Wooden doors are not as durable as they once were. Over time, they start to crack and peel, which can cause water and air to penetrate. You can prevent this from happening with sealants and caulks designed for wood decoration. But these products need to be applied at the right temperature. Learn how to apply caulks properly to prevent water and air infiltration.
Cleaning the door jamb
A simple solution for cleaning the door jamb is a solution containing a diluted all-purpose cleaner such as Meguiar’s APC at a 4:1 ratio. This cleaner is gentle on the paint and will loosen any grime. Make sure to apply enough lubrication when cleaning the door jamb and don’t scrub the door jamb too hard. In addition, don’t use a dry rag to wipe the jamb.
After cleaning the door jamb, rinse the area thoroughly with a hose or pressure washer. It’s also possible to use a small spray bottle filled with water. Then, use a microfiber towel to wipe away the moisture. Make sure you don’t get water all over the interior of the car if you’re using a pressure washer.
You can clean the door jamb with a solution of APC No-Rinse. While APC can cause some damage to plastic and paint, it is safe to use on the interior. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after application and wait about 30 seconds before using it. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub any areas that are hidden or bolted. Also, remember to avoid sprinkling APC inside the door latch mechanism.
Cleaning the door jamb is an important part of your car’s maintenance. It helps the door function properly. The door bolt can’t align properly if the door jamb isn’t plumb and vertical. If the door jamb isn’t the same height as the frame, it can rub against the frame and cause excessive gaps. To prevent this, use a shim.
Cleaning the door trim
The first step in cleaning the door trim is to remove any dirt. If the door panel is glossy, you can clean it by spraying it with an all-purpose cleaner. If the panel is super-dirty, you can use a steam cleaner to remove the dirt. If you have a small vacuum cleaner, you can also use this tool.
Before you begin, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid with one gallon of water. Try the solution on a non-visible area of the door first to make sure it does not leave streaks. Also, lay down old towels underneath the door for catching drips. Next, use clean sponges dipped in the solution to clean the door frame. After dipping the sponges, make sure to wring them out thoroughly. If you don’t, extra water will leave spots on the frame.
After cleaning the door panel, you should use a degreaser to clean the door trim. Use a small amount to remove any remaining dirt. You can also clean the door jamb with a soft brush. Don’t scrub too hard, as this can cause swirls and marring on the surface. Moreover, be sure not to allow the cleaner to dry on the door panel.
To clean door trim, you can use a mixture of 50 percent water and vinegar. You can also try a mix of oil soap and dishwashing liquid. Both will cut through oil and remove the dirt without leaving behind residue.
Cleaning the door hinges
If your door hinges look dirty, you should take care to clean them regularly. This involves soaking them in warm water with a mild dishwashing solution. You should keep the water level below the surface of the hinge, and you can scrub them with an old toothbrush. You should scrub the hinges gently without scraping off the paint. It may help to use an electric toothbrush to remove grit from the crevices, but a regular brush will also do the trick.
If the hinges are squeaky, you should use petroleum jelly. If this solution doesn’t work, you can use chunks of traditional bar soap. Make sure to leave the hinges a day or two to dry. Then, you can use a degreaser or household cleaner to clean the hinges.
Rust often forms on metal door hinges. This happens when moisture combines with oxygen to form rust. Not only is rust unsightly, it can also be dangerous. Not only can it poison you, it can also damage the hinge’s structure. If it gets bad enough, you can even get tetanus from it.
Another way to clean door hinges is to spray them with silicone spray lubricant. Make sure you choose one without a strong smell. You want to make sure that the spray doesn’t linger in your car. Afterwards, you can use a low-set pan or cardboard to catch the runoff.
