How Often You Should Be Cleaning Your Front Door May Surprise You

There are a ton of things you need to clean inside your house, but is your front door part of your extensive list? You might have cleaning your exterior windows or deep cleaning your front porch every six months on your to-do list, but not many people think of scrubbing down their front doors. However, cleaning experts recommend giving them a scrub at least once per month to keep them in tip-top shape, which might surprise some people — especially if they haven't cleaned them since they first moved in five years ago!

This cleaning tip includes all of your exterior doors. Whether they're made of wood, steel, metal, or are glass-paned, you want to give them a monthly wash to ensure they stay blemish-free and don't get worn down by grime build-up or residue left by difficult weather. This also includes your sliding doors that open to balconies and patios — don't wait until they're caked with grime to finally clean them. Unsure of the best way to clean your front door? Here is how.

If you clean your exterior doors monthly, you won't have to perform a rigorous scrub down. Rather than battling caked-on grime, you can simply wash them down quickly without so much as breaking a sweat. No matter the material of your door, all you will need is a bucket of lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap, but you can also spray the door with a product like Dawn Powerwash if you prefer. 

Grab a non-abrasive sponge, dip it into your soapy solution, and use it to wipe away any dirt and residue from your door. Once done, replace the bucket with clean, lukewarm water, and grab a microfiber cloth to rinse the door clean. Alternatively, you may use a garden hose for the outside if you have an attachment nearby. For difficult scuff marks you can't remove, try a Magic Eraser to help lift them. Just make sure not to rub too hard since the sponge is abrasive and can wear off the finish or paint. If your door has windows, use either a glass cleaner or a vinegar and water solution to get them to sparkle again. For an all-glass patio door, try using a glass cleaning tool, such as a squeegee, to make the job go faster and leave the windows streak-free.