Spring has sprung, and before we know it summer will be here. The warmer, dryer weather means we’re able to enjoy our gardens even more after a long, cold and wet winter. For you this could mean entertaining, playing with the kids or grandkids or simply relaxing with your patio doors open.
Unless you already have the Swing and Slide Patio Door System – which thanks to its multiple configurations is suitable for year-round use, your patio doors have probably been mostly closed for the last few months and victim to the winter elements – which means they’ll inevitably have accumulated some dust, dirt, smears and streaks.
Whether your doors are sliding, bifold, swing and slide or consist of wood, aluminium or PVCu, knowing how to clean and maintain them is extremely important when it comes to them being aesthetically pleasing and lasting a long time.
Below are some tips to help you get started on your spring cleaning, which will not only spruce things up for the warmer months but will also further extend the life of your doors:
- To start with, make sure you remove any debris that has collected in the area of the tracks such as small stones, dust and dirt. Beginning by using a small brush before using a hoover pipe can be a good approach.
- After that, wipe the tracks clean with soapy water (or a dedicated cleaning solution) and a non-abrasive cloth. For the harder-to-reach areas, a toothbrush may also come in handy.
- If your doors are wood, make sure not to use too much water or solution as the moisture can cause the wood to swell and it may warp after it dries.
- For metal tracks, spraying some WD-40 will ensure the doors slide across smoothly and there’s no chance of rust build-up.
- For your frames, hosing them down can be a good start before you need to use any elbow grease, as this will remove any superficial dirt and blemishes. Following a quick rinse, a general all-purpose cleaner is just the ticket for getting rid of anything more stubborn.
- Good quality aluminium doors will have been supplied with a powder-coating that offers protection from weather damage and keeps them looking good all year round. (Find out more about the Swing and Slide Door System – our aluminium frames are powder coated and available in 200 RAL colours.)
- For your glass, you have the choice of a multitude of dedicated glass and window cleaning solutions, or you can even make your own. 50% Vinegar mixed with 50% water is an excellent eco-friendly choice and an easy money-saver. For an extra squeaky clean, fold a cloth to a point or use a cotton swab to reach and wipe around the corners of the glass.
- After you’ve applied this solution, taking care to avoid the door frames, you can achieve a streak-free finish with a squeegee or a lint-free cloth which will leave your glass sparkling.
These simple steps cover cleaning and general maintenance for all patio doors, but if you’re looking to invest in a system that will require less upkeep and last for many years to come, Swing and Slide patio doors could be just the solution for you.
One of the biggest advantages is that thanks to their powder coated aluminium frames, they’re less susceptible to rust, cracking, warping and the other issues that come with many other types of patio doors.
They’re easy to clean, maintain and come with a 10-year warranty for added peace of mind – but these are just some of the benefits, view our product details or get in touch to find out more.
Whether you are adding an extension or building a new home, the option to link the outside-in with large