How To Clean Garage and Roller Door Tracks

Regular maintenance of your garage and roller door tracks is essential to ensure smooth operation, prevent damage and extend the life of your garage door system. Over time, dirt, debris, and grime can accumulate in the tracks, leading to noisy, jerky movements and even potential damage to the door mechanism. 

Keeping the tracks clean not only ensures the door operates efficiently but also enhances the overall safety of your garage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your garage and roller door tracks.

For personalised advice, contact our team at PDS Garage Doors today.

Why it’s Important to Clean Garage and Garage Roller Door Tracks

The tracks and rollers of your garage door play a crucial role in its overall functionality. When they become clogged with dirt, dust, or debris, the door may not move smoothly along the tracks, leading to uneven wear and tear. 

This can result in a variety of problems, from annoying squeaks and squeals to more serious issues like the door coming off its tracks. Regular cleaning helps to prevent these issues, ensuring that your garage door remains in good working order for years to come.

Additionally, a well-maintained garage door not only functions better but also looks better, adding to the curb appeal of your home. Clean tracks and rollers help to avoid unnecessary strain on the garage door opener, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs or replacements down the line.

What Tools and Materials You Will Need

Cleaning Supplies

• Vacuum Cleaner or Broom: Used to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the garage door tracks. This tool helps prevent dirt from mixing with the cleaning solution and makes the overall cleaning process more effective.
• Soft Brush or Cloth: This is essential for scrubbing the inside of the tracks without causing scratches. Choose a brush with soft bristles to gently dislodge grime and a cloth for wiping down surfaces.
• Mild Detergent or Cleaner: A gentle cleaner helps break down grease and grime without leaving harmful residues. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the tracks or surrounding surfaces. 
• Lubricant (Silicone-Based or Garage Door Lubricant): An after-cleaning solution applied to the tracks and rollers can ensure the smooth operation of the door and prevent rust and corrosion.

Protective Gear

• Gloves: Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt, debris, and cleaning chemicals. Gloves also provide a better grip while working on the tracks.
• Safety Goggles: Safety goggles are important to shield your eyes from dust and debris that may be dislodged during the cleaning process. They also protect your eyes from any cleaning solution that might accidentally splash you.

Having these tools and materials ready will make the cleaning process more efficient and ensure that you complete the task safely and effectively.

1. Clean The Garage To Remove Items in the Way

Before you can effectively clean your garage door tracks, it’s important to ensure that the area around your garage door is clear of any obstructions. Over time, garages can become cluttered with various items such as tools, boxes, and equipment, and these can easily get in the way during the cleaning process, making it more difficult to access the tracks and work efficiently.

2. Watch and Listen to the Garage Door in Motion

Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s helpful to carefully observe your garage door as it operates. This will give you a better sense of where the door might be sticking, where unusual noises are coming from, and where dirt debris or other obstructions might be causing issues with the door’s functionality.

3. Wash the Garage Door Surface

Thoroughly cleaning the garage door itself is an important step in maintaining the entire system. A clean door surface not only enhances the appearance of your garage but also helps prevent dirt and grime from transferring onto the tracks and rollers, which can hinder the smooth operations of the door over time.

4. Clean The Tracks and Rollers

Now that the area around the tracks is clear and the door surface is clean, it’s time to focus on the tracks and rollers themselves. Inspect the tracks carefully for any signs of buildup or debris. Use a brush to clean the inside of the tracks, wipe down the rollers with a clean cloth, and vacuum the area to ensure that any loose dirt, dust, or particles are removed, allowing for smoother door movement.

5. Lubricate The Hinges and Wipe the Springs

Once the tracks and rollers are clean, it’s important to lubricate the moving parts of your garage door system to ensure smooth operation. Apply a high-quality lubricant to the hinges, bearings, and any other moving parts. Also wipe down the springs to remove any accumulated dirt or debris, which helps maintain proper function and prolong the lifespan of the components.

For Assistance or a Professional Cleaning Service, Contact PDS Garage Doors 

Cleaning your garage and roller door tracks is an essential part of maintaining your garage door system, but it can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task. If you’re short on time or unsure about how to properly clean your garage door tracks, it may be best to leave the job to the professionals.

At PDS Garage Doors, we offer comprehensive garage door cleaning and maintenance services to keep your door in peak condition. Our experienced technicians have the tools and expertise to thoroughly clean and lubricate your garage door tracks, ensuring that your door operates smoothly and safely.

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