DIY Guide to Cleaning and Lubricating Your Garage Door

Garage doors play a significant role in protecting our homes and property, but they require regular maintenance to function efficiently. Neglecting your garage door can lead to various problems, including malfunctioning springs and rollers, misaligned tracks, and noisy operation. Cleaning and lubricating your garage door is an excellent DIY maintenance tip to help prevent damage and keep it running like new. This blog post will provide a step-by-step guide on cleaning your garage door and how often to lubricate garage door springs. We'll also share some tips for garage door maintenance.

Cleaning your garage door is an easy way to help maintain it. You can do it yourself with a few simple tools. Here are the steps to follow to ensure your paint and door aesthetics are protected while cleaning:

1. Wipe down the garage door's exterior with a soft cloth or sponge. If there is any debris, use a brush or broom to remove it gently.
2. Mix dish soap or a mild detergent with warm water in a bucket.
3. Dip a soft brush or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the door's exterior.
4. Rinse the door with a hose or bucket of clean water, starting at the top and working your way down.
5. Dry the door with a clean towel, or let it air dry.
6. If your garage door has windows, clean them with your preferred glass cleaner.

Lubricating your garage door's moving parts is crucial to its smooth and quiet operation. The springs, hinges, rollers, and tracks need regular lubrication to prevent wear and tear. The frequency of lubrication depends on the type of springs and the level of use. Still, as a general rule, you should lubricate the springs and other moving parts at least twice a year. It's best to lubricate your garage door in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, so they function perfectly for cold, windy winters and harsh summers.

Here are the steps for how to lubricate your garage door springs:

1. Start by cleaning the tracks with a cloth to remove any debris.
2. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the springs, hinges, and rollers. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dirt and dust.
3. Clean off any excess lubricant with a cloth.
4. Test the door's operation to ensure it moves smoothly and quietly.

Regular garage door maintenance can extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. In addition to cleaning and lubricating your garage door, you should also be mindful of the various parts so you can check them regularly and call for service before something breaks.

Here are some tips to keep your garage door in good condition:

• Keep the garage door tracks clean and free of debris; dust them with a brush to remove dirt.
• Check the weather strip at the bottom of your garage door and replace it if it's damaged or worn; we recommend doing this every year before winter.
• Check the safety features, such as the photo-eye sensors and the auto-reverse mechanism.
• Tighten any loose bolts or screws

While a lot of regular garage door maintenance is simple to DIY yourself, some maintenance and repairs require the expertise of a professional. Suppose you notice that the door is making a loud noise, opening or closing more slowly than usual, is stuck in one position, or the door is off-balance. In that case, it's best to hire a garage door repair specialist. Attempting to diagnose or fix these issues on your own can be dangerous and could cause more damage.