How to Clean
a Front Door

Nothing helps your home’s curb appeal more than a beautifully clean front door. Since you see it every day, you may not notice how dirty and dull your front door is—but you can bet visitors notice it. Your front door is one of the first things guests see when they visit, and a dirty one can leave a bad first impression. 

Even when your home’s exterior is clean and fresh, and your windows are sparkling, a dingy-looking front door can ruin the whole look. But when you know how to clean a front door and get it back in shape, you can make it the attractive centerpiece it was meant to be. 

Exterior doors weather the elements, dust, dirt, and everyday wear and tear. No wonder your clean front door can go from shining to shabby so quickly! Now that we’ve brought that dirty door to your attention, read on to learn the best way to clean a front door. Whether your front door is constructed with wood, metal, or fiberglass, we’ve got you covered.  

No matter what type of front door you have, always begin your cleaning project by brushing off loose dirt, debris, and spider webs with a dry microfiber cloth. Work from top to bottom, and don’t forget the sides, top, and bottom of your front door. Always put down some bath towels to prevent too much mess and pick a sunny day for your cleaning project. Now, let’s learn how to clean a front door and make it shine again. 

How to Clean a Wood Front Door

Front doors made from wood have been popular for generations because of their natural beauty and durability. Wooden exterior doors can be painted, stained, and varnished, but we have the ideal cleaning solution no matter what your door’s finish. So knock off the dust and follow these steps for how to clean a wood front door and help it make a wonderful first impression. 

• Mix two cups warm water with a teaspoon of distilled white vinegar and a few drops of dish soap
• Scrub the door in the direction of the wood grain using a soft sponge
• Use less pressure on painted wood doors but put some muscle into it for stained or varnished front doors 
• Rinse and wring out the sponge to clean the sides, top, and bottom of the door
• Use a clean damp microfiber cloth to rinse off the soap and water residue
• Dry the door with a bath towel working from the top down

If your door still has stains, you can use our handy guide for removing stains from wood. For a dull finish, you can use a little bit of furniture polish to wipe down the wood for a brilliant finish. Wipe off excess polish, clean any windows, and step back to admire your handiwork. 

How to Clean a Painted Metal Door

Metal doors are usually made with steel and are an attractive choice for a front door because they are durable and require minimal maintenance. If you have a steel front door, the thick protective paint will help prevent scratches and nicks, but it will still need a good cleaning once in a while. Here’s how to clean metal doors and get them looking new again. 

• Start by filling a large bucket with hot water, a cup of white vinegar, and a few drops of liquid dish soap
• Place a rolled-up bath towel at the base of the door inside your home to prevent pooling
• Spray down the exterior face of the door with a hose
• Use a non-abrasive sponge to wash the door
• Remove dirt and debris from the door seals using an old toothbrush
• Rinse the soap and water away with your hose
• Dry the door with a microfiber cloth

Move on to the inside face and edges of the door but skip the hose part and use a clean damp cloth to rinseoff the residue! Clean any glass, touch up scratches and rust spots with a dab of paint, and enjoy your beautifully clean front door. If you find rust stains beneath the door on your carpet, we’ve got you covered with a proven rust stain solution. 

How to Clean a Fiberglass Front Door

Fiberglass doors are eco-friendly and energy-efficient alternatives to traditional exterior doors and they don’t require much work to keep a clean front door. Because of the fiberglass topcoat, your front door should be stain- and dirt-resistant, but it will still need some scrubbing. As with other exterior door finishes, learning how to clean a fiberglass door is simple and you can use safe, eco-friendly cleaners to match your door! Here’s how to clean a front door made with fiberglass in a few easy steps. 

• Mix a gallon of hot water and a cup of white vinegar in a bucket
• Use a lint-free, non-abrasive sponge to wash the door, including the sides, top, and bottom
• Use a soft nylon scrub brush to loosen stains and stubborn buildup
• Remove debris and dirt where the seals meet the door using a damp toothbrush
• Dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe off any residue
• Dry your door with a lint-free cloth

Most exterior fiberglass doors should receive a new topcoat every year or two, so if your door looks dingy, it could be from improper maintenance. You’ll need a bit more work to get a clean front door if your fiberglass door’s finish has faded. You can give your front door a makeover by removing the old paint, then applying gel stain, followed by a couple of topcoats. 

Now that you know how to clean a front door the easy way, what’s up next? Check out our other helpful housekeeping guides and make cleaning doors and everything else more manageable than ever. Find out how affordable maid services can help you enjoy a clean home more often without all the work. Get a free online estimate today and we’ll create a customized cleaning plan for your home.