7 Simple Tips on How to Clean Fiberglass Doors the Right Way

On average, most homeowners end up spending 5-10% of their net pay on various home maintenance expenses annually. These costs include stained doors and walls, which may be an eyesore to the otherwise stylish home décor. If you’ve been in this situation before, you know the pressure involved.

Cleaning around can be a DIY kind of engagement for most times. However, on other occasions, this process may require an extra extent of caution, especially when cleaning items that are made up of fiberglass.

Critical parts of your home that may require extra attention include doors. Keeping your fiberglass doors clean is very important. You should check out these tips on how to clean fiberglass doors the right way.

1. Prepare Your Cleaning Area

You may have many questions on how to clean fiberglass, right? Well, preparing for the task is the first critical step to this process. You need to clear up the cleaning area by clearing any items that may be affected by the process. Such items include seats and carpets.

Open all the doors and windows around the cleaning area to ensure sufficient breathing space. This is because you need as much fresh air as possible while undertaking the process due to the chemical and fumes.

Most of your options when cleaning or painting release harmful fumes. You need to ensure that the room is well-ventilated to reduce the risk of inhaling the chemicals. If you are allergic to such fumes, it is essential that you consider the services of an expert.

2. Review the Nature of the Stain

Next, you need to choose the right cleaning solution for your stained fiberglass door. Most people do not take the time to observe the nature and extent of the stain before deciding on a plausible cleaning solution. The stain on your door may be a result of grease or oil stains.

Once you’re sure of the nature of the stain, you can now proceed to decide on the most effective option. You need to use a detergent that won’t cut through because it is too abrasive on the fiberglass door. Make sure that your cleaning solution does not have bleach as part of the ingredients.

Further, before buying a cleaning solution, you need to verify that it does not contain an active ingredient. This is the first step towards ensuring that your fiberglass door retains the original texture. Depending on the size of the stain, you may also decide on the quantity of the cleaning solution needed.

3. Use Acetone to Clean Your Door

Before painting your fiberglass door, you need to ensure that it is clean. You may use acetone or paint thinner as the first step when cleaning. In most instances, these options are used when dealing with rather stubborn stains such as oil.

You can dip a rag in acetone solution then smear the acetone on the stained area. You then need to let the cleaner dry painstakingly before beginning the process of painting. One easy way of ensuring that the paint is dry is waiting until the odor dissipates.

You need to ensure that acetone is used only for the most stubborn stains. It has a high chemical concentration that may have an adverse effect on the fiber. You also need to ensure that the cleaning substance does not spill to other areas of the fiberglass.

4. Dealing With Caked-On Dirt

One common stain that you may encounter is caked-on dirt. You can use an easy-to-make home remedy to deal with this kind of grime. First, you can mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Then you should apply the paste on the stain then leave it for at least half a day.

You will notice the paste turning brownish when applied to the dirtier areas. You then need to follow up by cleaning the stained area with regular soapy water. But you may need to use vinegar to activate the soda first after the 12 hours have elapsed.

This process may take at least a day to complete, but it guarantees a satisfactory outcome.

5. Using a Mild Detergent

If you do not have baking soda, using a mild detergent as an alternative may work for you. You should ensure that the cleanser has gently active ingredients before applying it. Once sure, you need to dip a rag into the mild soap, then keenly wash the door’s surface.

Once this is done, you can rinse the fiberglass with a fresh rag to ensure that the detergent and acetone are washed off. Then wait for the area to dry entirely if you are focusing on a specific part of the door. If you are cleaning the entire fiberglass, you need to ensure that you rinse the door patiently to cover every part.

6. Sandpaper May Be Useful

If necessary, before you paint the fiberglass door, you may also need to sand the surface.  This is necessary because it ensures that the paint adheres after the painting process. But you need to ensure that you use a coarse –grit paper.

This ensures that the shine does not appear dull once you are done with the painting.  You may use either 80 or 100 grit-sandpaper as a safety precaution. However, never sand past the gel-coat because this would cut into the fiberglass.

Your approach during the process of painting the fiberglass may cause permanent damage to the surface. Based on this observation, it is advisable that you consider the intervention of professionals during such procedures. Working with such service providers allows for comprehensive fiberglass door review and a careful process of cleaning the intended areas.

7. Masking the Fixtures Is a Critical Insight on How to Clean Fiberglass

You need to ensure that once the process is over, there will be no extra damages to the fiberglass door. Consequently, you need to mask the doorknobs, hinges, and glass with painter’s tape.  Working with reliable service providers ensures that while you clean the fiberglass door to your satisfaction, you also retain the original quality of the accessories and fixtures.

With Proper Cleaning, Your Fiberglass Door Is As Good As New

Whether you are only keen on cleaning the fiberglass or you want to do complete painting makeover, the basics are critical. You need to get everything right to ensure that you achieve that sparkle. You may have the choice of considering the services of an expert to ensure that while you may know how to clean fiberglass, your doors get that extra touch of finesse.

If you wish to consider the input of a reliable service provider, please contact us.

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