If you just had a fiberglass door installed, you probably love the beautiful curb appeal and fresh appearance it gives your home. However, as you already know, your entry door won't stay looking "good as new" forever — which is why it's essential to keep it clean. Additionally, a clean door will also operate more smoothly.

In this post, we'll walk you through the essential tips to keep your fiberglass door sparkling clean with consistency (and a little bit of elbow grease!).

Helpful Tips for Cleaning Your Fiberglass Door

1. Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions

Before you start cleaning your fiberglass door (or even read any of the tips below), it's crucial to pull out the handy owner's manual and warranty that came with your fiberglass door and review the recommended cleaning instructions.

For example, your fiberglass door may have come with a unique finish or hardware that requires special cleaning methods or additional care. When you skip the instructions, you may shorten the lifespan of your door, or worse, cause damage that isn't covered by your warranty.

2. Make Cleaning a Routine

Keeping your fiberglass door clean is much easier when you don't go months (or years) without washing it.

Plan to clean your door at least twice a year — once in the fall and once in the spring — to remove dirt, dust, and grime before it can accumulate and cause an unsightly build-up that can detract from the beauty of your entryway.

3. Swap Chemicals for Cleaners

The cleaners you find in a bottle or at the hardware store may be convenient to use. However, the harsh chemicals in these store-bought products can damage your fiberglass door finish, so it's much better to use a homemade cleaning solution instead.

Two cups of water, two tablespoons of mild dish soap, and a fourth cup of baking soda in a spray bottle should get the job done for routine cleaning. Spray this solution on your door, wipe your door with a dry rag, and watch the grime come right off.

4. Skip the Power Washing

If you use a power washer to clean your home's exterior, you may think you can use it to clean your fiberglass door in one fell swoop. However, we wouldn't recommend using a power washer to clean your entry door.

Power washing can strip your door of its paint or finish, causing chipping, cracking, or fading. If your door has glass, it can also damage the seals, leading to poor energy efficiency. If you want to extend the lifespan of your door, we recommend staying away from power washing and handwashing your doors instead.

5. Polish the Hardware

Finally, don't forget to clean and polish the hinges, knobs, locks, and other hardware pieces on your front door. Usually, applying a non-abrasive wax with a rag will do the trick.

When cleaning your hardware, take a little extra time to ensure everything is working correctly. If the screws and bolts on the lockset are loose — tighten them. If your lock is sticking — try lubricating it with some WD-40. If you notice that any hardware is damaged — contact the manufacturer (or our team at North Georgia Replacement Windows) for replacement parts.

Call the Fiberglass Door Experts at North Georgia Replacement Windows with Questions

Compared to wood or vinyl doors, keeping up with fiberglass doors is super easy — which is probably one of the reasons you chose this low-maintenance material in the first place!

If you still have questions about cleaning your fiberglass doors, whether it be regarding the finish, hardware, or paint — our team at North Georgia Replacement Windows would be happy to answer them. We install fiberglass doors from manufacturers like Plastpro®, ProVia®, MaxCraft®, ThermaTru®, and Infinity from Marvin®, so we know a thing or two about how to keep your fiberglass doors in great shape.

Please don't hesitate to contact our experienced team with your cleaning questions. We look forward to hearing from you!