Bifold doors are a dream addition to many people’s homes. They provide plenty of natural light, space, and access to your outdoor space or other rooms, along with a luxuriously modern aesthetic.
While many of us consider the purchase and installation of bifold doors to be the only step required, the maintenance of bifold doors is the second action to be taken. We know that cleaning windows and doors is not what most of us would call a fun activity. However, bi-fold doors need to be cleaned and cared for regularly to make them last, which in turn will help to keep your doors gliding smoothly and have squeaky clean glass for years to come. While some of the recommended cleaning tasks can be done along with your weekly or monthly cleaning, others only need to be actioned yearly.
We have gathered our top tips for bifold door maintenance to ensure that you have a solution for any of your cleaning questions. From learning how to care for bifold doors and how often they need to be cleaned to how to clean glass to get the sparkle back – we answer all your frequently asked questions.
Whether you have gotten yourself uPVC, timber or powder coated aluminium bifold doors, our tips for maintaining and caring for your bifold doors are applicable for all materials, unless otherwise stated.
Pre-Checks: Ensure your doors are installed properly
While installing bifold doors may not seem difficult to some expert DIY-ers, there are certainly higher chances of serious issues and damages. Besides, you may not be covered by a warranty. It is essential to have your bifold door installation handled by experienced fitters. At the Bifold Door Factory, we provide various bifold door services and ensure our professional and experienced team installs each door and window as required.
How often should I clean my bifold doors?
Bifold doors are relatively low maintenance. Apart from cleaning the glass when it is visibly marked, we recommend a thorough service (including lubricating the locks and wiping down the frames) be carried out once a year. If your property is located by the sea, we suggest more frequent cleaning due to the build-up of salt deposits. In this case, your bifold doors should be rinsed with fresh water at least every fortnight, preferably once a week.
If your property is in a location where more dust and air pollution is found, cleaning your doors every 3-6 months is recommended. Before cleaning your bifold doors with a cleaning solution, we recommend removing any dust build-up. This can be done using a soft cloth or a feather duster.
How to Clean the Glass
Cleaning the glass on your bifold doors is a straightforward process. You can clean your bifold door glass using a window cleaning solution or a DIY concoction of half water and half distilled vinegar. A mix of soap and water is another good alternative but be careful not to use too much soap as it will leave streaks. Apply or spray your cleaning solution onto the glass and wipe it with a non-abrasive cloth, such as a microfibre cloth or a soft squeegee. Ensure that the cloth you use is clean before use and take note not to use the cleaning solution on your bifold door frames.
Once you have finished cleaning the glass, end the process by buffing it dry using a dry cloth or an old newspaper. The final buff is what gives your glass the sparkling shine we all love, making it look brand new once again.
How to Clean the Door Frames and Hinges
Unlike the cleaning solution used to clean the glass, bifold door frames and hinges should be cleaned using a mild mix of warm water and soap. Detergent and washing-up liquid may also be used in some instances, but refrain from doing so on a powder-coated frame.
A simple wipe to clean the door frames, hinges and gaskets is sufficient. A microfibre cloth or soft squeegee will do the trick. We recommend giving them a wipe down once a week along with your regular cleaning routine.
For any stubborn stains or dirt stuck to the frame, soak the area with warm water. If this does not work, opt for using a standard ink rubber which would offer instant improvement. If you do not see it working within the first couple of minutes through gentle rubbing, do not persist. Look into other solutions to remove the mark or contact us for advice. Do not use harsh scourers or heavy detergents.
Another issue some people encounter is condensation and finding mould inside the bifold door frame. This is easily treatable by using a standard mould removing spray from your nearest supermarket. Do have a look at the product’s ingredients and whether they can be used on the frame of your door.
Once your door frames and hinges are dry, add a small amount of silicone spray or grease on the bifold door wheels, hinges, and handles. Remove any excess product from the frame and surrounding area. If the handles are feeling loose, which can happen through wear and tear, get in touch and we will visit to tighten the handle back as it was.
How to Clean Bifold Tracks
Bifold door runners can sometimes get debris, and small foreign objects like pet hair and stones fall inside. Immediately remove any of these objects or collected debris from the track as they can potentially cause damage. To clean bifold tracks, you can run a thin vacuum cleaner nozzle along the length of the runner, allowing it to vacuum any dirt and dust. You may also use a small brush or another appropriate cleaning device. If your bifold door is having difficulty moving smoothly and you feel resistance, do not forcefully push the doors. Instead, check if there is any debris in the tracks and remove it accordingly.
Some doors may require you to lubricate the track with a silicone spray after being cleaned. We recommend you contact us before using a different type of spray or oil on your bifold doors. Depending on their model, it might be counterproductive and could cause worse issues. We will recommend what product you can use, if any.
Maintaining Bifold Door Locks
To maintain the locks of your bifold door, firstly check your locks regularly to ensure they are working correctly. You should lubricate the lock and key twice to three times a year to ensure the locking mechanism continues to operate well. If you notice any dust inside the locking mechanism, use a vacuum cleaner or small brush to clean the area.
Suppose you are struggling with turning the lock and notice resistance. In that case, we recommend that you use a small amount of lubricating oil to the lock and key. Test it by inserting the key into the lock, turn it, and remove it a couple of times to ensure it runs smoothly again. Be mindful of the type of lubricant you use – if you are not sure, ask our Bifold Door Factory team for advice. If your lock is not working or any other issues arise, get in touch, and we can offer our services for bi fold door lock repair and more.
Conclusion
We hope that our article has provided helpful insight into how maintaining bifold doors is a relatively simple process. If regular care is taken, your doors will last for several years in tip-top shape.
If you find that your doors have been damaged or are not operating as they should, get in touch and we will have our experienced team assist you.
Browse our top Schuco bifold doors and our folding doors gallery for more information about the kinds of products we offer and find inspiration for your new home or home renovation.