Wooden doors are very popular in most homes and require some maintenance to look beautiful and in perfect condition. To keep them clean, you need to dust them regularly and occasionally clean them with a mild dish soap. When they start to get too dirty or unsightly, you should consider painting them again.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Clean them of light dirt
Step 1. Remove the cobwebs
Doors often tend to quickly become covered in various layers of dust and cobwebs - especially if they are in a corner or on an exterior wall. Use a duster to scrub them periodically and prevent dirt and cobwebs from building up over time.
- Make sure you dust them about once a week to keep them looking good; this cleansing prevents the situation from escalating.
- This is a particularly important job for exterior doors, as it prevents spiders and insects from accumulating and "settling" near the home.
Step 2. Use a neutral dish soap
For minor cleaning, it is recommended to use a mixture of dish soap and hot water; dip a non-abrasive sponge into the solution and scrub the surface.
When finished, use hot water to rinse the door and remove any soapy residue
Step 3. Clean the edges
Open the door, rub the edges of the jamb and the door itself using a clean, damp cloth; rinse the rag as many times as needed during cleaning, especially if you see a lot of dirt accumulating.
If you have to deal with particularly stubborn encrustations, you can add a little dish soap, but be sure to get rid of any residue when finished
Part 2 of 3: Remove Stubborn Stains
Step 1. Scrub the surface with white spirit
Apply a few drops on a soft, clean cloth to moisten it and rub the door following the grain of the wood; this should allow you to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated.
White spirit is a thinner that you can buy at any hardware store
Step 2. Rub some furniture polish
Spray a small amount on the surface and use a clean dish sponge to make it soak into the grain of the wood; in this way, you eliminate any existing stains and restore the original luster of the material.
This is a particularly important step after using white spirit
Step 3. Use a steam cleaning machine
Get one of these tools with a hose and add some soap to the bristles at the end of the brush. Then spread the steam over the stains on the door and move the accessory over the area to be cleaned; the dirt should simply disappear.
- When finished, be sure to rinse off any detergent residue using a clean rag.
- It is sometimes possible to rent this type of equipment at home improvement stores, hardware stores or carpet repair centers.
Step 4. Remove old paint or primer
If the door has a layer of old paint or some other type of polish that you want to take off, there are a couple of methods you can use. You can proceed with sanding - a time-consuming job - or you can use a chemical stripper.
- Both are effective options, but remember that if you use the chemical, you must work in a well-ventilated area and take all safety precautions (such as wearing a dust mask).
- There are different types of paint strippers: liquid, paste to be applied with brushes or in the form of washes; in all cases, you need to smear the substance on the door and wait until it dries. At that point, all you have to do is brush off the residue (or rinse the surface, depending on the type of product you used).
- This method is particularly effective for exterior doors.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing Future Damage
Step 1. Let the wood dry thoroughly
When cleaning doors with water or other liquid cleaners you need to make sure that all moisture evaporates; if the wood is not well sealed, water can penetrate and, over time, cause stains or even deform the material.
Absorb excess moisture with a clean cloth; you can also direct a fan towards the door for the water to evaporate faster
Step 2. Repaint it periodically
It is important that the wood has a protective layer that protects it from atmospheric agents and keeps it clean even after intense use. Thoroughly dust the panel before applying any stain and color. Opt for a specific interior door product (unless it is one that gives to the outside) and choose a color that matches the furniture. It may be necessary to sand the surface or scrape off existing paint that has chipped or flaked off. Apply the paint or polish and wait for it to dry completely before using the door as usual.
If there is a glass panel in the center of the door, remember to protect the edges with masking tape before starting, otherwise you run the risk of dirtying the glass or accidentally staining it
Step 3. Sanitize the accessories
When cleaning the door, don't neglect the accessories; this means dedicating some time to a thorough cleaning of all the handles. Use a regular all-purpose cleaner to scrub and sanitize the handles on both sides of the door.
