Wooden garage doors make a beautiful statement. There’s a timeless and rustic feel to

them and because of their strength, they offer great protection.

Like all garage doors, wooden doors need to be cleaned, but how do you clean them without causing damage? We will show you how.

What You’ll Need

To spiff up your wooden garage doors effectively—without causing damage to the beautiful timber—they need to be cleaned in a specific way. You will need:

  • A soft toothbrush
  • A bucket
  • Detergent
  • A soft brush
  • Warm water
  • Hose

You should clean your wooden garage doors as often as necessary. As a general rule, monthly cleaning is ideal, but you may find your garage doors need it more or less regularly. It depends on your climate and how dirty or grimy the doors get.

Before You Begin

Don’t be tempted to pressure wash the doors. Power washing can actually damage or destroy the wood.

First, mix up some warm water with a small amount of detergent in a bucket.

Then, wipe down the garage doors using a soft brush. Something like a dust brush with soft bristles works well and won’t scratch the wood. Use the soft toothbrush to get into any corners or creases and gently brush away any built-up dirt or grime.

Finally, rinse off the soapy water with a hose. Do this on both sides of the door, the inside and the outside.

The doors will now need to be left to air dry. Wood is slow to dry, so it will take time. Since both sides will need time to dry properly, try to wash down the doors earlier in the day, so they have several hours to dry off.

Tips

All scrubbing needs to be gentle. Remember to also clean the knobs, hinges, and any other components of the doors.

Be mindful of any stains and use a soft toothbrush to gently brush those off. While cleaning the garage doors, take note of any damage and once the doors are dried, schedule a repair with a qualified garage door technician.

Maintenance

The key to keeping your garage doors in great condition is to clean and inspect them regularly. Moisture buildup on your wooden garage doors can cause the timber to warp or peel.

Watch for signs of rot, damage, or bugs, and ensure the doors have a coat of quality finish to protect them. Schedule maintenance with a reputable garage door company to keep your doors operating smoothly.

Call the Experts

At DBar Garage Doors, we are the leaders in garage door repair, maintenance, and replacement. If your wooden doors are damaged and need repair or replacement, we are the company to call. Contact us today for quality service and total customer satisfaction.