Author: crs_admin

With any kind of door for the home, it’s important to upkeep its physical appearance and operational assets to keep it working to its fullest. Sliding doors in particular are ones to pay attention to during maintenance because they can easily trap dirt and stones which can make them difficult to open and close.

How often are we opening these doors and bringing in another piece of the outside? Over time this will build up on the track making it more of a challenge to open over time. By keeping up with keeping it clean, you’ll thank yourself later.

 

Routine cleaning should be done every week to stop any build-up, and then a monthly deep clean of the tracks that’s more intense. By doing this regularly the process will become less time-consuming.

 

 

What to Use to Clean a Sliding Door

To clean your sliding door you’ll need a number of items. Don’t just pull any old household item, the correct ones are vital so that you don’t cause any scratches and make sure that the door is looking pristine.

Luckily, these don’t cost much and most probably will be found in your house already. This includes a vacuum, water, cleaning solution, paper towels, cloths, brush, butter knife and non-abrasive sponges. Soft sponges or micro-fibre cloths in particular are an important part and can be found in any supermarket or DIY shop.

 

What Not to Use

To avoid scratching the window surface, don’t use items such as iron wool, scouring pads or abrasive chemicals such as WD40, white spirit and methylated spirits as this can damage the finish on the frame.

 

Cleaning the Glass

When cleaning the glass, give the doors a wipe down using fresh water without soap and then dry them with a cloth or paper towel. Then using a gentle solution of warm soapy water give the doors a second wipe-down using a non-abrasive sponge.

To ensure that every angle is covered move in an ’s’ motion to get rid of all the dirt for optimum coverage. Remove any excess water with a squeegee straight away and repeat if you feel the need to. Finally use a dry newspaper to finish.

  

Cleaning Sliding Door Tracks

As well as the window itself, you’ll need to clean the sliding door tracks to remove the build-up of stone and dirt that have been brought in from the outside.

  

Start by Vacuuming

First, use a dustpan and brush or your hands to scoop up and remove any grime and then continue to hoover up for ultimate coverage.

 

Apply Cleaning Solution

A suitable cleaning solution can be made at home using denatured alcohol, detergent and white vinegar. Mix these contents into a spray bottle and apply to the whole of the track and wipe down afterwards.

Ensure that there is no liquid left on the door. An alternative combination is applying baking soda and then the vinegar solution. Apply and then let it fizz for around 10 minutes.

 

Scrub the Tracks

Once you’ve reached 10 minutes, with a small brush with firm bristles that won’t damage the door, scrub away all the dirt and dust you can see on the track with a paper towel. A small brush could be something simple like a toothbrush or wire brush.

 

Get in the Corners

You want to get into the cracks and hard-to-reach places of the door for a complete clean. A knife or similar sharp object will help you reach those tough places but don’t be too heavy-handed that you leave any marks.

 

Lubricate the Track

The free movement of the sliding door is what makes it functional on a day-to-day basis. Add a silicone-based lubricant to the small holes in the edge of the door for the wheels to turn smoothly. But double-check that the solution is suitable for your product.

 

Test the Doors

Finally, you want to ensure that they are working properly after a full clean. Slide them back and forth a number of times to break them in so that they don’t seize up after maintenance.

 

Things to be Cautious Of

We want your doors to be working at their best and also for your safety to be taken care of. Clean the tracks at least once a week and apply a lubricant once every two months. Use protective wear if allergic to any substances and take care when using sharp tools. Also, make sure the area is clean and free of liquid to avoid any slippages.

 

For More Information?

Here at Crystal Clear, we care about quality, and your experience. We know that not every window or door is made the same, and that they require different methods of maintenance in order to give them the best care over the course of their life. Check out our section of maintenance guides to help prolong the life of your door or window.

 

Please never use any penetrating sprays such as WD40 or Double TT.
We recommend the use or 3 in 1 oil, spray oil, light grease or silicone spray to lubricate your moving parts.

 

 

 

 

A versatile product that has become very popular over the last few years thanks to its versatility, durability and impressive safety features, composite doors are a great choice for contemporary and older homes alike.

Styled to look like wood but manufactured for longevity, they are a robust range of doors that have many benefits. Thanks to their low-maintenance assets, composite doors require a little amount of cleaning.

But many proud homeowners would want to keep their doors and the exterior of their property looking its best. There are a few simple steps to take for a pristine finish.

 

How to Clean a Composite Door

There are a number of features to tick off when cleaning a composite door. From the frame itself to the glazed windows and accessories. Each needs a fresh bucket of solution each time but will take minutes to complete.

 

Do Composite Doors Fade?

One of the reasons more and more homeowners are investing in composite doors is because they are hard-wearing, secure and keep their appearance over a long period of time – thats why the warranty is so generous.

