If you’ve got a sliding door in your home, you’re probably familiar with the dirt and grime that has a tendency to gunk up the track. Cleaning that track might not be a regular priority, but when it starts slowing down the door (or causing it to stick altogether), it’s time to tackle the job. Luckily, it’s a fairly easy task—here’s what you’ll need to do.
What you need to clean a sliding door track
You don’t need special tools or expensive cleaners to get in between the metal tracks of your sliding door. Instead, TikToker Mr. Gardeners uses hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to lift the dirt and clean the track without any scrubbing. The items you need are:
Hydrogen peroxideBaking sodaCleaning cloth or paper towelsVacuum cleanerSteps to cleaning the sliding door metal track
First, grab your handheld vacuum (or a vacuum with a hose attachment) and vacuum out any loose visible dirt. Then take your baking soda and sprinkle a fine layer of powder to thoroughly cover the track. Next, grab your hydrogen peroxide and pour it onto the metal track and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. The baking soda and hydrogen peroxide combination will create a reaction that raises the seen (and unseen) dirt to the top.
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After the dirt has lifted, take your cleaning cloth or paper towel and wipe down the track. You can use a little water to rinse and remove any leftover residue, if needed. Repeat this process anytime your door starts to stick or feels rough or bumpy when you slide it. Watch Mr. Gardeners’ TikTok for visual step-by-step instructions.
How to deep clean your sliding doors
If you’ve ignored this task for far too long, glass care and repair shop Glass Doctor gives detailed instructions for deep cleaning your sliding door track. The process involves removing the door from the track and using a half water, half vinegar solution to clean it out. They also emphasize wiping down the track rollers as dirt and other gunk on the wheels can contribute to slow-moving doors. Once you’re done, replace the doors, and they’ll slide like new.
