets fresh air and natural light without problems, you’ll need to know how to clean patio doors and do it right.

So don’t grab just any random rag. Follow our guide to make sure your sliding patio doors stay clean and beautiful for years!

How to Clean Glass Panels of Patio Doors

Glass panels take the majority of your patio doors, so they’ll especially need regular cleaning inside and out.

Recommended cleaning supplies:

• Soft cloths (microfibre )
• Squeegee
• Soft brush
• Cleaning solution or DIY glass cleaner
• Spray bottle
• Water

Once you’ve gathered the supplies you need, follow the steps below and your patio glass panels will glisten like brand-new:

1. Cover your door sill with old rags or newspapers to keep it dry and protected.
2. Gently wipe the glass with a soft cloth or brush to remove any loose built-up dirt or dust. For more stubborn dust deposits, wet your cloth and work from top to bottom. This step helps avoid scratching the glass when applying your liquid cleaner.
3. Spray your cleaning solution liberally over the glass or apply it with a soaked microfiber cloth. Ensure you cover the entire surface to break down grime and fingerprints effectively.
4. Immediately wipe off the solution with your squeegee. Keeping the solution on the panels too long can cause blotchy spots or uneven streaks. Work your way down, and make sure to wipe the squeegee after each pass.
5. Thoroughly dry the glass with a fresh microfiber cloth. As a bonus, try buffing the glass to a crystal-clear shine.

🧽 Pro Tip: Avoid scraping stubborn dirt — you may end up scratching the glass.

Source: Canva

How to Clean Patio Door Tracks

If you notice your sliding door is getting harder and harder to open and close, you may need to properly clean its tracks. Ensure you perform both routine and deep cleaning to prevent dirt and debris buildup and keep your doors sliding like butter.

Routine Cleaning

Cleaning sliding door tracks can be done twice a week or even daily. But routine cleaning takes more than a quick wipe. Here’s how to clean patio door tracks routinely:

Recommended cleaning supplies:

• Vacuum cleaner (preferably with a tapered attachment. If you don’t have this, try a toilet paper roll.)
• Soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush
• Broom
• Cleaning solution
• Cloths or paper towels

1. Remove loose debris. Use your brush to get any dirt on hard-to-get corners. Then, attach the crevice tool to your vacuum cleaner and carefully vacuum the tracks to remove any loose dirt, dust, and debris. Use a broom to sweep around the exterior of your door.
2. After vacuuming, dampen a cloth with a mild cleaning solution of soapy water. Wipe down the tracks, including the area around the stationary door, to remove grime and any remaining dust.
3. Once the tracks are clean, rinse the tracks well to remove the solution. Dry off the tracks with clean cloths or paper towels and air-dry them completely.

Deep Cleaning

If it’s been a while since you’ve maintained the tracks, you’ll need to deep clean them. This may need a little more time and work since deep cleaning sliding door tracks requires removing the door from its frame to get into all the nooks and crannies.

Aside from the cleaning supplies needed above, you’ll need tools to remove the door from its frame (Philips screwdriver, drill bit set, etc.) and lubricant.

1. First, remove your patio door from its frame by removing the screws on the door panel using a screwdriver. Then grab the sides of the sliding door, lift it, and tip it to release it from the lower door tracks. Vacuum any loose dirt and debris.
2. Apply your cleaning solution. If the tracks are particularly grimy, apply a stronger solution like a degreaser. Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the grease and grime.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush dipped in the cleaning solution to gently scrub the tracks. Focus on corners and other hard-to-reach areas where dirt tends to accumulate.
4. Wipe the tracks with a damp cloth to remove the cleaning solution and loosened dirt. It’s important to remove all soap residue to prevent attracting more dirt.
5. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the tracks thoroughly. This prevents rusting, especially if the tracks are metal.
6. Clean the rollers on the bottom of the door with the same method.
7. Vacuum or sweep around the exterior to remove dust.
8. Lubricate your tracks with WD-40 or a silicone lubricant. 

🪛Tip: Sliding doors have a lifespan of 20–30 years. If they still don’t work smoothly after cleaning, it may be time to buy new durable sliding patio doors.

Source: Canva

How to Clean Screen Doors

Screen patio doors are a great option for letting fresh cool air in without any unwanted tagalongs (dirt, pests, and the like). But these are prone to buildup of the very things they trap which can impact their smooth operation and lifespan if left unchecked.

Recommended tools and supplies for cleaning screen doors:

• Garden hose
• Soft brush
• Mild cleaning solution (mixture of warm water, vinegar, and mild dish soap)
• Clean, soft cloths
• Screwdriver

Follow the step-by-step guide on how to clean a screen door below:

1. First, remove the door screen from its frame. Be sure to handle it gently to avoid bending the frame or damaging the mesh. Place the screen on a clean, flat surface. This could be on a large table covered with a clean drop cloth or directly on your lawn if it’s clean and dry.
2. Start by rinsing the security screen with the hose. This may suffice, especially if the dirt seems superficial. Use a gentle spray setting.
3. For dirtier screens, use a soft brush and your cleaning solution. Apply the solution using gentle, circular motions. Be careful not to press too hard.
4. Rinse the mesh screen to remove the solution. Allow the screen to air dry completely by laying it flat or hanging it in an area with good air circulation. Ensure the screen is fully dry before reinstalling to prevent any moisture-related issues.

🪰Tip: While cleaning, inspect the screen for any holes or tears and repair them to keep bugs out effectively.

Maintain a Beautiful View with Burano Doors’ Durable Sliding Patio Doors

Knowing how to clean patio doors is essential for their longevity, but know that doors should be built to last and withstand Ontario weather in the first place.

For over 40 years, Burano Doors has been crafting reliable and customizable windows and doors. We understand the importance of a quality patio door, and that’s why we offer complete control over design — shape, size, materials, and colour, all at competitive factory-direct prices.

Contact us for a free quote today and see how Burano Doors can elevate your home with beautiful, long-lasting doors.