Closet sliding doors are a great space-saving solution, but over time, dirt, dust, and grime can build up in the tracks, causing them to stick or jam. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to quickly access your closet. Many people wonder, “What is the best tool for cleaning sliding door tracks?” The answer is simpler than you think. To effectively clean your closet sliding door tracks, all you need is a sliding door track cleaner and some household cleaning supplies.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to clean your closet sliding door tracks, which tools work best, and how you can maintain them to prevent future dirt buildup. So, let’s get started!
Why Clean Sliding Door Tracks?
One of the most common problems we find with closet sliding doors is that they collect dust, hair, and debris in their tracks.
- Difficulty opening and closing the door.
- Uneven sliding or sticking.
- Damage to the door hardware over time.
- Reduced lifespan of the sliding door system.
A regular clean-out of the slots where sliding doors run will make sure that they slide easily and last a long time. Further, a dirt-free track can protect your door mechanism from serious damage down the road.
Tools You Will Need
Now that you have collected everything needed, let’s go cleaning. These are all readily available and might be something you already have lying around at home.
Best Tools for Cleaning Sliding Door Tracks
- Vacuum Cleaner with a Narrow Nozzle Attachment: This will help you get rid of loose dirt and debris without having to remove the door.
- Sliding Door Track Cleaner: Use a sliding door track cleaning brush for those hard-to-reach areas in the track. You can buy specific sliding door track cleaners that are effective at removing stubborn dirt.
- Soft Bristle Toothbrush: If you don’t have a sliding door track cleaner, a toothbrush works just as well to get into tight corners.
- Microfiber Cloth: A soft cloth is perfect for wiping away dust without scratching the metal track.
- Mild Cleaning Solution: Use a gentle cleaner like dish soap and warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals that could corrode the metal.
- Old Toothpicks or Cotton Swabs: These are great for getting rid of dirt in the corners of the track.
- Lubricant (Silicone Spray): This keeps the tracks smooth and prevents future buildup of debris.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Closet Sliding Door Tracks
1. Remove Loose Dirt and Debris
Clean the Sliding Door Tracks of Loose Dirt and Debris Before You Do Anything else. Make the most of your vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle attachment and try to suck out as much dirt from inside the tracks as you can. This will help you to clean it details more easily.
2. Clean with a Sliding Door Track Cleaner
Now that the blowing is done, it’s time to get into cleaning. Clean the tracks with a dowel with an insulated sliding door track or soft toothbrush. Soak the contemporary blind slats in warm soapy water after removing them from their tracks and clean each vertical individually. Do not forget about corners or any other areas where dirt might be caked on.
3. Use Toothpicks or Cotton Swabs for Hard-to-Reach Areas
Almost all of the debris should be gone, but some dirt may remain in the corners you find at each end. Perfectly clean these tight spots with the help of toothpicks or cotton swabs. Be sure to also clean the frame edges and corners where any dirt may still lie.
4. Wipe with a Microfiber Cloth
Use a microfiber cloth to clean the tracks after you scrub them, removing any loose dirt and remaining cleaning agents. Since they are gentle, microfiber cloths will not scratch the metal and leave your tracks clean as well as shining.
5. Apply Lubricant to the Tracks
If the tracks are now clean, you should be able to apply a silicone spray or some other appropriate lubricant. The purpose of this is that, your door will slide smoothly and to keep the dust not stuck at the track. All you need to do is spray a little on the track and wipe away any excess with a dry rag.
6. Reinstall the Door (If Necessary)
If the sliding doors had to be removed so you could gain access to all of the tracks then now is when they should get reinstalled. Raise the door carefully and ensure it is aligned with the tracks to move smoothly.
Here Are Some Cleaning Tips for Your Sliding Door Tracks
Cleaning your sliding door tracks does not have to be a nightmare. So, here are tips for maintaining their fitness:
- Vacuum Weekly: A quick vacuum of the tracks every week can prevent dirt from building up and make deep cleaning easier.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to mild cleaning solutions like dish soap and water. Harsh chemicals can damage the metal tracks and cause rusting.
- Wipe Regularly: Wipe down the tracks with a microfiber cloth every few weeks to remove dust and dirt.
- Use Door Mats: Placing mats near the closet can prevent dirt and debris from being tracked inside, reducing the amount of dirt in the tracks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Sliding Door Tracks
When cleaning sliding door tracks, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:
- Forgetting to Lubricate: If you don’t lubricate the tracks, the door will still stick or slide unevenly. Always finish with a lubricant.
- Using Too Much Water: While cleaning, make sure not to soak the tracks in water. This could cause water damage, especially if the tracks are made of wood.
- Ignoring Debris in the Corners: Even small amounts of dirt can cause your doors to jam. Use a toothpick or cotton swab to remove debris from the corners.
How Often Should You Clean Sliding Door Tracks?
You are not going to be cleaning your closet sliding door tracks on a daily basis. They may need to be cleaned as often as every three months, but for most people, that window is more like six. On the other hand, if you realize that your door no longer slides as smoothly it is advisable to pass on a little bit of cleaning by their tracks.
If you live in a dusty area or have pets, hair, and dust can build up in the tracks more quickly than for most people, requiring that they be cleaned sooner.
When to Replace Sliding Door Tracks
If your cleaning efforts do not help, it could also mean it’s time to replace the tracks. We shall now make you familiar with signs that your existing sliding door tracks need a replacement!
- Visible Warping: If the tracks are bent or damaged, cleaning won’t solve the problem. You may need to replace the tracks entirely.
- Frequent Sticking: If the doors constantly stick, even after cleaning and lubricating, worn-out tracks might be the cause.
- Rust or Corrosion: Metal tracks that have started to rust should be replaced before they cause further damage to the door mechanism.
Conclusion
Wiping out the tracks of your closet sliding door is easy enough it can have a large impact on how long and easily you are able to use those doors. A few simple materials such as a vacuum, and sliding door track cleaner are all it takes to keep those same garbage-prone tracks in pristine condition…that way your closet doors can grow old with you.
Simply keeping the tracks clean and free of debris, and directing dust particles away will help your doors last for years to come. All you need to do is clean the tracks every 6 months or so, more often if your household contains pets or is centrally located amid dust.
Now, the next time you have a problem with your sliding doors being jammed or stuck, refer to this article again for details!