The fact that these doors are made with a combination of materials, means that they are drawing from their best assets to fight against all weathers throughout the year.

One main advantage of composite doors is that they are resistant to warping, rotting, fading and discolouration which is good to know when looking at what colour you would like to purchase, safe in the knowledge that it won’t fade.

 

Can You Restore the Colour of a Composite Door?

Although composite doors remain vibrant throughout their lifespan, they can dull in colour if you haven’t kept up your cleaning routine. It’s important to remove dirt and grime on a regular basis with a simple soapy solution, however, there is another DIY item which can help bring out the colour of the door even more.

A strong oil called Polytrol restores the shine and the original colour of plastics, timber and metals and can aid against future corrosion. When applying to the door, make sure that it has been dry for at least 24 hours otherwise it won’t produce the effect you’re hoping for.

 

What to Use

Over time, dirt, grime, cobwebs and bugs will collect on your door and it’s important to use the right materials to wash them away. All it takes is a mixture of warm water and liquid soap, along with a soft sponge or micro-fibre cloth.

A simple wipe in an ’s’ movement from top to bottom with do the trick, making sure you’re not missing any areas. It’s up to you how frequently you do this, and it depends if you live by the coast where there’s more build-up of salt or in an urban area with more pollution. However, once a month would be a suitable amount of time to clean your composite door.

 

What Not to Use

There are a number of products which aren’t great for cleaning composite doors. This includes iron wool and abrasive sponges as this would scratch the door itself, and other items such as bleach so that you don’t discolour the door.

 

How to Clean the Composite Door Glass

To clean the glass glazing on the door, again soapy water is a great solution along with a soft cloth. Make sure to not scratch the window or be too heavy-handed when cleaning. To give it that pristine shine, wipe it down with a dry cloth or newspaper and give it a second clean with window or glazing cleaner.

 

How to Clean the Composite Door Furniture

As well as the door itself, you’ve got to think about other accessories and furniture such as door knocks, handles, numbers and letter boxes. With a fresh bucket of warm water and soap make sure to give each aspect a good wipe down reaching into the corners and edges to remove any dirt and grime.

First impressions count after all! As the handle is the most used part feel free to clean it with an antibacterial spray to keep germs at bay.

 

How to Clean a Black Composite Door

Composite door cleaning is a quick and easy process, but what happens if you have a black door? Luckily they don’t require as much maintenance as light-coloured and white doors. The same solution as all other composite doors will suffice, but it’s important not to use abrasive materials or bleaches when cleaning as this will scratch and remove the door’s colour.

 

For More Information?

Here at Crystal Clear, we care about quality, and your experience. We know that not every window or door is made the same, and that they require different methods of maintenance in order to give them the best care over the course of their life. Check out our section of maintenance guides to help prolong the life of your door or window.

 

Please never use any penetrating sprays such as WD40 or Double TT.
We recommend the use or 3 in 1 oil, spray oil, light grease or silicone spray to lubricate your moving parts.

 

 

Sleek, stylish and a great way to add value to your property, Bi-Fold doors are a fantastic addition to the home especially if you want to open up your property to the great outdoors via your kitchen or dining area.

Once you’ve had a set of Bi-Fold doors installed, it’s important to keep them clean and well-maintained so that they function to their best abilities and keep their luxurious look for longer. Whether your doors are made from uPVC or aluminium powder-coated materials, there is a simple solution to keeping them pristine.

It’s always important to have doors professionally fitted so that you have a guaranteed warranty that comes with it, plus they’ll be able to offer expert advice on how to maintain them.

  

Start Dusting

Before adding any solution to clean the doors, dusting them first will take away any top-level layers of grime. A soft cloth or feather duster will help with this and will make things easier when moving on to the other steps.

  

Wipe and Buff

Just the same as a car, wiping and buffing your Bi-Fold doors are important too and can be achieved with simple items such as old newspaper or a dry cloth.

  

Clean the Interior First with A Sponge

When looking at whether to start with the interior or exterior first, it’s recommended to begin with the inside as it is usually cleaner that the outside. Also if you do this in reverse, you’ll be cleaning the interior windows with all the build-up from the outside which is less than ideal.

 

How to Clean Bi-Folding Door Glass

 If you’re wondering when the best time to clean window glass is, it’s not when the sun is shining as this will cause streaks on the window, instead opt for a cloudy day to eliminate this.

Standard household window cleaning products or a solution of half water and half distilled vinegar is a great way to clean the windows on your door. Another alternative is soapy water, but make sure streaks aren’t left over when wiping down the glass.

A soft squeegee or micro-fibre cloth is a good tool to use, but make sure it’s clean before you start the process. To dry off, use a cloth or an old newspaper to give it that sparkle.

