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Most of the time, we at Woodbridge Home Solutions try to stay clear of controversial topics. However, we feel so passionately about today’s message that we will risk offending some of our readers by taking a stand.
We will endeavor to inform you of the BEST way to clean your sliding glass door in this step-by-step guide. Please understand that this may be different than how your grandma cleaned her windows. However, scientists and researchers have worked long and hard on this issue, and we are pleased to present the best practices known to humankind.
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How to Clean Sliding Glass Doors
Cleaning sliding glass doors is much more complicated than the simple task of washing a window. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1 of Cleaning Glass Doors: Clean out the tracks
Using the hose attachment of your indoor vacuum or your shop vac, thoroughly vacuum out the tracks of your sliding glass doors. Use the hose to knock down any cobwebs that may have accumulated at the top of the door as well.
Unfortunately, vacuuming is often just the first step in this process. Next, you’ll probably need to use a bit of elbow grease to get rid of built-in dirt and debris.
While there are a lot of quality cleaning supplies on the market, we recommend equal parts of warm water and white vinegar. (Spraying harsh or gritty cleaning solutions may damage the finish on the tracks.) First, spray the water and vinegar solution liberally along the tracks and use a rag to mop up the debris. Next, use an old toothbrush (or the toothbrush of your enemy) to clean the track’s crevices.
Once the track is clean, open and close the sliding windows several times to see if there are any spots that stick. Consult your owners’ manual to see what type of lubrication is recommended and add that lubrication to the track now.
Step 2 of how to clean glass sliding doors: clean the frame and handles
The next step in cleaning glass doors is to clean the frame and handles. Again, we recommend a mild solution made of warm water and vinegar for this job. Spray the solution on the inside and outside of the door frame and wipe it off with a soft cloth.
If you find this method ineffective, we recommend using a Magic Eraser on the door frame. Test the Magic Eraser in an inconspicuous area before you use it on your entire door.
Once the area has been cleaned, rinsed, and dried, you are ready to learn how to clean patio door glass.
Step 3 of cleaning glass patio doors and windows
There are several steps in the process of cleaning glass doors.
First, wet the entire surface with your favorite window cleaner or your vinegar and water solution. Using a bit of elbow grease, scrub any stuck-on debris or deposits using a clean cloth. Dry the surface.
Second, add a mild solution to the surface of your window. Remove the water from top to bottom using a clean squeegee or a microfiber cloth.
Finally, use old newspapers or a dry, clean microfiber cloth to buff the glass. Repeat on each side of the glass.
You will also need to clean up any drips on the frame and track that occurred when washing the sliding patio door glass.
Cleaning Glass Door Windows: Final Tips
If possible, it’s better to use a mild cleaning solution, but you might need to break out harsher chemicals if the door is filthy.
Also, if you live on the upper level of a balcony apartment, be mindful that your cleaning efforts may affect your downstairs neighbors. However, the rest of the instructions on how to clean balcony glass doors are the same as previously stated.
Woodbridge Home Solutions has the answers to all of your questions on window treatment and home remodeling. So reach out to us when you are ready to give your home a new look!
