How to Clean Iron Doors | Iron Doors Arizona

You’ve gone through the arduous process of choosing the perfect wrought iron doors and of having them installed by tried and true professionals. Now it’s time to ensure they stay looking as good as the day they were installed.

Learn How to Clean Iron Doors

Wrought iron can be tricky to clean, though, and you wouldn’t be the first homeowner left stumped while trying to find the perfect products and procedures to restore that brand-new shine to your doors. Fortunately, not all hope is lost. Follow these tips to get your iron doors as clean as the day they were installed.

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Steps for Cleaning Iron Doors

If you’re in need of a simple, straightforward cleaning, you’re in luck. This process is actually a fairly simple one once you nail down which products to use. In order to simply wipe the dust, dirt, and general outdoor debris away from your wrought iron door:

Choose a vegetable-based soap and mix a teaspoon of it into a bowl of water until a small amount of suds are formed. Vegetable-based soap is gentle, which is why it’s used for such a wide variety of cleaning processes.
Dip a lint-free, soft cloth into the soap and water solution.
Starting at the top and working your way to the bottom, use the soapy cloth to gently wipe your door clean.
Rinse the door by spraying it with a hose. Alternately, use another clean, lint-free cloth, this one dipped in water without soap.
Use another dry cloth to dry the door, moving from top to bottom again.

By using gentle, vegetable-based soap, you preserve the overall look of your door while getting the good, thorough clean you’ve been looking for. Using soft cloths is essential to the process, as this, too, preserves the doors look over the course of many washes.

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How to Remove Rust from Wrought Iron Doors

Unfortunately, not all cleanings are simple. One real drawback of some wrought iron doors is that, if left neglected for too long, they can begin to rust. Removing rust is a bit more difficult than simply applying some vegetable-based soap. If you’ve been encountering rust on your iron door entry, use a stiff, wire-metal brush to scrape it away. Sandpaper also works if you don’t have a wire brush on hand.

Unfortunately, this also means scraping away your paint. This means that after removing rust, you’ll also need to repaint your door. This isn’t the easiest process, but it is the best way to ensure rust is kept at bay for the foreseeable future.

Ensure your door is completely dry – wipe it down with a lint-free cloth to make sure.
Use a strong primer in a well-ventilated area. Use primer specifically designed with rust-inhibiting properties to get the most out of this step and ensure you’re covering every single bit of the door on every surface on each side.
Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Apply your chosen metal paint. Generally, you’ll need to wait for the paint to dry for 24 – 48 hours before using the door again, so plan accordingly.

Entirely repainting your door can feel like a chore, but it’s the best way to discourage your door from re-rusting in the near future. Besides, it keeps your home looking great, and ensures the entrance to your home is well-maintained and welcoming.

Explore High Quality Iron Doors at Our Arizona Showrooms

Contact Iron Doors Arizona to learn more about wrought iron doors, how to maintain them, and how to choose the perfect design for your home. Whether you’re just looking to repaint or you need a full door replacement, the professionals at Iron Doors Arizona have the skills and know-how to help you out and keep your home looking great no matter the challenges you’re facing.