Knowing when and how to clean garage door tracks is essential for homeowners. Cleaning garage door tracks enhances door function and longevity. Regular cleaning involves removing debris, applying a solvent, scrubbing with a brush, wiping with a cloth, and lubricating the tracks for smooth operation. This simple maintenance task can prevent costly repairs and ensure seamless door movement.
Are you struggling with a garage door that sticks or squeaks?
The culprit often lies in dirty or neglected tracks, a common issue overlooked in routine home maintenance. Keeping these tracks clean not only ensures smooth operation but also prolongs the life of your garage door and prevents problems that may require garage door repair.
In this article, you will learn how to clean garage door tracks.
How to Clean Garage Door Tracks:
Regular cleaning of garage door tracks is essential for your garage door’s seamless and quiet operation.
Accumulated dirt and debris can lead to increased wear and tear, potentially resulting in costly repairs or replacements. Moreover, well-maintained tracks contribute to the safety and efficiency of the door’s mechanism.
Here’s how to clean garage door tracks.
Turn off the Power Source
Safety should always be your priority when undertaking any maintenance task, and cleaning your garage door tracks is no exception. Before you begin, ensure that the power source to your garage door opener is turned off.
This can be done by unplugging the unit from the electrical outlet or switching off the circuit breaker.
Turning off the power prevents the door from being accidentally activated during cleaning, which could lead to injury or further damage to the door mechanism. In addition to electrical safety, manually locking the garage door or using a clamp on the tracks above one of the rollers can prevent the door from unexpectedly rolling down.
This step is crucial in setting a safe environment for a thorough and risk-free cleaning of the garage door tracks.
Remove Debris and Dirt
The first step in cleaning is to remove any debris and dirt from the tracks. Over time, garage door tracks accumulate various types of debris, such as leaves, dirt, spider webs, and grease, which can obstruct the path of the rollers.
Start using a small brush, like an old toothbrush or a paintbrush, to loosen the dirt. This allows you to get into the crevices and corners of the tracks. For larger pieces of debris, such as leaves or stones, use your hands or a pair of pliers to remove them. You can also use a vacuum with a hose attachment to suck up the loosened dirt and debris.
Ensuring that all the visible debris and dirt are removed is essential for the smooth operation of your garage door and prepares the tracks for a more thorough cleaning with a solvent.
Apply Cleaning Solvent
Once the tracks are free of larger debris, it’s time to apply a cleaning solvent. Choose a solvent designed for metal and not corrosive, as harsh chemicals can damage the tracks and the garage door system.
You can use a commercial garage door cleaner or a mild household cleaner diluted in water. Spray or apply the cleaner along the tracks, making sure to cover all areas, especially where there is a visible buildup of grease or grime. Allow the solvent to sit briefly to break down the dirt and grease.
This step is crucial for deep cleaning and ensuring that all the stubborn dirt and grime are loosened, making it easier to scrub away in the next step. Remember to protect your hands with gloves and ensure good ventilation in your garage during this process.
Scrub with a Firm Brush
Scrub the tracks with a firm brush after allowing the cleaning solvent to soak and loosen the dirt. A small wire or hard-bristled cleaning brush is ideal for this task.
Start from one end of the tracks and work your way to the other, scrubbing in a back-and-forth motion.
Pay special attention to areas with stubborn grime and grease. The brush’s bristles will help dislodge and remove all the softened dirt, ensuring the tracks are thoroughly cleaned.
This step might require some elbow grease, especially in areas with a significant buildup. It’s essential to be thorough and gentle enough to avoid damaging the tracks.
Scrubbing not only cleans but also smoothens the tracks, which is essential for the smooth operation of the garage door.
Wipe Tracks with Cloth
Once you have scrubbed the tracks, the next step is to clean them.
Use a clean, dry cloth or rag for this purpose. Run the cloth along the tracks, removing all the loosened dirt and any remaining cleaning solvent. If the tracks are filthy, you should wear several clothes. The goal is to leave the tracks completely clean and dry.
This step is essential because any remaining dirt or solvent can attract more dirt or interfere with the lubrication, which is the next step in the process.
Ensure you reach all track areas, including the corners and edges. A clean and dry track is essential for the optimal functioning of your garage door.
Lubricate Tracks Evenly
The final step in cleaning your garage door tracks is to lubricate them. Proper lubrication ensures smooth operation and prevents premature wear and tear.
Use a lubricant specifically designed for garage doors, as other lubricants can attract dirt or be too thick. Apply the lubricant evenly along the tracks, ensuring you do not over-lubricate, as excess lubricant can attract dirt. Focus on the areas where the rollers move along the track.
After applying the lubricant, manually move the garage door up and down a few times to ensure that the lubricant is evenly distributed. This step not only completes the cleaning process but also plays a crucial role in maintaining and extending the life of your garage door.
Regular lubrication prevents noise and ensures your garage door operates smoothly and efficiently.
Need Help?
Do you need to maintain or repair your garage door tracks? Your Garage Door Guys is here to help. Our company offers professional garage door services to ensure your door functions properly and safely.
Contact us today for a cleaner, smoother garage door experience.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your garage door tracks is a simple yet crucial task for maintaining your garage door’s functionality and longevity.
Following the steps outlined in this article can ensure smooth operation and prevent potential damages. Please contact us if you need professional assistance or have any further questions.
Keep your garage door in top condition with routine track cleaning!