19 Mar Door maintenance musts: the dos and don’ts
Like any fixture or fitting within your building, your property’s internal doors need to be maintained correctly to deliver practicality and aesthetic appeal. Whether your interior doors are pre-finished or unfinished, solid wood or veneered, bi-fold or flush fit, there are a number of steps you should take to keep them in tip top condition, including the following…
DO know your door type
How you maintain your door depends largely on the type of material it is constructed from and, contrary to popular belief, it’s not enough to say a door is simply wooden.
Wooden doors generally fall into three categories – solid wood, veneered and engineered. The latter is a lesser known alternative that unlocks some great rewards, especially if you are on a budget yet desire that premium look. Here Vibrant Doors explains exactly what defines an engineered door:
“What are engineered doors? They pack the body of the door with less expensive, internal pieces of wood, and cover the exterior with an outer layer of more expensive wood. This outer layer is known as the veneer, and it’s this layer that gives an engineered piece of wood the appearance of a hardwood that would be far more expensive were the entire door constructed from it.”
The finish of the door will also impact your care routine. Pre-finished doors (i.e. doors that have been varnished or oiled) require different care than unfinished doors that are yet to receive any treatment at all.
DON’T underestimate the power of a good clean
Every door type will benefit from periodic cleaning, and while a dust or quick wipe down with a damp cloth will keep it looking fresh, a deeper clean will be required from time to time. To preserve its finish, a gentler approach always works best. Use mild, soapy water and a cloth to remove stains and stubborn dirt, and avoid scrubbing your door with any abrasive tools or harsh chemicals.
DO choose your treatment carefully
Whether it’s your door’s very first treatment or a reapplication, choosing your treatment wisely is a must. There are several door treatments to consider, each with their own pros and cons. For a natural look, try applying wood oil for nourishment and protection. To alter the colour of your door, stain, varnish or paint for the desired look.
Whatever treatment you opt for, reapplication is the key to a great looking, well maintained door for the long haul. Top ups are usually required every two to three years depending on your chosen finish. Before reapplying your treatment, prep the surface first with a light sanding and wipe down. It’ll help the treatment adhere to the surface properly.
DON’T forget to check the hardware
Your door’s hardware is just as important as the door itself. All those moving parts keep the door operational, which is pretty essential. Hinges, handles and latches will all benefit from routine inspection. Stiff and noisy hardware can easily be fixed with a little lubrication, while repairs and replacements should also be considered for more damaged parts.
DO boost safety with a few extras
Make your internal doors safer by fitting our finger protection guards. These easy to fit devices actively eject fingers from the dangerous hinge gap of your doors to prevent injury. They’re also super simple to maintain, requiring no specialist products to stay in great condition.
All you need to do is wipe your door guards with a soft cloth and your chosen detergent or cleaner, and avoid dry or abrasive cleaners. Our antibacterial door finger protectors can also be explored for even less maintenance.
Discover which Fingersafe guard is right for you by exploring our full range of protection products right here.
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