Maintenance Guide for Exterior Doors

You recently had a new exterior doors installed on your home and they look amazing. The only challenge now is making sure they continue to look amazing moving forward. Maintaining an exterior door really isn’t all that difficult—the tricky part is just remembering to do it. Below are some tips from the home improvement pros at West Shore Home that will help you keep your new exterior door in tip-top shape.

Regular Cleaning

Regularly cleaning your door is the single most important factor in keeping its pristine appearance. Use a mixture of two cups of warm water and two tablespoons of liquid dish soap. Put in a spray bottle and add ¼ cup baking soda. Close the bottle and shake gently to combine the ingredients. Spray on the door and wipe clean using a dry cloth. Repeat as needed to remove all dirt and dust.

Oil the Hinges

If the hinges squeak when you open and close your door, or if the door does not glide as smoothly as it once did, it can be helpful to oil the hinges. First, clean the hinges with the same solution that you use to clean the door. This will remove any dust, dirt, or other debris. Next, apply a small amount of oil to the hinges. Using a small brush or cotton swab can be helpful for making sure the oil is sufficiently distributed.

Inspect the Weatherstripping

While the weatherstripping on a new exterior door should easily last ten years, if not longer, checking the weatherstripping every time you clean your door and oil the hinges is a good habit to develop. That way, if it is starting to dry out or pull away from the door or jamb, you can address this problem before you develop drafts or see a rise in energy costs. If your weatherstripping is cracked or dried out, it’s probably best to replace it.

Know When to Throw In the Towel

If the existing front door on your home has seen better days, and you’ve done all you can to clean and maintain it but it still doesn’t look or function the way you want it to, the team at West Shore Home is here to help. We can install a new door at your home in just one day. Choose from our wide selection of fiberglass and steel entry doors, in a variety of colors and styles, to design an exterior door that perfectly complements your home’s architectural aesthetic.

Contact West Shore Home today to learn more about the exterior doors, storm doors, and patio doors that we install for homeowners from Pennsylvania down to Florida.