Dirty sliding patio door tracks spoil both the look and the action. Dust, sand and leaf debris lodge in the profile, the door drags, the rollers grind and the extra friction slowly wears out the whole sliding mechanism.
Add spring mud, summer poplar fluff and autumn damp, and the tracks fill up fast. Clean them regularly, ideally weekly during the warm season: it takes a few minutes and saves an expensive roller repair.
What you will need
Important: Do not use scouring powders or stiff wire brushes, as they scratch anodised or painted profiles. Keep sprays away from the glass and wipe off any overspray straight away.
Step 1
Remove loose debris
Start with the vacuum and pick up sand, dust and leaves from the track. You do not need perfection at this stage, just get rid of everything visible. It usually takes 5-10 minutes.
Slide the door to one side, clean the exposed section, then move the door across and do the other half.
Step 2
Wash the tracks
Make a solution of roughly a cup of warm water and a few drops of mild cleaner without abrasive particles. Warm water dissolves dirt more easily. Dip the brush and scrub the tracks thoroughly, including corners and awkward spots.
Concentrate on areas with the heaviest build-up, especially where the rollers stop at each end of their travel.
Step 3
Dry the profile
When the tracks are clean, dry them thoroughly with a paper towel or dry cloth. If any dirt remains, wash again. Do not leave moisture in the profile: in autumn it lingers in the drainage channels and in winter it freezes.
Step 4
Lubricate the tracks
After cleaning, spray WD-40 Multi-Use onto the tracks and spread it in a thin, even layer with a cloth. For narrow grooves and rollers, WD-40 Smart Straw with its thin straw is handy. It removes friction, grinding and squeaks and drives out moisture.
Open and close the door several times so the product reaches the rollers, then wipe off the excess so dust does not stick to it. Treat rubber seals with WD-40 Specialist Silicone to stop them drying out and freezing in winter.
Tip: Check the drainage holes in the bottom profile: if they are blocked, water sits in the track and carries sand with it. Clear them with a thin wire or a cocktail stick each time you clean.
What next
Clean the tracks weekly in the warm season and at least monthly in winter, and lubricate after every deep clean. Sliding wardrobe doors are cared for the same way.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».