Tips for cleaning and maintaining your sliding patio or bi-fold doors
Looking after your patio and bi-fold doors properly will certainly pay dividends.
Regular and correct cleaning will not only keep them crystal clear, but maintenance of the frames and door track will ensure they continue to work as smoothly as the day they were installed.
To start with, it may be helpful to explain the difference between patio and bi-fold doors.
Bi-fold doors open fully by closing in on themselves in a concertina fashion. Once open, the door panels fold and stack to the side, either inside or outside your home.
Patio doors open in a smooth motion to line up one panel after the other on their runners, until they have all stacked up behind the final frame.
Both styles of doors enable a seamless transition between house and garden.
So, to coin a phrase from Gardeners’ World’s Monty Don, here are some jobs for the weekend…
How to clean patio doors
PVCu and composite door frames
Starting with a clean, soft brush, remove any surface dust and loose dirt from frames and sills.
An initial rinse with from top to bottom with clean water using a hose is an efficient approach to removing superficial dirt.
A simple solution of warm water with a mild detergent, such as washing-up liquid, is the perfect cleaning agent.
Wash down frames with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. A toothbrush can be a great tool for gently lifting dirt that has accumulated along edges or in areas where there are more stubborn stains.
When it comes to the glass, clean one pane at a time with a fresh, mild detergent solution. A squeegee is very useful to remove the water and soap – work from the top in an ‘s’ shape for perfect results.
Note: avoid using glass cleaner, cream cleaners and abrasive products on the frames as these can cause damage or discolouration.
Timber door frames
With natural wood frames, it is advisable to avoid the excessive use of water, so an initial rinse is not necessary, otherwise the cleaning approach above can be followed.
We recommend an annual check of the finish of your timber frames and, if required, you should re-coat the wood with a micro-porous stain or paint. Micro-porous products ensure the correct levels of moisture within the wood are maintained.
If you find that there are scratches, dents or chips in your timber frames, these should be repainted or re-stained straight away.
First clean and sand the affected area, a filler can be used to repair the damage and regain the original profile of the frame if needed. Then micro-porous stain or paint should be applied with a high quality brush to achieve a good finish.
Aluminium door frames
With aluminium frames, the general cleaning method above can be followed. However, there are some additional tips for maintaining aluminium frames that will keep them looking great.
It is important to carefully wash out ridges, grooves, joints and drainage channels where salt or other deposits can collect. This will prevent corrosion.
Over time, a reduction in gloss, chalking or staining can occur. This can be addressed using an approved renovating cream, carefully applied with a non-abrasive cloth and polished to restore gloss and uniformity of finish.
Note: T-Cut or similar automotive paint restorer may be used sparingly, provided it is not too abrasive. For extra protection, a wax polish can be applied once or twice a year.
How to clean bi-fold doors
The approach to cleaning bi-fold doors is almost identical to the advice for cleaning patio doors.
The only real difference is the attention that should be paid to the fold joins.
Once open, the internal join should be regularly brushed free of dust and dirt with a soft brush, cleaned with a mild detergent solution and soft cloth, then thoroughly dried.
Frequency of cleaning
Regular cleaning of your patio and bi-fold doors will keep them in good condition, looking lovely and operating well. When it comes to frequency, it is useful to be aware of the following advice.
Every 3 months in urban areas
If you live in an area where there is heavy industry or your home is in close proximity to urban traffic, you may find that there is an increased and more frequent build-up of atmospheric deposits on your panes and frames. Therefore, a thorough clean every three months would be advisable.
Every 6 months in rural areas
In rural areas, depending on where your home is situated, it is likely that atmospheric deposits left on your panes and frames will be organic in nature and less damaging. If this is the case, cleaning every 6 months should suffice.
How to clean a patio door track
Understanding how to clean patio door runners or ‘tracks’ will ensure the continued smooth action that makes them such a joy to use.
Firstly, using a small brush, loosen any debris from the track. Then vacuum using a suitable thin nozzle attachment to ensure the track is free from grit and dust. For best results, this should be carried out on a weekly basis.
Note: avoid a build-up of debris in the track as this will affect the operation of the doors.
How to clean and maintain a bi-fold door track
The cleaning approach above is also suitable for a bi-fold door track.
However, because a bi-fold door system contains mechanical moving parts, which can include hinges, multipoint locks and handles, it is good practice to lubricate these regularly – ideally twice a year.
They should be lubricated using a light spray oil, wiping away any excess with a soft cloth. No further maintenance is required other than this.
Note: during high winds, ensure that doors are kept closed to avoid structural damage.
How to clean and maintain hardware
To ensure your handles, hinges and locks are clean, well maintained and therefore in perfect working order, follow these simple guidelines.
When cleaning, it is a good idea to remove jewellery from your hands to avoid causing surface scratches. Any dirt and grime can be removed with a soap and water solution. Finish with a proprietary household cleaner applied with a soft cloth and buff to a shine.
To maintain locking mechanisms and lock keeps, a light oil, grease or silicone spray can be applied twice a year.
If you are considering new patio or bi-fold doors, we have lots of stunning examples at our showroom.
To discuss your specific requirements, please call us on 01444 45 71 45.