Wood doors with glass are an elegant way to bring a bit of nature into your home! Watching the world pass by while sitting comfortably in your home is one of the best feelings in the world.
Nothing ruins the vibe more than having visibly dirty windows to distract you from the view! From dog snouts to greasy hands, dirty doors are inevitable. We would like to share a couple of clever things you can do to preserve your door and your view!
1 Keeping Those Windows Clean!
Cleaning your window is a quick and satisfying way to maintain your door. There are also products you can buy to specifically clean your windows, but they are often made with ingredients you may not want to keep near pets or young children.
Plus, you may already have these DIY solutions around your home. Less task specific products means less clutter around your home. Here are two DIY window cleaning solutions with products you probably already have!
Soap Cleaner
Mix 1 teaspoon mild liquid soap with 1 gallon of water.
OR
Vinegar Cleaner
Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar with water.
- Use clean water to rinse the glass surface from top to bottom.
- Dip a sponge in your choice of DIY cleaning solution to wipe your window. Wipe both horizontally and vertically for complete coverage.
- Immediately rinse with clean water.
- Wipe dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Repeat until the window is free of smudges!
- Make sure you dry the wood door afterwards.
- Deep clean your window at least twice a year.
2 Maintain that Shine
You don’t have to deep clean as often if you are able to keep up a simple maintenance routine. Mix equal parts distilled white vinegar with water in a spray bottle.
Evenly spray your wooden door’s window and immediately wipe it down with a lint-free cloth to prevent any drip marks. Use a crumpled newspaper to absorb any leftover moisture for a streak-free shine!
3 Considerations
The devil is always in the details! Did you know that overcast days are better for cleaning windows than sunny days?
On sunny days, you are more likely to get streaks on your window due to the solution drying before you can wipe it away. Focus on one window at a time to prevent streaking and water pooling at the base of the window.
4 Maintaining the Seal Between Window and Door
Not only is maintaining the seal aesthetically important, but it is also necessary to protect the wood door from water damage and to keep heat or AC from seeping out of your home.
If the caulk between the window and door starts to crack or peel, you will need to replace it.
First, remove any old caulk using a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife. Then, clean the area with a window cleaning solution.
Once the area is dry, apply the caulk in the crack between the window and the door. If the caulk oozes out of this crack, use a putty knife to smooth it out and push it back in.
Try to pick a warm, dry day to caulk your window. This will help the caulk set properly and prevent the cracks that come from swelling and moisture.
5 How to Clean Wood Door Surfaces
You may be tempted to break out the same spray you use on your counter tops, but these solvents can be damaging to the finish, paint or even the wood itself.
Most of the grime that shows up on painted doors is caused by oily fingerprints gripping onto dirt, which is why cleaning with only water is ineffective. A diluted solution of mild dish soap and water is tough enough to get the job done, but will be gentle on your door.
Make sure you test your cleaning solution on a part of the door that is not clearly visible, just in case it does not react well with your paint or finish.
Once your solution has proven to be safe to use, you can use a cloth or clean sponge dipped in your solution to wipe the door down.
First, wring out the cloth or sponge and methodically wipe down the surface of the door. Excess water can leave marks on painted surfaces, so do what you can to avoid letting the solution drip down the door.
Follow up by rinsing the surface with a damp, soap free cloth. Wipe the door with a clean, dry towel to prevent any drip marks. Don’t forget to wash the frame as well!
Don’t pressure wash any wood door with a glass window, as the high pressure water could damage the seal and cause permanent damage to the wood.
6 How to Maintain the Wood Door Between Cleaning
Always wipe down boot marks and stains with soapy water as soon as you can to prevent them from setting. This will keep the need to deep clean down to just twice a year!
If your wood door has stubborn stains or mildew, you could consider lightly sanding and refinishing it. You have a couple of options for refinishing a door to maintain your it’s original beauty. Check out our blog article about the best finishes for wood doors!
7 How to Clean Hardware
Keeping your wood door’s hardware happy is key to a smooth and quiet door. A little cleaning and lubrication of the hinges and lockset is all it takes! Do this at the same time as your biannual door deep clean, or anytime your hardware is noisy or does not seem to be working smoothly.
- Remove debris with a sponge or cloth soaked in mild soap and water. Rinse clean.
- Dry hinges and locksets with a clean cloth.
- Lubricate hinges with petroleum jelly or silicone spray.
- Tighten any loose screws.
- Replace any damaged hardware.
Tell Us What You Think!
Keeping your wood glass door clean is quick, satisfying and sure to help your door last for years to come. Let us know about your experience in the comments!
