When it comes to cleaning your glass sliding door, it’s not enough to just clean the obvious fingerprints and marks on the glass panes – you also have to consider the tracks and wheels.
Have you done this before? If not, it will now probably make sense as to why the wheels aren’t gliding as easily as they used to. A buildup of dirt, grime and dust over time will stop your sliding doors from rolling completely.
In order to avoid this situation from happening again, here is our guide on how to clean your sliding door.
Knowing Each Sliding Door Part
Before you begin removing the sliding door and giving it a thorough clean, it’s important to know what you’re working with and to understand each sliding door part:
The Head
The head is the horizontal part at the top of the sliding door frame.
The Sill
The sill is the horizontal part at the bottom of the sliding door frame.
The Jamb
The jamb is a component of the sliding door frame that runs along the top, sides and bottom.
The Roller
The roller is the mechanism that enables the door to slide along the track and is attached underneath the door.
The Track
The track is located on the bottom (or the top depending on your sliding door) of the frame.
What You Will Need
Before you start getting your hands dirty, here’s a list of everything you will need. We also have a more comprehensive blog that covers the cleaning equipment you’ll need if you need more information.
- Vaccum
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Flathead screwdriver
- Old toothbrush
- A large blanket
- A couple of clean cloths
- Paper towels (or a squeegee)
- Water bucket filled with soapy water
How to Remove the Sliding Glass Door
Now that you’re ready, let’s begin by removing the sliding door from the frame. Follow our steps below and it’ll be a piece of cake.
Step 1 – Getting Prepared
Before you start taking the sliding door off, you need to make sure you have enough room to work with. Make sure to move all surrounding furniture out of the way and lay down a large blanket in the centre of the room for the sliding door to lay down on. Also remove any rugs, mats and anything else that might be a potential tripping hazard – especially when holding a glass sliding door!
Step 2 – Detach From the Track
Examine the door frame to determine if both the top and bottom tracks have screws that need to be taken out first. To detach the sliding door from the track, grab a flathead screwdriver (depending on what type of screws the track has) and start loosening the screws by turning counterclockwise. Once you have taken out the screws, grab the sliding door securely on both sides.
Step 3 – Lift Out the Door
It’s best to get someone to help you with this step if possible. Make sure you have a good grip and then begin gently lifting the door up into the top track to release it from the bottom track, then start to slowly pull the door out. Once the door has come out, gently lay it down on a spread out blanket on the floor or carefully lean it up against a wall.
How to Clean the Sliding Door Tracks
You may have already discovered that cleaning your sliding door tracks is somewhat of an awkward task. The accumulation of dust, debris, bugs and grime that they collect over time can often make them particularly difficult to clean. Ignoring this, however, could cause your sliding doors to stop working altogether, therefore making it unsafe and inconvenient for everyone living in the property. Check out our blog on tips for cleaning sliding doors for more information regarding this process.
Vacuum First
Start by vacuuming the tracks with the narrow tip attachment first as there can be a lot of dirt and grime built up depending on how long it’s been since the tracks were last cleaned. Vacuuming the bulk of the dirt will make the rest of the cleaning process much easier for you.
Start Scrubbing
Now grab a sponge, a bucket filled with some soapy water and a toothbrush and then start scrubbing away the rest of the dirt and gunk from the tracks. You will never get this area perfectly clean, but you will notice that with regular maintenance, (at least once a week), your sliding door will glide a lot easier. Remember to wipe down the tracks with a clean cloth afterwards and ensure no moisture is left on the tracks.
Clean the Sill
Keeping the glass of your sliding door clean is important, so it should be cleaned regularly to remove any fingerprints or marks that it may have acquired from frequent use. However, it’s also important to remember that the sill also needs regular cleaning. Leaving this to collect dust over time will eventually damage your sliding door rollers.
We do not suggest using oil or any form of lubrication to clean your sliding doors, unless specified from your supplier.
Clean the Jamb
Finally, cleaning the jamb is the last step. As getting into the corners can be difficult, a great little tip is to wrap a cloth around a butter knife. Not only will this help you to clean the hard to reach corners but it also will protect the track from any accidental damage. Also make sure you aren’t using any harsh cleaning chemicals as they can erode the sliding door frame if you’re not careful.
How to Clean the Sliding Door Rollers
Sliding door rollers are essential for the smooth operation of your doors, but over time, dirt and debris can accumulate, causing them to become sluggish or noisy. Regular cleaning can help maintain their performance and extend their lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your sliding door rollers effectively.
