In every home or office, interior doors stand as silent sentinels, framing our daily lives. They are the unnoticed backdrop to family or business gatherings, quiet moments alone, and the hustle of daily routines.

However, over time, even the sturdiest doors or interior door hardware can show signs of wear, which can affect their smooth operations and interfere with the overall aesthetic appeal of your spaces. So, just like any other part of your commercial or residential property, interior doors require a little care to stay in prime condition. Neglecting them can lead to squeaks, jams, and wear that disrupt their purpose.

Fortunately, with a few simple maintenance steps, you can ensure that your interior doors continue to function beautifully and effortlessly. In this article, we’ll unveil five essential maintenance tips to keep your interior doors in top condition.

1.   Preventative Installation

Preventative installation focuses on investing in measures that protect your doors before any damage occurs, ensuring they continue to look and operate like new. First, consider investing in durable, long-lasting hardware.

For instance, if you have an interior sliding door, invest in durable, long-lasting sliding track hardware that can withstand frequent use and the test of time. You can get high-quality sliding door hardware from RW Hardware, designed to suit various door weights and aesthetics.

Another key aspect of preventative installation is the use of bumper shoes, which are essential if you have wood doors on a sliding track. They are designed to protect the vulnerable corners of your doors where they come into contact with binders, bumpers, or guides. By cushioning these impact points, bumper shoes prevent chipping, denting, and wear, preserving the pristine condition of your doors.

Lastly, don’t forget to install door stops—simple yet effective tools crucial for preventing your doors from swinging too far open and hitting adjacent walls or furniture. Door stops not only protect the door itself but also safeguard the surrounding area from damage.

2.   Regular Cleaning

Maintaining the elegance and functionality of your interior doors is not just about the big fixes; it’s also about the small, regular acts of care. Regular cleaning plays a pivotal role in this upkeep. Besides ensuring your interior doors’ aesthetics, regular cleaning preserves the life and performance of your doors.

Start by wiping down your doors and their hardware regularly before the dirt absorbs into your door’s material. When you routinely remove dirt, dust, and fingerprints, you prevent the buildup that can lead to staining and deterioration of the door’s surface. Use a soft cloth and, if necessary, a mild detergent.

It’s important to choose a cleaning solution that is appropriate for the material of your door, whether it be wood, metal, or composite. For wood doors, a gentle, wood-friendly cleaner will maintain the integrity and finish of the wood. For metal or composite doors, a mild soapy solution usually does the trick.

3.   Inspect and Tighten Hardware

Over time, the constant use of doors can lead to loosening of the interior door hardware, which, if ignored, can affect both the door’s function and its longevity. Start by examining the hardware, handles, and locks on your doors to ensure they are functioning properly and are not loose.

Simply operate the handle as you usually would, back and forth, and inspect the lock mechanism to make sure it functions smoothly. Any noises, like squeaking or creaking, should be seen as red flags that you shouldn’t overlook. A wobbly handle or a loose lock not only undermines the security of the door but can also lead to further damage if not addressed promptly.

If you have a swinging door, pay special attention to the hinge screws, as these screws can loosen over time, causing the door to sag or not close properly. If you notice any looseness, use a screwdriver to gently tighten them. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can strip the screws or damage the door.

Finally, don’t forget to inspect the seals and hinges. These components are crucial for the smooth operation of your door and to ensure it closes snugly. If you notice any wear or damage to the seals or if the hinges appear rusty or stiff, consider replacing the seals or applying a lubricant to the hinges.

4.   Check Door Alignment

Over time, doors can become misaligned due to various factors like temperature changes, humidity, or everyday wear and tear. A misaligned door can lead to problems such as difficulty opening or closing and even damage to the door frame or the door itself.

To check the alignment of your door, start by opening and closing it a few times. Notice if it swings smoothly or if there’s any resistance or scraping sounds. Also, look at the gaps between the door and the frame — they should be even all around.

If you see larger gaps at the top or bottom, or if the door rubs against the frame, it’s a sign that the door is not properly aligned. If you find that the door is misaligned, one common solution is to adjust the hinges. You can do this by tightening or loosening the hinge screws.

Sometimes, you may need to reposition the hinges slightly. Be cautious when making these adjustments, as small changes can make a big difference in alignment.

Another aspect to check is the condition of the hinges themselves. Worn or bent door hinges can cause alignment issues. In such cases, replacing the hinges might be necessary to ensure smooth operation.

5.   Adjust or Replace Weather Stripping

Weather stripping plays a vital role in ensuring your doors are energy-efficient and comfortable, preventing drafts, and keeping the indoor climate consistent. First, inspect the existing weather stripping around your doors, looking for any signs of wear, tear, or gaps. If the stripping is damaged or has become compressed and no longer provides an effective seal, it’s time to replace it.

When installing new weather stripping, clean the surface area thoroughly to remove any old adhesive or debris. This ensures the new stripping adheres properly and provides a tight seal. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for the best results.

If your weather stripping is still in good condition but not sealing effectively, you might need to adjust it. Sometimes, repositioning the stripping slightly can improve its effectiveness without the need for a full replacement.

Get Quality Interior Door Hardware From RW Hardware

Regular maintenance of interior doors is not just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring functionality, efficiency, and longevity. From preventative installation to simple cleaning and adjusting hardware, these tasks preserve the integrity and performance of your doors. Should you find the need to replace or upgrade hardware like hinges, sliding tracks, handles, or latches, RW Hardware stands as your trusted source for quality interior door hardware.

We offer a wide range of options, including specialty door hardware, decorative door hardware, and powder-coated door hardware, catering to all your specific needs. Explore our online shop for door hardware that blends quality, timeless craftsmanship, and style.