Sliding doors can become difficult to open because dirt and debris accumulate in the tracks. The next steps will show you how to keep the opening of your doors soft.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Deep Cleaning
Use this method at least once a year to thoroughly clean and lubricate the tracks of your sliding doors. If you have a mosquito net, first remove it; it should come off easily if you lift it off the track.
Step 1. Remove the curtains, blinds and all door accessories
Step 2. Grab each end of the door
Push it upwards so that the wheels at the base come off the rails. You will need to use a screwdriver to loosen the wheel screws in order to free them completely.
Step 3. Continue to push the door upwards
At the same time pull it towards you until you have cleared the door opening.
Step 4. Place the door on two trestles so that you can clean the wheels
Step 5. Use a wire brush to scrub the dirt off the wheels
Step 6. Vacuum debris from the wheels and around the bottom and top edge of the door
Step 7. Apply non-sticky silicone-based lubricant to the wheels
Step 8. Check that the wheels are clean, that they turn well and that all dirt has been removed
Step 9. Vacuum the door rails
Step 10. Wipe with a damp cloth
Step 11. Apply lubricant before putting the door back
Step 12. Remove the door from the stands
Insert the upper edge into the top rail of the frame.
Step 13. Push the door upwards so as to be able to insert the wheels into the lower track
Step 14. Drop the wheels into the bottom rail
If you have loosened any screws, refasten them once the door is back in place to make sure it is perfectly vertical.
Step 15. Slide the door back and forth gently
Method 2 of 2: Quick Clean
If your sliding door track isn't clogged with dirt and dust, you can slide it more easily in 15 minutes.
Step 1. Carefully vacuum the door track while it is closed
Step 2. Fully open the door to access the other side of the track
Step 3. Scrape dirt and debris off the track with the aid of a screwdriver
Step 4. Vacuum the dirt you removed using the small nozzle of the vacuum cleaner
Step 5. Use an old rag to apply a generous amount of non-sticky lubricant to both sides of the rail
Step 6. Open and close the door several times to lubricate the entire track
You will need to do this for a few minutes before the door moves smoothly.
Advice
- Make sure you clean the rails on both sides of the door.
- Clean the sliding door tracks every two months with a wire brush. The brush removes dirt deposits which you can then vacuum up.
- It is also useful to lubricate the sliding door tracks every two months.
Warnings
- It is better to have someone to help you when you take the doors off the tracks. If you need to loosen the screws, your helper can hold the door to keep it from falling off before removing it.
- Try to avoid oil-based lubricants because they attract dust and dirt; you will need to clean the wheels and tracks more often if you use a grease or oil instead of non-sticky lubricants.