A home’s internal doors and external doors get a lot of use, so they require some extra TLC to keep them in top shape. Whether you’re thinking of applying a wood finish to protect your doors from damage, or a deep clean will do the job, we’ve got some handy tips to help you look after them.
Internal Doors
Cleaning
Different door materials will require different cleaning methods, so it’s wise to make sure you know what your door is made of before you get the soap and water out.
For every door type, you can carry out these simple cleaning steps first:
- Dust the door first, making sure you get into all the nooks and crannies of each panel or slat. You can use a feather duster for most of the door, and a clean paintbrush for the hard-to-reach areas.
- Add a small amount of mild dish soap to a bowl of warm water and with a soft sponge, wipe down the door. For wooden doors, always wipe in the direction of the grain.
- Test any cleaning solutions on a rarely seen area of the door to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage to the surface
- Once washed, gently wipe the door down using clean water to get rid of any excess soap that may be left behind.
- Dry the door with a microfibre cloth to avoid scratches.
Remember, each door type will work best with different deep cleaning methods. By using your everyday cleaners and detergents, you may cause damage that leads to exposed wood, and ultimately more dirt build-up, which is counterproductive. So, how should you deal with tough stains on different, untreated door types? See below for guidance on each popular door type.
Natural solid wood or wood veneer: Use specially made detergents or mineral spirits to remove stains and dirt. You can also use white vinegar sparingly to tackle any sticky residue or stains. After cleaning, make sure to dry the door as quickly as possible so that moisture isn’t absorbed into the wood grain.
For all wood-based doors, we recommended avoiding abrasives and household products that use chemicals as these can damage the material or wood treatment. If you have applied a wood treatment prior, follow the instructions provided.
Laminate/CPL: Use mild detergents or household cleaners. A non-ammonia-based glass cleaner will also do the trick.
Finishes
Finishes are fantastic for aesthetic purposes, as well as maximising the longevity of a door. The type of finish you choose to apply to your door will depend on what it’s made of, and your personal preferences in style and colour. There are three main types of finish: Varnish, Wax and Oil.
Varnish: This is the most durable finish, and it’s available in high-gloss and matt variations. Varnish usually requires a few coats for full effect, and these will need refreshing every few years as they can yellow over time.
Wax: If you want to retain the natural look of your wooden doors, we recommend waxing them. You can either choose a standard wax, or a coloured wax to stain the wood or give it an aged effect that may tie in better with more traditional décor. Generally, it’s not as durable or protective as oils and varnishes, so avoid using it in high-traffic areas, bathrooms or kitchens.
Oil: Wood oil is one of the most popular wood treatments and for a good reason. There are various types of oils you can choose from; traditional oils such as Danish and Linseed which require more coats and regular maintenance, or the newer Hard Wax Oils that require fewer coats and are more durable.
Wood oil usually darkens the surfacing while bringing out its natural colour, but bear in mind that this can sometimes encourage the yellow/orange undertones to become visible in pine wood. To counteract this, opt for specialist oils that don’t have this effect.
Don’t forget, you can also paint or stain your internal doors if there’s a particular look you’re trying to achieve. Paint is another fail-safe, durable option which allows you to pick a shade to your liking.
Repairing damage
Doors that are used often will naturally experience wear and tear over the years, but there are ways that you can counteract damages.
To repair small scratches on wood and veneer doors, apply oil or wax-based polish to the scratched area before using a microfibre cloth to gently rub it into the wood until the scratches are no longer visible. This will also prolong the lifespan of the door and protect it from any further damage.
Repairing laminate doors isn’t quite as simple. Instead, you’ll need laminate filler to fill in any chips, sandpaper to re-level the surface, paint to disguise the repaired area, and sealant to protect the area from any further damage.
Hardware
Door hardware also requires care to maximise its lifespan and to keep it looking fresh. You can start by checking the functionality of all metal parts of the door; for example, the hinges, locks and handles. If the hinges are squeaky or stiff, for example, a pply light purpose oil to get them working smoothly again.
The door handle is likely to be the dirtiest part of the door, especially as it’s the part we touch the most, so you should pay special attention to this. If your door’s hardware is made of brass, use special brass cleaner. For any other material, you can use a spray cleaner and a rag.
Cleaning
Similarly to interior doors, the material and finish of your exterior doors will require unique care. Generally, you will be able to use the same cleaning methods that you used on your interior doors of the same material, but you may need to work a bit harder to Get rid of any outdoor debris, such as dirt or spiderwebs.
For webs and dust, you can do this by using a feather duster, beforewiping down the rest of the door with a damp cloth or sponge.Use soapy warm water to tackle hard-to-remove dirt.
Maintaining your locks
It's also very important to care for your exterior door locks to make sure they’re working properly. To effectively maintain your locks, you’ll want to lubricate them around once a year; this will prevent your key from getting stuck in the future. To do this, spray it into the keyhole insert your key and remove it gently before inserting it again.
The type of lock on your door will determine which lubricant you’ll need to use, so make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions first. Then, to keep your locks in the best shape, be mindful of how you use your keys, and avoid pulling them forcefully while they’re in the lock.
We hope you’ve learnt the best way to care for your doors. If you need further guidance on customising your doors, read our insightful article on how to paint your front door.
