Home ownership requires upkeep and maintenance. Your door is no different and if you have gone to the expense of buying an iron door, you will want to maintain it as well. Iron doors are very durable, so most types are easy to maintain. Wrought iron and steel, however, may begin to show signs of rust if they are not cared for properly. Here are some quick and easy iron door maintenance tips to care for your iron door.
Inspect Your Iron Door
Inspect your door regularly. Look closely at the switch plate and tighten any loose hardware. Making sure all of the important moving components are in good working order will ensure that your door will work properly. During your inspection make sure to go over the gaskets and weatherstripping as well. If it starts to look worn, you may need to replace it.
Lubricate the Hinges
Squeaky hinges can be incredibly annoying. Most of the time, a hinge will start to make noise because it has been exposed to moisture in some way. A couple of splashes of WD-40 and your hinges will be as quiet as a mouse and will probably move much smoother as well. Checking the door once a month is a good rule of thumb.
Dust Your Door
Dust will build up rather quickly, even on a door that is used fairly often. Take a dry cloth and wipe your door down once or twice a week. You can also wash your door with very mild soap, preferably castile soap. Rinse the area with a damp cloth and go over it a final time with a dry cloth to eliminate any type of moisture that may have been left behind.
Maintain the Locks
Sticky locks are not uncommon with steel or wrought iron doors. Make sure you clean and lubricate each lock. This will prevent them from becoming sticky and locking you out of your home or business on accident. In addition, maintaining the locks will also help them to work more efficiently.
Clean the Exterior of Your Door Often
Clean the exterior of your door often to prevent it from losing its luster and beauty. Wipe it with a dry cloth every few days. It’s also a good idea to clean it with your castile soap every few weeks to ensure that it always looks as clean as possible. This will eliminate any fingerprints that may cause your door to look drab or dirty.
Takeaways:
- Clean it often
- Wash with mild castile soap
- Check all the moving parts
- Lubricate as needed
- Inspect for damage or repairs regularly
- Never let dust accumulate
At Forever Custom Iron Doors, we take great pride in the products we offer. We want them to last for many years to come. With proper care and regular iron door maintenance a wrought iron door can last longer than most homes. By following our recommendations, your wrought iron door will remain as beautiful as the day you bought it for decades into the future. If you want to learn more about the iron door products or services we offer, contact us today!