Cleaning your garage door windows is one of the quickest ways to freshen up your existing garage door and ensuring it looks great for years to come. Regular garage door maintenance will also help to preserve the garage door’s warranty and in good shape.
Keep in mind that garage door windows should be cleaned every three months to prevent a film from forming due to the build-up of dust, dirt, and grime. So be sure to clean the windows every quarter.
Suggestions of Proper Garage Door Window Care
While keeping your garage door clean prevents wear and rust from forming, some cleaning products and equipment should not be used when cleaning garage windows.
For instance, you should never use a pressure washer. Instead, use a garden hose set to the shower setting for a gentle cleaning to prevent paint stripping or cracking the windows, among other issues that may arise from the pressure of strong water.
Cleaning the windows on your garage door is a key part of the general maintenance you should already be practicing regularly. We have compiled a few guidelines to help you properly maintain the look of your garage door windows:
Clean the Garage Door Regularly
Garage door windows accumulate dirt and dust over time because they are exposed to outside elements year-round. Do not neglect garage door general maintenance twice a year – this can help to prevent emergency garage door repairs.
Start by cleaning the window frames; use a soft cleaning material such as a sponge or a damp cloth. If your windows have decorative inserts, remove them before washing them gently with a cloth or sponge. Once removed, clean the glass window, and clean (and dry) the inserts before putting them back.
Use Gentle Cleaning Products
Use dish soap (or any other soft soap) mixed with warm water. That’s because abrasive detergents or high alkaline cleaners can actually damage, not protect, your garage door windows. Always use warm water and mild detergents such as dish soap or other household cleaners. Mix the mild detergent well before washing the garage door window glass. You can also choose to use a mixture of vinegar and water as an alternative solution (this would NOT be good on wood doors).
Use a Soft Cloth
Use a soft cloth instead of a brush when cleaning the garage door and windows. Soft fabric won’t scratch and/or damage the weather stripping on the garage door window. A brush can also damage wooden garage doors.
For better assistance, check out your door manufacturer guidelines or reach out to your garage door installation company. ALL Garage Doors and Gates is happy to offer our clients a guideline when requested to ensure proper care of your new garage door upon installation.