 

Cleaning the Frames of Bi-Fold Doors

As for the frame itself, a mixture of warm water and liquid soap is a great combination. Using a micro-fibre cloth or soft sponge to wipe down the frames from top to bottom. For more stubborn areas of dirt and grime, soak the area in question with warm water or use a pencil rubber if the first option doesn’t work.

 Avoid using wire wool or harsh scourers as this will scratch the frame. If you’ve noticed a build-up of condensation or mould on your doors, there are sprays available from the supermarket or DIY shop that can help with this.

  

How to Clean the Tracks and Seals of Bi-Fold Doors

 Bi-Fold doors are used to being opened frequently and sometimes occupants bring the outdoors in with them. That’s why it’s vital to check the tracks of your doors for any stones, pet hair, or outdoor debris that may have fallen into the tracks.

 If you notice this, then remove it immediately to help maintain the ease of movement of the tracks. This can be done using a dustpan and brush, a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach areas, and then a hoover to completely take it away.

 Make sure not to forcefully push the door along the track as this may break them, be gentle and if needed add some lubrication to help aid movement.

 

How Often Should You Clean Them?

As Bi-Fold doors require little maintenance, the cleaning routine is subjective to you. If you have a habit of wiping down the windows once a week to remove fingerprints, then do that. Or if you spot some dirt or grime, then remove it.

 However, if you live in an urban area where there’s more pollution or your home is by the sea, then more frequent cleaning may be needed so that there isn’t a build-up of salt and other materials.

 It is recommended once a year to give the doors a proper service. This includes wiping down the frames and lubricating the locks. Other than that three to six months for everything else is adequate enough.

 

For More Information?

Here at Crystal Clear, we care about quality, and your experience. We know that not every window or door is made the same, and that they require different methods of maintenance in order to give them the best care over the course of their life. Check out our section of maintenance guides to help prolong the life of your door or window.

 

Please never use any penetrating sprays such as WD40 or Double TT.
We recommend the use or 3 in 1 oil, spray oil, light grease or silicone spray to lubricate your moving parts.

 

When investing in a new door you want to ensure that it is looking its best to give a great first impression for visitors and of course for the upkeep of your home. Whilst aluminium doors require little maintenance thanks to their impressive specifications, durability and robust nature against all four seasons, sometimes it does need a little freshening up with the build-up of bugs, cobwebs, grime and dirt. There are some easy steps to take to make this happen using simple household items.

 

What Not to Use When Cleaning an Aluminium Door

 Firstly, let’s share the items that should be avoided when cleaning your aluminium door. Chlorine, Ketones, Esters and Hydrocarbons are products that will harm your door due to their abrasive nature and harsh chemicals. However, as the aluminium frames have an anodised finish and are not painted, you may be able to use an eraser to remove any stubborn marks if necessary.

 

Use Water to Wash the Door

 A basic combination of warm soapy water is the most effective solution for aluminium door cleaning, particularly a mild liquid soap rather than a bar of soap.

 

Apply Cleaning Solution to the Door

 With a sponge or soft micro-fibre cloth start from the top of the door and with a firm grip slide the cloth to the bottom and repeat as necessary whilst washing away the grime and dirt.

 

Rinse With Water

 Once complete rinse with clean water to ensure that all the dirt has been washed away and you’re left with a refreshed-looking door that’s as good as new.

 

If Your Aluminium Door is Scratched

 Sometimes, scratches on doors can easily happen. Whether that’s from knocks from children’s bikes or when you’re bringing the shopping in or suitcases home from a holiday. For minor scuffs and marks you can use a non-abrasive liquid cream or paraffin cleaner to remove these with ease.

However, for deeper scratches which have gone beyond the finish layer down to the raw aluminium, there is a chemical process called oxidation which can seal the scratched area and prevent it from any further corrosion. Sadly, this isn’t an easy fix and can be seen even after a thorough coat of paint. As difficult as it sounds, most people won’t know that there is a scratch on the door, but be safe in the knowledge that this won’t affect the overall lifespan of the frame itself.

 

How Often Should You Clean Aluminium Doors?

 As aluminium doors have an impressive coating that adds to their durability and robust nature, it does need cleaning at times. This process is completely down to the owner and your own cleaning schedule, or if you’ve noticed a spot of dirt and it’s time to give it a wipe down.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that if you live in an area of high pollution then you might want to consider increasing the number of times you clean the door to prevent a build-up of grime. It is recommended not to do it more than once every three months if you live in an urban area. As for more rural areas then an annual clean is fine.

 

 

For More Information?

Here at Crystal Clear, we care about quality, and your experience. We know that not every window or door is made the same, and that they require different methods of maintenance in order to give them the best care over the course of their life. Check out our section of maintenance guides to help prolong the life of your door or window.

