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Everyone knows your home requires a certain amount of maintenance to maintain its value and keep it looking its best, but few people pay attention to their front door — or any door, for that matter. Minor imperfections and loss of function go unnoticed because they build up over time… one scrape or ding at a time.

But if you’re looking to prolong the life of your door, all you need to do is perform a few basic tasks. Regular maintenance will help keep your door looking fresh, functioning and secure.

We’ve compiled this maintenance checklist to help you out. Let’s dig in!

Clean your door

This might sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t perform this simple task. Here’s the steps to follow: 

• Clear away visible grime — Use the nozzle attachment of your vacuum to poke into the corners or patterned portion of your door to ensure you get it all.

• Prepare your cleaning solution — All you really need is a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, poured into a spray bottle for easy application. For wooden doors, you can also use Murphy’s Oil Soap or furniture polish. If your wooden door is painted, be sure not to spray furniture polish directly onto the door — it could strip away the paint.

• Wipe down the door — Spray the cleaning solution directly onto the door and wipe down with a soft, clean, dry cloth, and don’t forget the glass. 

• Buff up your hardware — Use brass or steel polish to make your door handle and lock shine!

Inspect the glass

Sometimes you’ll see fog or moisture building up inside glass. This is an indication that the seal between the panes has failed, causing the protective gas between them to leak out. This means your door isn’t as energy efficient as it was when it was new. 

You have three options here. You could contact a glazier to evaluate and repair it, replace the glass portion or replace the entire door. 

Inspect the hardware

Check the screws and tighten any that have become loose, including the ones in the hinges. Replace worn or rusted screws with new ones, making sure to use ones rated for exterior use. 

Check the handle and lock to make sure they’re secure, as they can sometimes become loose over time. Check that the lock mechanism is working correctly, and repair or replace them if necessary. 

If the metal is worn or pitted, changing the hardware is a cost-effective way to update your door.

Check the paint/stain

A door that is peeling, cracking or shows extreme wear creates a negative first impression. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix.

• Sand the door to remove the worn paint or stain.

• Apply new paint or stain, following the instructions on the can. Depending on the product you choose, this may involve more than one coat for complete coverage.

• Seal wood doors with a protective sealant to prolong the life of your door.

Fixing a “sticky” door

If you have a door that sticks, causing it not to open or close properly, resist the temptation to sand it down without trying some other things first. Wood doors stick for many reasons, including humidity, a sagging frame and misalignment, so try something that won’t compromise the door first. To fix a sticky door, you can try the following:

• Tighten loose hinges 

• Lubricate the hinges and hardware using a silicone-based spray or powdered graphite

• Adjust the strike plate

• Check for swelling or warping

• Sand or plane the edges as a last resort

• Have the door re-hung

• Control the moisture in your home

If the sticking issue persists or the door requires significant adjustments, it's best to ask a professional — you’re welcome to stop by our showroom and ask one of our door specialists. They can help assess the situation and provide the guidance you need.

When to replace your door

If your front door is significantly damaged, drafty, outdated or lacking curb appeal, you might want to consider replacing it. 

Visit our showroom to see all the doors we have on display. We offer an extensive collection of high-quality, energy-efficient front doors that are both functional and stylish. Our team of professionals are happy to answer all your questions and help you zero in on the perfect door. 
And while you’re there, check out our other products, including interior doors, hardware and siding!