4 Sliding Door Maintenance Tips You Need to Know

Your patio doors are an investment—and because of this, you should want to make sure they stay in tip-top shape!

Depending on the size of the patio door, the cost could range from $800 to $3,000. To most homeowners, this home upgrade pays for itself considering the following:

• The value added to the house;
• Decreased dependence on artificial lights; and
• The overall boost in lifestyle that sliding patio doors offer.

With proper sliding door maintenance, you will be able to enjoy all of the above benefits for a longer period of time. This guide covers how to clean a sliding door track, prevent rust, clean the glass safely, and more.

Let’s get started!

The Anatomy of a Sliding Patio Door

Most sliding patio doors operate the same way. They have tracks below and above them to which the doors are fitted onto, and the doors themselves have rollers beneath them to make them slide with ease.

In some designs, there are also rollers above the doors. Sliding patio doors can be removed from their tracks, if necessary.

Because sliding patio doors are exterior doors, it’s highly likely that dirt, debris, and grime will accumulate on the tracks after some time. The rollers on the sliding doors can also become damaged, causing the door to get stuck. Finally, the glass components on these exterior sliding doors tend to get dirty quickly—unless you employ the right cleaning method.

In the next sections, we’ll address all there is to know about sliding door maintenance.

How to Clean a Sliding Door Track

It’s recommended to clean your sliding patio door’s track at least once every month. Follow these simple steps on how to clean a sliding door track:

1. 1. Vacuum the track

a. This step gets rid of the large loose debris.

1. 1. Mix a 1:1 ratio of water and white vinegar

a. This is a simple and safe cleaning solution that won’t damage your sliding door track.

1. Spray the water-vinegar solution on the sliding door track.
2. Use a toothbrush or a soft brush to loosen the grime that has accumulated on the track. Make sure to also scrub the corners.
3. Once done, wipe the track with a soft rag moistened with water.
4. To finish, wipe the track dry with paper towels. Make sure that it is completely dry, including the corners.
5. Repeat these steps for the upper tracks of the sliding door as well. Make sure that you are standing on a safe and stable surface when trying to reach the upper track.
6. Presto! You now have clean sliding door tracks that are ready to be lubricated.

Lubricating Your Sliding Door Track

After cleaning your sliding patio door’s track, the next step is to lubricate them.

Lubricating your sliding patio door’s track ensures ease of operation. The best lubricant to use for your sliding door’s track is WD-40. This product serves as both a lubricant and a rust inhibitor. It’s one way you can avoid corrosion even if your sliding patio doors are exposed to the elements.

 

 

Effectively Cleaning Patio Sliding Door Glass

Because sliding patio doors are exposed to the elements, the large areas of glass can get dirty really quickly due to precipitation. Fingerprints are a cinch (they just need to be wiped off), but streaks of rainwater are harder to clean.

This is why we recommend the Blue Rain Window Cleaning Method devised by Clera for a thorough and long-lasting clean. The Blue Rain Window Cleaning Method makes use of the following ingredients:

• Blue Dawn Dishwashing Soap as the cleaning agent
• Rain-X Original as the outside repellant
• Rain-X 2-in-1 as the inside repellant

When done correctly, the Blue Rain Window Cleaning Method will give you clean patio door glass for months. The secret lies not only in cleaning the glass thoroughly but also in applying a protective coating that will keep the streaks of rainwater at bay.

For full instructions on how to do the Blue Rain Window Cleaning Method, please refer to our guide: What Is the Best Way to Clean Windows?

Knowing When to Replace Old Sliding Doors

Sliding patio doors typically have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. However, the materials used for the sliding patio doors and their overall design can either add to or lessen their lifespan. This is one reason why homeowners should not settle for flimsy patio doors.

If you’re wondering if it’s time to trade in your old sliding patio doors for newer and better ones, here are the signs to look out for:

• Failing hardware that interferes with the sliding door’s operation;
• Visible damage or corrosion on the track or the sliding door’s frame;
• Having drafts come through around your patio doors; and
• Condensation forming inside the glass of double-pane sliding glass doors.

Durable, Energy-Efficient, and Chic Sliding Doors by Burano

This wraps up our guide on how to clean a sliding door track and other tips for sliding door maintenance. As a company that’s passionate about home improvement, Burano Doors has several guides available on our website for window and door maintenance or upgrades.

If you’re looking for new sliding doors to replace old and drafty ones, we’ve got you covered! Our chic sliding doors are made of top-notch materials to make them last, and each one is fitted with energy-saving features.

Learn more by checking out our collection of sliding doors or contact our team today!