If you have a sliding door in your home, you are probably familiar with the dirt that tends to litter the track. Cleaning this trail may not have a regular priority, but if it slows the door down (or makes it stick completely) then it’s time to get started. Fortunately, it’s a pretty simple task – here is what you need to do.
What you will need to clean a sliding door rail
You don’t need special tools or expensive cleaning agents to get between the metal rails of your sliding door. Instead, TikToker Mr. Gardener uses hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to pick up the dirt and clean the track without scrubbing. The items required are:
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Cleaning cloth or paper towels
- vacuum cleaner
Steps to clean the metal rail of the sliding door
First, grab your handheld vacuum cleaner (or a vacuum cleaner with a hose connection) and vacuum away any loose visible dirt. Then, take your baking soda and sprinkle a fine layer of powder to thoroughly cover the trail. Next, take your hydrogen peroxide and pour it onto the metal rail and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. The combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide creates a reaction that lifts the visible (and invisible) dirt to the top.
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After the dirt has peeled off, take your cleaning cloth or paper towel and wipe the splint clean. If necessary, you can rinse off with a little water and remove any residue. Repeat this process every time your door starts to stick or feels rough or bumpy when you slide it. Check out Mr. Gardeners’ TikTok. at for visual step-by-step instructions.
Here’s how to thoroughly clean your sliding doors
If you’ve ignored this task for far too long, glass maintenance and repair shop Glass doctor gives detailed instructions on how to deep clean your sliding door track. The process involves remove the door off the rail and with half a water, half a vinegar solution to clean it. They also emphasize wiping the casters, as dirt and other grime on the wheels can contribute to slow-moving doors. When you’re done, replace the doors and they slide like new.
