If you have a sliding glass door in your home, then cleaning the tracks is important to ensure the door functions properly. This is because when dirt accumulates on these tracks, it will be difficult for you to open or close. That’s why you should clean them regularly and in several different ways like using a mixture of white vinegar and water in cases of stubborn dirt. You can also use a wire brush and cleaning solution to get rid of the debris accumulated on the tracks. Sometimes, a sliding gets stuck, in which case you should consult a professional from a company offering glass door repairing services.
In this blog-post by Academy Glass and Mirror, we are going over all the main methods of cleaning sliding glass door tracks.
1. Regular Cleaning
• Open the door and use a vacuum cleaner
Use a vacuum cleaner and sweep over the corners of the tracks to get rid of the debris and dirt. This is an efficient way to remove loose dirt particles which can obstruct the opening and closing of the door.
• Use a mixture of water and nonabrasive cleaner
Take a few drops of detergent and mix it with warm water. Then keep this solution aside for the next step which is mentioned below.
• Scrub the tracks with a wire brush
Use a wire brush or toothbrush and dip it into the solution and then scrub the inside of the tracks. Start from one end and then move to the other side but concentrate more on the areas with stubborn dirt.
• Wipe the tracks with a paper towel
After scrubbing the tracks, use a paper towel to wipe off the dirt from them.
• Close the door and clean the other side
Slide the door and then repeat the same cleaning method for the other side of the tracks.
2. Cleaning Stubborn Dirt
• Make a mixture of white vinegar and cold water
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle and shake it thoroughly. Keep this aside for later use.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the tracks
Sprinkle baking soda on the areas with stubborn dirt and let it stay for a while.
• Spray the vinegar mixture
After sprinkling baking soda, spray the vinegar mixture on the tracks and let it stay for ten to fifteen minutes. This will pull up the grime and dirt.
• Scrub the area with a brush
Use a wire brush or toothbrush and scrub the area from one side to another to remove dirt and stains.
• Wipe off the dirt with a rag
After scrubbing, wipe off the tracks with a rag or a towel to get rid of stains and loosened dirt.
• Repeat the method for the other side
When you’re done cleaning one part, slide the door and clean the other side with the same cleaning method.
3. Lubricating the Tracks
• Spray a silicone lubricant on the tracks
It is important to clean the tracks before you lubricate them. Spray a silicone lubricant evenly on the tracks and let it stay for a while.
• Wipe the area with a rag
After spraying the lubricant, wipe the area with a dry towel. Do this so the lubricant will be equally distributed on the tracks.
• Open and close the door several times
Slide the door a few times which will lubricate the wheels attached to the door and ensure they function smoothly.
• Lubricate the tracks once a month
You should lubricate the tracks once every month or once in two months to prevent the door from malfunctioning.
By following these tips, you can clean the tracks and ensure the sliding door functions properly. If you clean it regularly like once a week, then there will be no stubborn dirt. However, if all these cleaning methods are not working on your sliding door then you should consult our glass door experts.