The One Method To Always Avoid When Cleaning Your Front Door

Streaky mildew on your siding and dirt on your front door can put a serious damper on your home's appearance. That's why one of the cheapest and easiest ways to boost your home's curb appeal is to give your siding, porch, and front door a thorough cleaning. While you might be tempted to whip out the pressure washer to blast through layers of dirt, you shouldn't — one of the mistakes everyone makes when pressure washing is cleaning incompatible surfaces, like a front door.

Simpler supplies, like soap, water, rags, and a bucket, are better choices for tackling a grimy door. If your entryway is caked in hard-to-remove dirt and pollen, you might be surprised at how often you should be cleaning your front door. It's generally recommended to wipe it down once per month to keep it looking good year-round and reduce the scrubbing power needed when you go too long between cleanings.

A pressure washer shoots out a high-powered stream of water to remove dirt and grime. While this results in quick cleaning times, it can also strip the finish or paint from your door, gouge or splinter wood surfaces, or break glass components. Moreover, if there are any gaps or cracks around your door, pressure washing can cause water to penetrate, leaving you with a large puddle to clean up inside.

The best way to clean your front door is with gentle cleaners like water and dish soap or white distilled vinegar. Since dish soap is mild, it's usually the safest bet, regardless of your door's material. Plus, the process is pretty simple.

Ready to clean your door the right way? Run a duster over it to remove any cobwebs. Then, add a couple of drops of dish soap to a bucket of warm water and mix until combined. Dip a soft sponge or microfiber cloth into the mixture and wipe down the door, gently scrubbing any problem areas. Rinse the door with a microfiber cloth or sponge dipped in water only, and then dry with a towel.