You’ve gone through the daunting process of choosing the perfect wrought iron doors and having them installed by tried and true professionals. Now it’s time to make sure they look as good as the day they were installed.
However, wrought iron can be difficult to clean, and you won’t be the first homeowner to go through the process of trying to find the perfect products and procedures to restore a fresh shine to your doors. Fortunately, not all hope is lost. Follow these tips to get your iron doors as clean as the day they were installed.
Simple Cleaning for Iron Doors
If you need a simple, straightforward clean, then you’re in luck. Once you determine which products you want to use, the process is actually a fairly simple one. To simply wipe away dust, dirt and general outdoor debris from your iron gate.
Choose a vegetable-based soap and pour a teaspoon of soap into a bowl of water until a small amount of lather forms. Plant-based soap is gentle, which is why it is used for such a wide range of cleaning processes.
Dip a soft, lint-free cloth into the soap and water solution.
Starting at the top and working your way to the bottom, gently wipe your door with the soapy cloth.
Rinse the door with a spray of water from a hose. Or, use another clean, lint-free cloth and dip it into the soap-free water.
Dry the door with another dry cloth and again move from top to bottom.
By using a mild vegetable soap, you can maintain the overall appearance of the door while getting the good, thorough clean you’ve been looking for. Using a soft cloth is vital to the process, as this will also keep the door looking good over the course of multiple washes.
Removing Rust from Iron Doors
Unfortunately, not all cleaning is easy. A real downside to some wrought iron doors is that they can start to rust if neglected for a long time. Removing rust is a little more difficult than simply using some vegetable-based soap. If your wrought iron door entrance is rusty, use a stiff wire brush to scrape it off. If you don’t have a wire brush on hand, sandpaper can be used.
Unfortunately, this also means scraping off your paint. This means that after removing the rust, you will also need to repaint the door. It’s not the easiest process, but it’s the best way to ensure no rusting for the foreseeable future.
Make sure your door is completely dry – wipe it down with a lint-free cloth to be sure.
Use a strong primer in a well-ventilated area. Use a primer specifically designed with rust-resistant properties to take full advantage of this step and to ensure you cover every surface on every side of the door.
Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Apply the metallic paint of your choice. Typically, you will need to wait 24 – 48 hours for the paint to dry before you can use the door again, so plan accordingly.
Completely repainting your door may feel like a chore, but it’s the best way to stop your door from rusting back in the near future. Plus, it makes your home look great and ensures that the entrance to your home is well maintained and welcoming.
Learn more from KC Wrought Iron
Contact KC Wrought Iron to learn more about wrought iron doors, how to maintain them, and how to choose the perfect design for your home. Whether you just want to repaint or need to replace an entire door, these professionals have the skills and expertise to help you make your home look great, no matter what challenges you face.