Dial-a-Maid
Like Trim, doors are usually well sealed with a glossy paint or finish and tolerate washing well, says a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Service in Evanston, Il. Regular, gentle care will keep daily wear and tear from taking a toll, says Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook.
For Interior Doors, once a month sweep dust out of the crevices of recessed-panel doors or French Doors with a natural-bristle paintbrush. Then wipe down both sides of the door using a cloth dampened with warm water and an all-purpose cleaner or mild dishwashing liquid. Start at the top and work your way down. Your cloth should be wrung well enough so the cleaning solution does not drip down the surface of the door. To remove stubborn fingerprints, which tend to collect around doorknobs, dampen the cloth with undiluted cleaner. Wipe doorknobs well with a damp cloth and buff dry with a clean, soft cloth.
For Exterior Doors, the first thing guests see when they visit your home, is your front door. It should be pristine and welcoming at all times. Once a month, dust the entire surface of the door well with a soft-bristled utility or counter brush to remove cobwebs and loose dirt. Then, wipe using a cloth dampened with warm water and an all-purpose cleaner ) dusting the door first will ensure grime won't turn to muddy water when you wipe it). Because exterior doors will be much dirtier than interior ones, particularly during the cold months, you may need to wet the surface thoroughly and let the cleaner sit for a few minutes so it can emulsify the dirt. Tend to any scuff marks or stubborn dirt with a nylon scrubbing pad or plastic-bristled brush, taking care not to scratch the finish. Rinse well using a clean, damp cloth.
All wood or metal exterior doors can be cleaned using this method, says a 40+ year old Residential Cleaning Service in Evanston, Il.
