A fiberglass exterior door is a great investment for your home—and one that can boost your curb appeal as well. But in order to get the most out of your fiberglass door, it’s important to keep it clean. Not only will this keep your door looking great, but it can also help performance and improve the lifespan of the door.
If you’re wondering how to clean a fiberglass door, look no further. Let’s dive into some of the best methods for keeping your fiberglass door looking great.
How to Clean a Fiberglass Door: 5 Tips
1. Make Cleaning a Routine
One of the best ways to keep your fiberglass door in top shape is to clean the door regularly. Outside of addressing any immediate maintenance needs, plan on cleaning your door at least twice a year. This will help remove any dirt or dust that’s built up—even if it’s not noticeable. This will help keep the door in top condition and avoid any major buildup over time.
2. Use Homemade Cleaners, Not Chemicals
While it may be tempting to reach for a powerful outdoor cleaner, harsh chemicals found in many cleaning products can damage fiberglass doors. Homemade remedies are often the best solution.
Simple soap and water will get the job done in most cases, especially for routine cleaning. Mix two cups of water with two tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray on your fiberglass door and wipe with a dry cloth.
For an added boost, try adding baking soda to your cleaning solution. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to your soap-and-water mixture and lightly stir or shake until the baking soda dissolved.
3. Avoid Power Washing
Power washers are a popular tool for cleaning the exterior of the home. However, when it comes to fiberglass doors, stick to a simple spray bottle.
Power washing can actually do more harm than good to exterior doors, especially those with door glass. The powerful water jet can strip the paint or damage the seals, leading to leaks or reduced energy efficiency. It’s important to keep these seals clean, but do so gently with a cloth.
4. Don’t Forget the Hardware
In addition to the door itself, it’s also important to keep the hardware clean. This will not only help keep your front door curb appeal high, but also ensure that all functional hardware—like door knobs, locks, and hinges—is working properly.
To clean hardware, polish with a non-abrasive wax and a soft cloth. This will help maintain the finish without scratching or damaging the hardware. When cleaning, check all screws on the lockset and hinges to ensure they are tight and oil the hinges when necessary.
Dirt and dust particles can build up within the lock from use. As part of your cleaning routine, spray pressurized air into the keyhole to push out these particles. Additionally, consider lubricating the lock once a year as well. A few drops of WD-40 should do the trick—however, you should follow your lock’s manual to ensure the proper lubricant is used for your specific mechanism.
5. Follow the Manufacturer’s Guidelines
At the end of the day, general tips on how to clean a fiberglass door will work in many situations, but it’s important to consult with your owner’s manual or a professional to ensure the methods you’re using are safe for your door.
The same can be said for all door hardware. Certain finishes may require additional care or specific cleaning methods. If you don’t have the manual on hand, reach out to the manufacturer for guidance.
Why Choose Fiberglass Doors?
Fiberglass doors are relatively easy to maintain, making them a great choice for an exterior door. With proper care and routine cleaning, fiberglass doors can last a lifetime thanks to their exceptional durability and ability to withstand the elements.
Plastpro’s line of fiberglass doors feature unmatched quality and performance. With proprietary features like our high-density polyurethane core and HydroShield Technology, Plastpro fiberglass doors are built with durability, longevity, and security in mind. Pair a Plastpro door with our PF Door Frames for a nearly impenetrable entryway.
Visit our Where to Buy page to find out where you can get a Plastpro fiberglass door today.