What You’ll Need:
- Vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment
- Soft brush or cloth
- Mild detergent or soapy water
- Bucket
- Old toothbrush or small cleaning brush
- Lubricant (silicone spray or a similar product)
- Rags or paper towels
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
- Prepare the Area
Clear the area around the sliding door to create a safe and comfortable workspace. Make sure you have all your cleaning supplies handy. - Remove Debris
Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the track and rollers. This initial step is crucial to prevent scratching during the cleaning process. - Inspect the Rollers
After removing the loose debris, take a close look at the rollers. Check for any signs of wear or damage that might require replacement. If the rollers are severely damaged, it may be best to consult a professional. - Clean the Track
Mix mild detergent or soapy water in a bucket. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the solution and scrub the track thoroughly to remove any grime or buildup. For stubborn spots, an old toothbrush can help dislodge dirt in hard-to-reach areas. - Clean the Rollers
If the rollers are removable, carefully take them out for cleaning. Wipe them down with a damp cloth and remove any dirt or buildup. If they’re not removable, use a soft brush to clean around them gently. - Rinse and Dry
After cleaning, rinse the track with clean water to eliminate any soap residue. Use a rag or paper towel to thoroughly dry the area, preventing moisture buildup. - Lubricate the Rollers and Track
Once everything is clean and dry, spray a silicone lubricant or an appropriate product on the rollers and track. This will help maintain smooth operation and safeguard against future buildup. - Reinstall Rollers
If you removed the rollers, carefully put them back in place, ensuring they are securely fitted. - Test the Door
Slide the door open and closed several times to ensure it moves smoothly. Listen for any unusual noises, which may indicate that further cleaning or adjustments are needed. - Regular Maintenance
To ensure your sliding door rollers remain in peak condition, clean them every few months, or more often if you see any buildup or notice a decline in performance.
If you continue to experience problems or notice that your rollers are broken, then it’s important to reach out to an industry professional or look into getting your sliding door rollers changed. Check out our wide range of internal and external sliding door rollers if this is the case.
Now there’s no point cleaning the sliding glass door itself until we lift it up and put it back into the frame.
How to Install the Sliding Glass Door
Once you have finished scrubbing and cleaning, it’s now time to put the sliding door back onto the tracks.
Step 1 – Get the Door into Position
Make sure you have cleared away all the cleaning equipment and lift the door off of the blanket and stand it upright. Now grab the door tightly with both hands and move the door over to the frame so it is facing towards the tracks.
Step 2 – Fit it onto the Tracks
Bend both your knees and lift the glass door up so the top of the door is angled towards the top track. Slide the top of the door into the top track and then push the door upwards. Now angle the bottom of the door so that the rollers fit onto the bottom track and then slowly lower the door down into place.
Step 3 – Tighten the Screws
Now that the sliding door is in place, all that’s left is to tighten the screws to make sure the door is nice and secured. Depending on the type of your sliding door, take your flathead or Phillips screwdriver and start turning clockwise to tighten the screws on the bottom of the door to secure it in the frame.
Step 4 – Test the Sliding Door
The last thing you want is to go through all that effort, only to realise that your sliding door still won’t close properly. Simply move the sliding door back and forth to ensure that the rollers are sliding smoothly along the tracks.
How to Clean the Glass Sliding Door
Now for the final part, cleaning the glass sliding door. Follow these quick steps to ensure a polished clean and that you aren’t leaving behind any marks or spots.
Step 1
Grab a clean cloth or rag and dip it into a bucket filled with soapy water. Wipe over the entire surface of the glass door to loosen any stuck-on grime or dirt.
Step 2
Let it sit for a few minutes and then grab another clean cloth to wipe off the soapy water. Remember to always clean from top to bottom.
Step 3
Using another clean cloth or sponge, apply a window washing solution and wipe it across the entire glass door surface.
Step 4
Unlike the soapy water, make sure you clean the window washing solution off immediately, as it can leave behind blotchy streaks if left on too long. If you have a squeegee, then start from the top of the glass door and wipe downwards in long streaks until clean. If using a paper towel or cloth, gently wipe in a circular motion until the glass is completely clean.
Now repeat these steps on the other side of the glass sliding door.
Following these steps will ensure that your sliding glass door is thoroughly cleaned and sliding smoothly. However, going through this entire process can be pretty time-consuming. To save yourself time, read our blog on how to maintain sliding doors and avoid the whole rigorous process with just a little bit of routine maintenance.
