Things You'll Need
1 tsp. mild liquid dish soap
Warm water
2 plastic buckets
2 soft cleaning rags
Nylon bristle brush
Clean paper towels
Sliding door tracks, handles and frames are composed of aluminum for strength and resiliency. Aluminum surfaces resist corrosion, allowing sliding doors to last longer than other materials. Exposure to dirt and debris, though, causes aluminum components on sliding doors to become dingy and discolored over time. Aluminum gradually becomes gray from weathering and lack of maintenance. Failure to regularly maintain sliding doors allows abrasive grime particles to scratch aluminum. Clean and restore aluminum on sliding doors with basic solutions and supplies.
Step 1
Allow the aluminum surfaces to cool if they are too hot to touch.
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Step 2
Make a solution of 1 tsp. mild liquid dish soap and 1 gallon warm water in a plastic bucket. Thoroughly mix the solution until the soap is dissolved.
Step 3
Fill another plastic bucket halfway with warm water only.
Step 4
Dampen a soft cleaning rag in the soapy water. Wipe the sliding door's handle, frame, track and other aluminum surfaces with the damp rag to remove loose dirt and debris. Scrub stubborn grime with a nylon bristle brush. Frequently rinse the rag and brush in warm water to prevent reapplying abrasive grime to the aluminum.
Step 5
Moisten another soft cleaning rag with fresh warm water. Wipe the aluminum surfaces with the moist rag to wash away the soapy solution. Periodically rinse the rag with fresh water.
Step 6
Wipe the aluminum surfaces with clean paper towels until completely dry.
Tip
Brighten discolored aluminum with a solution of 1 tbsp. vinegar and 1 qt. water.
Warning
Abrasive cleaning solutions and supplies can scratch aluminum sliding doors.
Baking soda and other alkaline products can discolor aluminum sliding doors.
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