With the arrival of spring weather, you’re probably ready to start spending more time outdoors, making it essential for your patio door to function flawlessly. A sticky or squeaky patio door can become an embarrassing inconvenience when entertaining guests. Follow these quick steps to ensure a smooth glide every time. It should only take 10 minutes to complete the process, so let’s get started!

Material List

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you need to clean and lubricate a sliding door track:

  • Safety goggles and gloves
  • Wet-dry vacuum
  • Nonabrasive household cleaner
  • Cleaning rags
  • Steel wool
  • Silicone spray

Instructions

Now, follow these steps to clean the sliding door track as well as the sliding screen door:

  1. Safety first—don your goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands.
  2. With the door closed, vacuum the exposed track, preferably with a wet-dry vacuum. Dirt, sand, bugs, and pet hair are the most common debris that can wear out the rollers and gum up the track.
  3. After vacuuming this area thoroughly, open the door and repeat on the other side of the track. Remember to vacuum both sides of the sliding screen door track as well.
  4. Keeping the door open, spray a nonabrasive household cleaner on the track and wipe it with a cleaning rag to remove any stuck-on dirt and debris that the vacuum left behind. Close the door and repeat this step on the other side of the track.
  5. Inspect the round portion of the track where the roller comes in contact for any buildup or rough spots that may have accumulated over time. Clean and smooth this area with steel wool if necessary. If severe wear or damage has occurred, consider replacing the track. You can do so without having to replace the entire door.
  6. Lubricate the track with silicone spray to enhance the sliding smoothness. Roll the door back and forth to distribute the lubricating spray and check for smooth operation.

You’re all set! You can now enjoy your freshly cleaned and lubricated patio door as warmer weather returns to Columbus, OH. If you need to replace the glass sliding door track or want an entirely new patio door, turn to Rosati Windows.

Since opening our doors in 2000, Rosati Windows has become Central Ohio’s go-to source for top-quality replacement windows and doors. Our quick growth over the past two decades and recognition from the likes of Angi and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce show that we’re serious about what we do. The Rosati Difference means you get award-winning service that’s made us a favorite among countless Columbus homeowners. To see the change a new sliding glass door can make in your home, please call us at (614) 777-4806 today for a free installation estimate.