How To Clean Internal Wooden Doors
How To Clean Internal Wooden Doors
Investing in wooden doors throughout your home will add a touch of style and quality to your space. Wooden doors reduce noise, increase security and they look great too. Being a natural product, wooden doors need a little TLC now and again to keep them looking their best. If you’ve read Doorstations’ ‘how to treat internal oak doors’ you’ll know that wooden doors must be treated initially, to prevent warping or shrinkage through moisture absorption and lack of nutrients. And check out Doorstations’ ‘pre-finished internal oak doors explained’ guide if you want to save time and buy pre-finished doors ready to hang.
So, you have your fully treated internal wooden doors nicely in place. The next question is, how do you clean them? Water and wood are not the best of friends, so let's look at the best cleaning products and methods out there, to preserve the natural beauty of your internal wooden doors.
The good news is that, with proper care and maintenance, your wooden doors will continue to look fantastic for many years to come.
Dusting the Door
To dust your internal doors, grab a clean, soft cloth and gently wipe in the direction of the wood grain, not forgetting the doorframe, hinges, and handles. A microfibre cloth works best, as the fabric is designed to trap dust and dirt, capturing and removing most loose dust on the door. These cloths are also super soft and completely non-abrasive.
Preparing A Mild Cleaning Solution
The next step is to prepare a cleaning solution to wipe the excess dust from the wooden door. Use mild dish soap—just a few drops in a bowl of warm water will do. Normal cleaning detergents often contain harsh chemicals that will spoil the natural wood over time, so it’s a good idea to avoid them. Another option to try is a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. The acidity of the vinegar cuts through grease and grime without using damaging detergents.
Wiping The Door Surface
Using a clean, damp cloth and following the direction of the wood grain, wipe the door thoroughly to remove dust and grime particles. Use a soft cloth with no abrasive strands, and make sure it's not too wet, as the water will soak into the wood. Wipe all door areas including the frame, hinges, handles and the top.
Cleaning Detailed Areas (Panels & Mouldings)
Cleaning the inside of panel corners or within the intricacies of wood mouldings can be particularly tricky, and invariably, these areas collect the most dust. Try using a toothbrush or soft paintbrush with the cleaning solution to remove these hard-to-reach crevices.
Drying The Door Properly
After cleaning, remove any traces of moisture by wiping the door with a dry, lint-free cloth. This is super important to avoid any risk of the door becoming water damaged by staining or swelling, particularly on oiled or untreated wood. Gently wipe over the entire door, inside the cracks, around the edges, and hinges; it’s important to capture everything.
Polishing For Shine
Using wood polish adds a protective finish to wooden surfaces. It also adds shine and enhances the grain of wooden doors after the cleaning process. Apply a thin layer of polish using a soft cloth. Then, use a second cloth to buff the door.
What About Internal White Wooden Doors?
It’s surprising to learn that internal doors can be one of the dirtiest items in your home. Think about high-traffic areas and just how often your doors are opened, closed and brushed past each and every day. Regular maintenance of these important fixtures is essential to keep them looking pristine. Some doors show dirt more than others, and this is often the case with white internal doors. Luckily, a painted wooden door can be cleaned in much the same way as a varnished or natural door. Simply dust with a soft cloth, then wipe away dirt and marks using a damp cloth and mild soapy water. White vinegar or baking soda paste can also be used to remove stubborn stains.
If you’re looking to brighten up your home with painted internal doors, look at Doorstations' range of white primed internal doors, which are all prepared and ready to paint with your favourite colour.
How to Remove Stains
Sometimes, more than the usual dust and fingerprints find their way to the surface of wooden doors. If you have particularly stubborn stains to remove or a buildup of dirt that can’t be wiped off easily, the last thing you want to do is scrub too hard or use harsh chemicals that may damage the wood.
First, wipe the door clean using the method above to remove dust and grease particles. Then, create a paste using baking soda and water and gently rub the stained area using a soft cloth and the paste mixture, always following the direction of the wood grain. Wipe the area clean and then dry it as above.
If you still have a grubby-looking door, it’s time to use mineral spirits or a specialised wood stain remover. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. These solutions can be more damaging to wood, so always use them sparingly and only when needed. After cleaning apply a good quality wood polish to restore the surface and bring back its shine.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
It’s essential to keep wooden doors clean and free from the build-up of everyday grease and dirt. But when you’re cleaning a natural material like wood, it's important to follow instructions carefully.
- Avoid using harsh, abrasive cloths and sponges that could scratch the wood or damage the finish.
- Avoid using regular detergents that can harm natural wood by gradually stripping away the finish and exposing the bare wood. This looks unsightly and creates further damage as the grime becomes more embedded in the grain of the wood.
- Always dry the door thoroughly. Water and wood don’t mix well; leaving a water residue can stain the wood and cause it to swell and warp.
- Always clean in the direction of the wood grain.
Top Tip: wipe in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the surface.
Final Look – A Well Maintained Door
With the correct care and maintenance, internal wooden doors will retain their natural elegance for many years. The tough, hardwearing properties of wood mean that internal doors will often withstand knocks, bangs, slams, and dog scratches (well, maybe not the dog scratches!). Taking care and following guidance will guarantee the look of your internal wooden doors.
Internal doors are available in several materials, such as oak doors, pine doors, and walnut doors. If you’re unsure which door style or finish to choose for your home, contact the team at Doorstation for some friendly advice. Doors are our business and we’re experts on every type. Whether it’s flush, French, pocket or sliding we have expert knowledge and experience to hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sort of cloth is best for cleaning wooden doors?
Always use a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge that won’t make scratch marks on the wood. Microfibre cloths are handy as they are exceptionally soft, and the dust clings to the fabric, making it easier to clean.
How often should wooden doors be cleaned?
Interior doors should be cleaned as often as needed. But at least once a month.
What happens to wood when it gets wet?
Wood is an absorbent material. When water settles, the wood absorbs the moisture, causing it to swell and warp. This can also lead to mould and decay. To protect the wood, a coating is usually applied to unfinished doors.
How often should internal doors be refinished?
Depending on where the door is and how much use it gets, internal doors usually need to be re-treated every three to five years.
