How to Clean Bifold Doors

Bifold doors are a fantastic addition to any home, but it’s important to take care of them to ensure that they last a long time. Bifolds see a lot of action and they can quickly gather dust, fingertips and dirt, especially in the tracks. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean bifold doors so that you can ensure that they have a long lifespan and receive great value for money. 

How Often Should You Clean Bifold Doors? 

As a general rule, we recommend that bifold doors should be cleaned every few months, but this can depend on a variety of factors like location, material and usage. 

By cleaning at regular intervals, you can prevent dirt and debris from building up in the tracks and hinges, which is critical to ensure smooth usage day-to-day and helps to increase the longevity of the bifold doors.

For homes which are based in and around high traffic areas, or for those with coastal homes, you might find that your bifolds need increased maintenance to keep them looking good. 

Next, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step on how to clean them effectively..

What Tools are Needed to Clean Bifold Doors?

Cleaning bifold doors is really quite easy when it comes down to it. It just takes a bit of time and effort. You simply need a variety of basic tools, which you’ll probably already have at home. This includes:

• Soft microfibre cloths 
• Mild detergent 
• Vacuum with brush attachment for tracks
• Small soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush for tight corners & hinges
• Glass cleaner
• Dry towel or absorbent cloth
• Lubricant spray (non-silicone) for hinges and tracks

Now you’ve got your supplies, let’s get into the step-by-step cleaning process.

How to Clean Bifold Door Glass

Cleaning provides benefits to your aluminium bifold doors – enhancing visibility and maintaining their condition. To get a streak-free finish that’s safe, follow these steps: 

• Step 1: Dust the surface – Remove loose dust and debris with a soft cloth to prevent any possible scratches. This applies to both the window and the aluminium frame.
• Step 2: Spray glass cleaner – Cover the glass liberally with glass cleaner. You can find this readily available in shops. 
• Step 3: Wipe with a clean microfiber cloth – We recommend working down from the top in a circular motion, then finish with a vertical stroke for a polished look.
• Step 4: Dry and buff – Use a microfiber cloth to remove any moisture and prevent streaks. We would recommend that cleaning the glass is better completed when not in direct sunlight to avoid rapid drying and streaks.
• Step 5: Clean both sides – Although the outside windows see the majority of the dirt, it’s important not to forget about the inside! Use the same process inside, too.

How to Clean Bifold Door Frames (Aluminium)

If you’re cleaning the frame of the aluminium bifold doors, simply apply the same steps we mentioned above on how to clean bifold glass.

How to Clean Bifold Door Tracks

Bifold door tracks are often neglected, but they’re actually the most important to maintain! By leaving dirt to accumulate, it can lead to stiffness, misalignment and sometimes long-term damage. 

Follow these steps to keep your door mechanisms in shape: 

• Step 1: Open doors fully – This allows you to analyse the track properly for dirt, damage or debris. 
• Step 2: Vacuum loose debris – Use a vacuum in easy-to-reach areas.
• Step 3:  Use a brush – Use a soft brush or toothbrush to loosen stuck-on dirt and hard-to-reach corners. 
• Step 4: Wipe with a damp cloth – Use your microfibre cloth and dip it in mild, soapy water to wipe down the track thoroughly. Avoid using too much water.
• Step 5: Dry the track – Use an old, dry towel to remove moisture, to prevent rust or mould growth. 

Having clean tracks is key to the longevity of your bifold doors.

Bifold Hinge and Lock Maintenance Tips

Last but not least, when it comes to bifold door maintenance, you need to understand how to look after your hinges and locks. These components experience regular wear and tear, so it’s important to be aware of the following maintenance tips:

• Tip 1: Check for loose screws and tighten gently.
• Tip 2: Lubricate if needed to keep metal tracks and rollers smooth. Make sure to apply a small amount of non-silicone based lubricant, and if needed, wipe away the excess. 
• Tip 3: Clean around the hinges to get rid of any dirt buildup 
• Tip 4: Test the lock regularly to catch any issues early.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Bifolding Doors

When cleaning, it’s also important to consider that the wrong techniques can cause more harm than good. Here are our top 4 things NOT to do when cleaning:

• Using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners as these can damage finishes.
• Forgetting to clean the tracks and hinges can mean buildup occurs, affecting how the doors open.
• Avoid scrubbing glass with rough sponges as this can leave scratches which are difficult to remove.
• Don’t ignore the seals and weather stripping; doing so can lead to drafts or moisture problems. 

Get in Touch

So, in conclusion, if you take the time to keep your bifold doors maintained, you’ll be rewarded with an extended product life, ease of use and will avoid costly repairs.

If you’d like more advice on maintenance, or simply want some expert advice, get in touch with our friendly team.