How To Clean Sliding Door Tracks

Your sliding door helps make transitioning to your outdoor living spaces easy, unless your dirty sliding door tracks keep your door from operating smoothly.

Regular cleaning and maintenance help your doors slide effortlessly and prevent long-term damage and costly repairs. Dirt and debris can build up over time, causing the door to become difficult to open and shut and potentially damaging the tracks and rollers.

Regular maintenance of your sliding door tracks prevents issues like sticking, jamming, and excessive wear on the door components. Clean tracks also give better indoor air quality by reducing the buildup of mold and mildew.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process for Sliding Door Tracks

There are several things homeowners should do when cleaning their sliding door tracks. Here’s our step-by-step process:

Remove Loose Debris

  • Use a vacuum with a crevice attachment: Start by vacuuming the tracks to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. This step helps clear out larger particles that can block the door’s movement.
  • Brush out remaining particles: Use a small brush, like a toothbrush, to dislodge any particles stuck in the corners and crevices of the tracks.

How To Clean The Grime From Tracks of Sliding Doors

Here’s how to get the tracks of your door shiny and clean:

  • Use a cleaning solution: Mix a mild detergent with warm water or use a commercial cleaner suitable for your door material. Apply the solution to the tracks.
  • Scrub with a toothbrush or small brush: Gently scrub the tracks, paying special attention to any stubborn spots.
  • Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth: After scrubbing, wipe the tracks thoroughly with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining dirt and cleaning solution.

Address Stubborn Grime or Mold

If you have stuck-on grime or mold, you need to take extra steps to get your sliding door track clean.

  • Make a vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  • Apply and let sit: Spray the solution onto the affected areas and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes to break down grime and kill mold spores.
  • Scrub and rinse: Use a toothbrush or small brush to scrub the tracks, then rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

Dry the Tracks Thoroughly

Make sure the tracks are completely dry to prevent any new mold or mildew from forming. Use a dry microfiber cloth or allow them to air dry.

Preventing Future Buildup

The easiest way to keep your sliding door tracks clean is to prevent buildup. You can do that by creating a regular cleaning schedule for your sliding door tracks, ideally every few months, to prevent dirt and debris from building up.

Placing doormats outside and inside can reduce the amount of dirt tracked indoors. You can also encourage your family members to wipe their feet and check their shoes to avoid dragging dirt and debris into the house.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sliding door track has issues beyond being dirty, there are things you can do to help. Here are two common issues and how to fix them:

  • Addressing stuck rollers: If your sliding door is sticking, check the rollers for dirt and debris. Clean them thoroughly and apply a silicone-based lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
  • Fixing misaligned tracks: Misaligned tracks can cause the door to operate poorly. Adjust the tracks according to the manufacturer’s instructions or get help from a professional.

High-Quality Sliding Door Services in Tucson & Pima County, AZ

At Open Enclose, we provide comprehensive sliding door services, including installation, replacement, and repair.

Regular maintenance helps protect the longevity of your doors, and our expert team is here to help with all your sliding door needs. Trust Open Enclose to keep your doors operating smoothly.

Contact us today for more information on our services or to schedule a free, no-obligation estimate.