How To Clean Sliding Wardrobe Doors

Your wardrobe is likely to be the largest piece of furniture in your bedroom. Wardrobes with sliding doors are an exceptionally good choice as they look good and can save a lot of space. Knowing how to clean sliding wardrobe doors is important as they come in different materials, and using the wrong cleaning method can damage them. 

Essential Cleaning Tools and Materials

• White vinegar
• Dishwashing liquid
• Suitable commercial cleaning product
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber or lint-free cloth
• Vacuum cleaner with brush nozzle

Best Cleaning Products for Different Door Materials

Sliding wardrobe doors can be made out of various materials, and sometimes they are even combined. Which type you have will determine which cleaning products you should use. Our guide will show you how to clean sliding wardrobe doors made of the most commonly used materials: wood, laminate, glass, and mirrored glass.

Safe Cleaning Tools for Mirrored Surfaces

You should never use strong chemicals or abrasive cleaning products to clean mirrored surfaces, as they can damage the doors and the framework. Avoid abrasive or coarse cloths and sponges, as they can scratch the surface finishes. Your safest tools are a microfibre cloth, a commercial glass cleaner, or a mix of vinegar and water.

Preparing to Clean Your Wardrobe Doors

Gather all your tools and materials and ensure you have a sturdy step ladder to access the high parts of the door. Dust the doors and slide them open so you can access the tracks. All that’s left is to follow our guide on how to clean sliding wardrobe doors, and you’re all set!

Removing Loose Dust and Debris

Regularly clearing dust and debris from the tracks is essential to ensure the doors slide smoothly and operate efficiently. Accumulated dirt can cause the doors to stick or become difficult to open and close, leading to wear and tear. Follow these simple steps to keep your door tracks clean and free from obstructions.

Slide the door open so you can easily access the tracks. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any loose dust and debris visible on the track. Dislodge any stubborn dirt and debris using a soft brush.

Testing Cleaning Solutions Safely

Testing cleaning products requires careful planning and the use of appropriate equipment. This will ensure your own safety and prevent damage to the sliding doors. Here are some key steps to follow:

To identify hazardous chemicals, check the ingredients list, warnings, and instructions on the packaging of commercial cleaning products.

• Test products in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
• Use gloves to protect your hands, and wear goggles to shield your eyes from splashes.
• Avoid mixing products unless specified, as this can create dangerous chemical reactions.
• Test the product on a small, inconspicuous area first to check for damage or discolouration, especially for surface cleaners.

Cleaning Different Types of Wardrobe Doors

The material of the doors will determine how to clean sliding doors. Use commercial cleaning solutions specially formulated for these materials, following the manufacturer's instructions. In most cases, a simple mix of either vinegar and water or mild detergent mixed with water will do the job equally well.

After cleaning the door surfaces, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the frames and tracks and remove any soap residue. Ensure you dry the frames and tracks using a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and moisture buildup. Pay special attention to corners and edges where dirt and water can accumulate.

How to Clean Sliding Wardrobe Doors Made of Mirrored Glass

Smudges and fingerprints are unavoidable on a mirrored sliding door, but they can be easily removed. You can use a commercial product recommended for cleaning mirrored surfaces or make your own cleaning solution by mixing distilled white vinegar with tap water in a 1:1 ratio. Shake to combine.

Spray the cleaning solution onto the microfiber cloth rather than directly on the mirrored glass. This will prevent drips and allow you to control how much solution you use. Wipe away smudges, smears, and finger marks using circular motions to ensure even coverage.

For stubborn dirt marks, prewash the area with soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge and follow up with the vinegar spray. Use a microfibre cloth to gently buff the surface. Try not to get the cleaning solution on the sliding door tracks or other hardware, as they can cause corrosion or mould.

Maintaining Wood and Laminate Surfaces

For wood, dust the surface regularly using a soft, lint-free cloth or microfiber duster. Wipe up spills immediately with a damp cloth to prevent staining or warping. Apply a wood polish or conditioner every now and again to restore the wood’s shine and protect against drying and cracking.

For laminate, handle spills promptly to prevent moisture from seeping into seams or edges and dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners, as they can damage the laminate’s finish. For small chips or scratches, use laminate repair kits or colour-matching fillers.

How to Clean Sliding Wardrobe Doors Made of Glass

Glass sliding doors are cleaned in the same way as mirrored sliding doors. This means using a microfibre cloth and a glass cleaning solution (commercial or vinegar or dishwashing liquid and water). Buff the glass with a clean and dry lint-free or microfibre cloth for a streak-free shine.

Maintaining Your Sliding Wardrobe Doors

To ensure your clean sliding doors remain in tip-top condition and work efficiently, it’s a good idea to create a checklist of things to do to maintain them. This saves time and avoids big cleaning jobs down the line. It is also the best way to preserve them for years to come.

• Establish a regular cleaning routine to prevent dirt and grime build-up that would be difficult to remove or could damage the door.
• Regularly inspect the framework, top and bottom tracks and the rollers or wheels to ensure they are grime-free.
• Try to maintain consistent humidity levels in your home to prevent wood from cracking or laminate edges from peeling.
• Keep sharp or heavy objects away from your sliding doors and avoid harsh cleaning tools and products.
• Wipe off fingerprints or stains as soon as you notice them.

Weekly Cleaning Routine

• Dust the panels, paying attention to the edges and corners.
• Wipe the panels using the appropriate cleaning solution.
• Remove dirt, dust and debris from the sliding tracks using a handheld vacuum with a nozzle attachment.
• Use a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water to remove any stuck grime. Run the cloth along the tracks, then dry thoroughly.
• Dust and wipe the area around the wardrobe, such as nearby walls or flooring, to prevent dirt from transferring to the door.

Preventing Fingerprints and Smudges

Use a glass cleaner with a built-in anti-fingerprint formula or apply a glass-protective coating. These coatings create a smooth, invisible layer that reduces smudges and makes cleaning easier. You could also use an anti-static spray that helps repel dust and grime, reducing the accumulation of fingerprints and smudges over time.

Install handles or pulls on the doors to reduce the need to touch the glass itself. Consider frosted or textured glass panels, which are less prone to visible fingerprints than clear or mirrored glass. Keep a microfiber cloth nearby to quickly remove fingerprints or smudges as they appear.

Get Your Wardrobe Sliding Doors from Decor and Decor

Now that you know how to clean sliding wardrobe doors, we’re sure you are inspired to browse our versatile range of wardrobe sliding door kits. Each kit is designed to suit a range of styles and space needs. Our kits are available in various sizes and configurations and feature advanced sliding mechanisms for smooth operation and long-lasting durability.

FAQs

Can I use vinegar to clean my mirrored sliding wardrobe doors?

Vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent for mirrored sliding wardrobe doors. Mix one-part white vinegar to one-part water in a spray bottle. Shake to mix well before using.

How do I remove stubborn stickers or adhesive residue from wardrobe doors?

Make a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts vinegar and water and apply to the sticky surface. Let it sit for a while before wiping it away. You could also use cooking oil or a commercial adhesive remover, which is recommended for your wardrobe doors' material.

What causes scratches on sliding wardrobe doors and how can I prevent them?

Scratches are often caused when you move a piece of furniture and it bumps into the sliding door or you accidentally scratch the surface with rings or keys. Using abrasive cleaning products will also damage the surface. Being aware of these hazards will help you avoid them.