 

Please never use any penetrating sprays such as WD40 or Double TT.
We recommend the use or 3 in 1 oil, spray oil, light grease or silicone spray to lubricate your moving parts.

 

 

At Crystal Clear Bristol, we supply and install a range of aluminium bifold and sliding doors. 

Partnered with the UK’s industry leader, Origin, we have plenty of bifold and sliding door options for you to choose from – you’re spoilt for choice. But we understand that it can be overwhelming if you aren’t quite sure which is right for your home. 

With this in mind, our experts have put together a list of the pros of bifold doors and sliding doors to help you better understand what they have to offer. 

Keep reading to find out if bifold doors or sliding doors are right for you.

Why Choose Bifold Doors?

Want to inject more light into your home and create a seamless environment between outdoor and indoor living? Well, bifold doors may be exactly what you’re looking for. 

Say goodbye to unappealing doors that have little functionality. Our collection of bifold doors, designed and manufactured in the UK by industry leader Origin, may have just the thing for you.

Here are some of the reasons why homeowners choose aluminium bifold doors:

Timeless Strength, Style and Quality

Aluminium bifold doors are strong, stylish and durable. They are made from a premium quality material, so provide homeowners with a premium finish that is simply superb. Making your living space look modern and sleek on both the inside and out, they add an effortlessly luxurious touch to your home. 

Fabulously Flexible

Opening either to the right or left, bifold doors offer flexibility, allowing you to open them to any width within the frame and customise where the leaves split. This means that you can just have part of it open to allow people to come in and out conveniently as they please.

Natural Light Lovin’

If you love letting in the natural light, bifold doors may be perfect for you. Both open and closed, bifold doors allow maximum sunlight into your home, brightening up your living space.

Bringing the Outdoors In

With bifold doors, you won’t feel like you’re cooped up inside. This is because you don’t need to be outdoors to feel the same sense of freedom that it provides. Folding right back to the frames, bifold doors mean that you can experience the comfort of the indoors whilst bringing the outdoors in.

Safe and Secure

Bifold doors offer a high level of security because they feature internally beaded frames, high-security hinges and multi-point locking systems. This means you can sit back and enjoy your doors, knowing that your property is safe as well as looking good.

Effortless

Not only do they look good, but they also require little maintenance too! Like most other glass doors, bifold doors do require cleaning regularly to make sure they stay looking spotless. But because they don’t have multiple panes or frames (unless you’d like them to), they are easier to clean than most other doors.

Keeping the Space

When bifold doors are open, they take up very little space. This means they cause virtually no disturbance to your home’s natural flow, unlike traditional patio doors. 

With bifold doors, each pane of glass has its own frame, which means that they offer a slightly obstructed view when closed, particularly when compared to the view provided by closed sliding doors. Though this can be minimised with Origin’s aluminium bifold doors by choosing a thinner framed door. 

Homeowners must also bear in mind that bifold doors stack to one side when open, which could limit space (depending on location) when open.

View our range of aluminium bifold doors here.

Why Choose Sliding Doors?

The perfect fit for any new build, extension or older style of property, sliding doors offer uninterrupted widescreen views of the great outdoors. 

With every element considered, from child safety to custom colours and thermal efficiency, Origin’s aluminium sliding doors are designed and manufactured in Great Britain. 

Here are some of the reasons why homeowners choose aluminium sliding doors:

More Glass, Less Frame

Sliding doors often provide a better U-value than other doors, as they are designed to have more glass and less frame. Allowing you to have bigger doors, they let plenty of natural light in through the large panes of glass. You can even have a thinner frame than bifold doors, depending on the manufacturer.

Effortless

Like most other windows and glass doors, they require cleaning regularly with detergent to ensure they stay looking spotless. But as they don’t have multiple panes or frames they’re generally easier to clean than most, and other than that you can just sit back and enjoy them.

No Interruptions Please

When open, sliding doors take up no space at all inside or outside. They also don’t interrupt the natural flow of your home – a win-win for those looking for a seamless home design.

Best of Both Worlds

If you choose a sliding door with a ‘Lift and Slide’ system, you’ll be able to open the door partially and lock it in place, giving you ventilation whilst being in the home – the best of both worlds.

Some sliding doors’ tracks can be quite large but with Origin’s slimline sliding doors, there is a choice of width to fit your individual needs and preference. 

If you are looking for a door that opens completely, sliding doors may not be the choice for you. This is because they often have half an opening or 2/3 on a 3 pane with the rest not fully opening. If this is the case for you, bifold doors will be a better option.

View our range of aluminium sliding doors here.

Make An Enquiry

If you’d like to find out more about Origin’s aluminium bifold and sliding doors, please get in touch with our team today. Give us a call on 0117 971 7880 or make an enquiry by clicking here.