# Door care: how to maintain exterior doors for a longer life Cleaning, seal, hinge and lock maintenance, thresholds and winter care. Exterior doors are among the most frequently used parts of a home. They are opened and closed dozens of times a day, facing cold and snow in winter and sun and rain in summer. A little regular care is therefore particularly useful. This article explains what to do, how to do it and what to look out for. ## Why do doors need maintenance? A door depends on several parts: the surface, frame, seals, hinges, lock and threshold. If one wears out or becomes clogged, the door can become difficult to close, draughts may appear or thermal insulation may deteriorate. Regular inspection and cleaning can prevent many of these problems. ## 1. Cleaning the door surface and frame ### PVC doors Clean with warm water and a mild detergent, using a soft cloth or sponge. Do not use abrasive products, metal brushes or solvents, as these can damage the surface. ### Aluminium doors Aluminium surfaces resist the weather, but benefit from regular removal of dust and dirt, particularly at frame joints. Use a mild cleaner and a soft cloth. ### Glass elements If the door contains glass, clean it with a standard glass cleaner in the shade or on a cloudy day to avoid streaks. ## 2. Checking seals Seals help the door close tightly and keep out cold air in winter. Inspect them once a year: - Is the rubber elastic, without drying or cracks? - Does the seal fit closely around the entire perimeter? - Are any areas damaged or coming away? A dedicated seal-care product or silicone lubricant can help maintain elasticity. This also helps prevent the seal from freezing to the frame in winter. ## 3. Hinges and hardware Hinges carry the weight of the door and are under particular strain. Once a year, preferably in autumn: - Remove dust and dirt from the hinges. - Lubricate moving parts with dedicated hardware oil. - Check that the handle and screws are not loose. If the door rubs against the frame or becomes difficult to lock, adjusting the hinges is often enough. This is quicker and less expensive than replacing the door. ## 4. Locks and cylinders The lock mechanism needs the right lubricant. For the cylinder, use a dedicated lock lubricant or graphite product rather than ordinary oil, which attracts dust and may make the mechanism harder to operate over time. Follow the cylinder manufacturer’s instructions, as graphite is not suitable for every type. If the key becomes difficult to turn, do not force it; first clean and lubricate the mechanism as instructed. ## 5. Thresholds and drainage Sand, leaves and dirt collect at the threshold. They can prevent the door from closing tightly and damage the seal. Clean the threshold regularly and check that any drainage holes are not blocked. ## 6. Winter care - Check seals and hinges in autumn so the door is ready for cold weather. - If the door is frozen shut, do not pull hard or hit it. Thaw it gently and clear ice around the seal. - Do not use boiling water, as it can damage seals and glass. - Do not allow snow and ice to build up at the threshold. ## 7. A seasonal care schedule In spring Thoroughly clean the door surface, frame and threshold after winter; inspect seals and check for winter damage. In autumn Lubricate hinges and hardware; maintain the lock mechanism and check for draughts before the heating season. From time to time Notice whether the door closes and locks easily, and watch for any changes in how it works. ## What not to do - Do not use abrasive products or solvents. - Do not slam the door, as this puts strain on hinges and the lock. - Do not hang heavy objects on the door. - Do not ignore small changes: increased rubbing noise or harder closing may be the first sign that adjustment is needed. ## When is maintenance no longer enough? It is worth getting an assessment. Sometimes adjustment or replacing parts is enough, while in other cases replacing the door is more cost-effective. If you notice that: - The door still rubs against the frame or does not close tightly after adjustment. - There are draughts around the door even though the seals are in good order. - Gaps or signs of moisture are visible around the frame. - The lock remains difficult to operate after maintenance. ## Related articles Aluminium or PVC exterior doors: choosing the right material Front door security PVC and aluminium window care ## Unsure whether your door needs maintenance or replacement? Book a free consultation and we will assess the most sensible solution for your home. Book a consultation Exterior door with a dark frame at a private home