Often the first thing visitors or passersby notice, a front door truly is like a house’s handshake. Keeping your front door looking its best makes a big difference to your curb appeal and the overall aesthetic of your home. Entry door colors strongly impact the first impression visitors form of your home. Simply having a clean exterior painted door, however, is equally important.
If you’re in the market for a new exterior entry door in the Baltimore, MD or Washington, DC areas, contact Master Seal for some truly excellent options. Our Rosedale, MD, location offers a range of products as well as home installation options. Call 855.608.1580 or reach out to us online to speak to a knowledgeable representative about steel entry door installation in Maryland.
How to Clean and Maintain an Exterior Front Door
To keep your exterior entry door looking great, it’s important to give it a little TLC at least once a year. Spring is an ideal time to attend to details like window cleaning and front door maintenance, as the weather may be friendlier to outdoor projects like these.
The first thing you’ll want to do in cleaning your front door is remove any major debris that may be clinging to it. For this, you can use a soft broom or brush, a damp paper towel, or a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment. Getting rid of the big cobwebs, caked-on mud, or pollen that may have built up on your entryway right away will save you time later on.
Once you’ve gotten the first step of cleaning done, make an assessment of the supplies you’ll need for the full job. The material from which your door is made can inform this choice, and you’ll also want to consider whether the paint is actually chipped. If there are nicks or scratches, consider purchasing paint for touch-ups after you’re finished with the cleaning process. A well-maintained paint job not only makes your home look polished and well-cared for, but it can also help preserve the integrity of your door over time.
The Best Way to Clean the Front Door of Your House Depends on the Material from Which it Was Constructed
Once you’re ready to scrub down your door, put down a towel or newspaper on the interior floor to catch runoff. The best solutions for cleaning your painted front door vary slightly based on what the door’s material is, but rest assured that all are simple and cost-effective:
- For wooden doors – Combine a small squirt of dish detergent with a teaspoon of white vinegar and two cups of water. Gently scrub the solution into your door using a soft sponge, and be careful to follow the natural grain of the wood. Have a bucket of water and a microfiber cloth on hand to wipe away the cleaning solution afterward, and finish by drying your door using a terry cloth towel and top-down motions.
- For steel doors – Fill a bucket with hot water, a cup of white vinegar, and liquid dish soap. Dilute castile soap also works well. Scrub your door with a non-abrasive sponge and spot clean around seals and fixtures using an old toothbrush or nail brush. Use a microfiber cloth to dry your clean door.
- For fiberglass doors – Mix a gallon of hot water and a cup of white vinegar and apply to your door with a non-abrasive sponge. A soft scrub brush can dislodge buildup, and a toothbrush can be helpful with detail work. Again, microfiber towels make for a great finishing swipe.
If your door includes in-set windows, save cleaning them for last to prevent drips from the rest of the project from spoiling your work. You can use conventional glass spray or mix your own eco-friendly batch from one cup of water, one-quarter cup of rubbing alcohol, and three tablespoons of white vinegar. A microfiber towel can help remove stubborn grime, and a squeegee, page of newspaper, or coffee filter can provide a streak-free final polish.
When to Install a New Exterior Door
If you’re contemplating whether it’s time to install a new exterior door, consider the following reasons why it might be the right decision:
- Inefficiency – An old or poorly fitting door can lead to energy inefficiency in your home, causing drafts and increasing utility bills.
- Security concerns – A worn-out door may compromise the security of your home, making it easier for intruders to gain access.
- Aesthetics – Upgrading to a new door can enhance the curb appeal of your home, giving it a fresh and inviting look.
- Functionality – If your current door is difficult to open, close, or lock properly, it may be time for a replacement to ensure smooth operation.
- Damage – Visible damage such as cracks, warping, or rotting indicates that your door has reached the end of its lifespan and needs replacing.
By considering these factors, you can determine whether it’s time to install a new exterior door that will improve the efficiency, security, aesthetics, functionality, and overall value of your home.
Learn More About Cleaning Exterior Doors at Master Seal Today
Learn more about door installation and care in the Baltimore area by contacting Master Seal today. Our friendly staff is excited to help you with your spring home renovation projects. Call 855.608.1580 or send us a message online to get started.
