How to Care for Wooden Doors

Simply wiping your wooden doors over twice a year with a damp cloth with help maintain the functionality and appearance of the door to your home. You can help increase the longevity of your door by following our guide, saving you money in the long run.

1. Clean Wooden Doors Regularly

Use a damp cloth with gentle soap, such as fairy liquid and water mix to wipe the dust and debris off, of your door. Ensure you dry it off after to prevent any damp spots.

2. Check for Damages

Water Damage

Wooden doors are susceptible to swelling, warping and rot, especially with our wet climate in the UK.

You may want to dry off your wooden door after notable bouts of rain or snow to help prevent it seeping into the structure or use a dehumidifier nearby during those periods of extreme weather.

Check the corners periodically as they are the worst affected areas usually.

Cracks, Chips and Scratches

Any damages left untreated will eventually turn into a bigger problem. Cracks and chips will allow additional water to seep in, especially if the paint or varnish has worn away in that area.

To solve this, we recommend you check your doors quarterly for any of these damages and gently sand, fill and re-varnish/paint when necessary. It is relatively simple to do:

1. Use a medium-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the wood grain, being careful to use a light touch.
2. Repaint/Reseal to complete, ensure the paint or varnish is suitable for exterior wood and offers some UV protection to prevent against fading.

3. Service the Hardware

To keep your door operating smoothly, it is important to service the hardware. Wipe over the handles, hinges, face plate (the metal surround where the keyhole is located), letterbox etc. With a soapy damp cloth to remove any dust buildup. Tighten any loose screws whilst you’re there.

Lubricate the locks and hinges using graphite powder or WD-40 Silicone. Simple spray the nozzle into the keyhole and hinge joints which will break down any debris caught inside. Do not use standard WD-40.

4. Protect from Weather

Weather Stripping

Check the weather stripping around the door for any breakages. Weather stripping is a vital part of your wooden door as it helps prevent any drafts, moisture and dirt from entering your home. It is cheap and easy to replace.

Door Canopy

Door canopies not only add aesthetic value to your property, but they can also help keep harsh sunlight and heavy rain or snowfall from falling on your wooden door, thus protecting it from the elements. Of course, this is something you would need to call a professional in for and is a pricey investment.