Front Door Makeover | How to Clean a Front Door
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What kind of shape is the exterior of your front door? Get instructions on how to clean a front door: wood, vinyl, metal and fiberglass
We’ve had some GORGEOUS weather here for August!
So last weekend I decided to take advantage and work on a project that I’ve had all the supplies for, just waiting for the beautiful weather.
I treated myself to a curb appeal project by cleaning my front door AND adding vinyl numbers!
Did you know that clean exterior doors and porches invite positive energy and prosperity into the home?!
I’ve been seeing this trend all over blogland. Chris transformed her entry and painted her door black and Sarah pained her front door black and added a vinyl message. I couldn’t wait to do it to our house. As much as I would have liked to paint our front door black, it just wouldn’t work with our colors – so I had to stick with white on the door and black for the numbers. But I’m just thrilled with how it turned out! First I had to start with cleaning the front door exterior.
Table of Contents
How to Clean a Front Door Exterior
Remove loose dirt
If you haven’t cleaned an exterior door in a while, grab the vacuum cleaner and run the nozzle attachment around the door trim, frame, and along contoured edges or recesses on the door face, to remove large debris and/or cobwebs.
Cleaners
I like to use Soilax and water, but it can be hard to find. Vinegar and water is an affordable and eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
Wipe On Wipe Off
Open your door and using a wet sponge or spray bottle wet the entire door and frame with the cleaning mixture. Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe away dirt, debris and fingerprints.
Tough Stains?
If you find there are stains or grease that won’t come off, try mineral spirits. Simply dampen a cloth, or sponge, with the mineral spirits and scrub until the stains are loosened and can be wiped away.
Make sure the door is open or the space is well ventilated when working with mineral spirits.
Glass
If you have any glass accents or windows you can use the vinegar/water solution. It makes a great glass cleaner.
If the windows are large, you may want to use a squeegee. Otherwise, try using recycled newspapers for a streak-free finish.
Polish
For an extra-shiny finish to clean exterior doors’ hardware, use a brass or steel polish on the door hardware.
Apply the polish and then wipe it clean with a separate cloth. Make sure you have removed all of the polish.
Next came the FUN part! Vinyl numbers with our house number.
It brings a smile to my face every time I see it.! (I just need to get a new door handle and wreath and I’ll be set!)
Remember How To Clean a Front Door for later and pin it!
How to Clean up your entryway ready for Fall
Hi there, I'm Cheryl!
As a wife, mom, and caffeine enthusiast, my journey has taken me from bustling mornings with my family to sharing delicious recipes, home care tips, and heartfelt decorating insights with wonderful readers like you. My love for baking, photography, and tidiness shines through every post I craft. Dive into my world and discover the art of homemaking, one tidy moment at a time. Read more...
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What would I NOT get!! I especially love:
Little girls have a magic all their own…
I just subscribed to your blog as well – can't wait to read more!
I really like your door
I love the door. It's precious.
If I had to pick ONE thing from Uppercase Living it would be the one that says "Begin each day with a smile." I'd stick in our teensy master bath.
We just finished updating my daughter's bedroom and I would love to put the Floral Blocks above her headboard.
Now your button is on my blog…this is kinda fun. I can see why some of you get into this now!
I really love the inspritional and faith stuff; however if I won I would use it to make a cutomized sign for our family business. We run skateboard and paintball store and the sign on our door needs redone.
I would love to put the following inside my home above the front door! I love it!
In our home let love abide, and bless all those who step inside.
I am hoping to copy your door exactly!!} (different address numbers…but otherwise…exactly) Really nice job!
How inspiring! My front door needs a redo, too! Great idea!
It is good that you will know how to clean your front door properly. It is good that you will clean the door to avoid stain stick.
Amazing pictures! My front door looks awful and I should definitely do something about it. Thanks for the great article!
My front door is of steel, having stain on their corners. Most of the time I am using Sprayon to clean it. By the way thanks for the article Cheryl, will try your suggestion.
I like the tip that you gave to use mineral spirits to clean the tough stains off of your wooden door. My wife and I just got a new wooden door, and it is important for us to be confident that we can take care of it.