Spring is almost here and, with it, spring cleaning. Aspects of your home that will benefit from some attention after the winter season are your steel iron doors. In fact, cleaning your metal front doors can make a lot of difference to the look of your home. Here’s how to clean your front door properly for a great first impression every time.
Give It a Good Wash
A proper cleaning begins with mild soap and water. Liquid castile soap is vegetable-based and very gentle. Dish soap also works well, but never use harsh chemicals, which can ruin finishes and react with metal. Mix a teaspoon of soap in two cups of warm water and agitate the mixture a bit until suds form. Then, dip your lint-free cloth into the mixture.
Working from the top down, wipe or scrub to remove any stubborn dirt. There’s no shame in wiping it down again if need be; after all, the goal is to end up with a beautiful front door. Once you’re done washing it, rinse with clean water from a pail or garden hose, whichever is easier. Then, wipe with a soft rag until the door is completely dry.
If You See Rust
Rust is a common occurrence with iron entry doors, especially for those living in coastal areas. The good news is that rust can be eliminated with the right treatment. The only bad news is that rust will spread quickly if left unchecked—but, thanks to this guide, you can make sure that never happens.
Giving your door a once-over now and again to check for rust spots will help you a lot when it’s time to clean. If you haven’t inspected your door for rust lately, take a few minutes for a good look. Rust and paint can be scraped off with a metal wire brush or sandpaper. Once this is done, follow the instructions above to wash your door.
Next, you’ll need to cover those spots with rust-inhibiting primer. Wait until your door is completely dry, as allowing water to sit on bare metal will only cause more rust to form. Then, apply the primer with a small paint brush to the spots you previously scraped. The time it takes for the primer to dry will depend on the temperature and level of humidity in your area.
Once your door is dry, apply metal paint and let your door dry for at least two full days before using it. It will be worth the wait when you see your door not only looking like new, but impressing everyone who passes by.
Completely Customizable Iron Doors for Every Home
Can’t get enough wrought iron? Universal Iron Doors offers a wide range of beautifully crafted interior, entry, iron and metal front doors in so many stunning designs that you might find it hard to choose just one. Bring over 150 years of blacksmithing experience to your home—check our live inventory or start customizing your doors today: 1-818-771-1003.
