Composite front doors are growing in popularity across the UK owing to their premium appeal and endurance compared to UPVC. They often look much like timber doors without the downsides of using such a material. Much like their counterpart, composite doors are known for their low maintenance and ability to withstand the often brutal British weather. As with anything, putting a small amount of effort in periodically will increase its lifespan and save you money in the long run. 

Regularly washing and cleaning your doors is a wise practice to ensure they remain free from dust, dirt, and grime, maintaining a great appearance. Your doors serve as the gateway to your home so it is always nice to keep them in as good a condition as possible. If you’re short on time, many window cleaners offer to include door cleaning in their services for a small additional fee.

Most doors don’t require a great deal of cleaning, so a good scrub two or three times a year should be plenty, unless you live in close proximity to a main road for example where spray of dirt is common. There is no harm in cleaning more frequently if desired. For houses nearer the coast that experience a lot of wind and salt residue, or rural locations with a lot of dusty agriculture or industries, we’d recommend a more frequent clean every couple of months, particularly in the dryer summer months. 

How to Clean Composite Doors (External)

Cleaning your door panels and external frames can be done in a few easy steps with minimal equipment and products. 

1. Use a soft brush to remove any dirt and dust.
2. With warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth, wipe down the door panel and frame. Avoid cleaning with wire wool, scouring pads or other rough materials as they can scratch and damage the door. 
3. Rinse with clean water. 
4. If you have glass/a window within your door, grab some glass spray and microfiber cloth to polish and remove water streaks. A vinegar spray/solution can also be used. 

How to Clean Composite Doors (Internal)

• Grab your vacuum and attach the soft head to the wand. Go over the panel and around the frame to remove any loose dirt. 
• With a warm soapy solution and a soft cloth, wipe down the door panels and external frame. You may want to put down a sheet to catch drips. 
• Rinse with a damp clean cloth. 
• Polish with a dry cloth (microfiber recommended) or kitchen towel. 
• If you have glass/a window within your door, grab some glass spray and microfiber cloth to polish and remove water streaks. A vinegar spray/solution can also be used. 

How To Clean Composite Door Frames

Due to the nature of where they’re positioned and the depth of the unit, the frames of external doors can hold build up of dust and dirt. The frames are often a little more tricky to clean, but it is worth doing to keep everything working and closing as it should. Here’s how to clean the frame:

• Take a small brush, such as one from a dustpan and brush, and work around the frame to loosen any stubborn dirt. An old toothbrush is even better.
• Grab your vacuum and attach the nozzle to the wand. Go around the frame and remove the loose dirt. 
• Take a soft cloth and warm soapy water and wipe/scrub the inside frame. Try not to drench your cloth as it will leave behind puddles of water that will be hard to get out. 
• Leave the door open to let the water dry, or use some kitchen towel or dry cloth. 

How To Remove Mould from Composite Doors

Owing to build-ups of moisture through condensation and leaks, mould can often be found around the doors and windows of a property. Prevention is usually better than cure, but this sometimes happens no matter what you do. If you do get mould, there are a few ways to clean it:

• Warm water, soap and a cloth. 
• A vinegar spray or homemade vinegar solution
• Off-the-shelf mould/black mould spray

Avoid using bleach, sprays that contain bleach or white spirit/turpentine as this can discolour and damage the composite material.