Basic Care for Sliding Doors, Handles, and Locks

The good news about most sliding doors is that, overall, they require very little maintenance and most of them, at least most of them made by reputable manufacturers, exhibit a level of quality that will last a long time.

With that said, it still helps to know what to do (as well as what not to do) to make sure your sliding doors, handles, locks and other hardware last as intended. Here’s a quick guide that breaks down how to keep your sliding door sliding for longer.

The Door Itself

Luckily, the sliding door itself requires minimal care and maintenance besides basic protocols. Cleaning off the interior and exterior of the door with warm water and a rag, and if particularly soiled, with a mild detergent, will be all you need in most instances.

As for the weather seals around the door (or in some cases, attached to it) these should be wiped clean periodically as well, and then dried. Accumulation of sand or other debris can wear them out faster, which will allow cold air in in the winter and hot air in in the summer. Also, chronically humid conditions can allow mold to grow on or around the weather seal. A mild detergent or a specially formulated mold killer can be helpful in these situations.

The Door Track and Rollers

The door track is one area in which you’ll want to devote some special attention. Many sliding doors are bottom rolling , which means that if the track gets dirty, not only will it be hard to slide the door, but you may also damage it.

Keeping the rollers moving freely is the first thing you’ll want to make sure of. To do so, make sure they are kept clean. If possible, remove the door (as in the case of screen sliders) and then use compressed air to blow dust and dirt out of the roller.
As for the door track, you will want to clean it from time to time. Over a while, dust, sand, salt deposits, rust, dead insects, leaves, pine needles, lint, and worse will accumulate on the track, making it difficult to move the door. These will need to be removed.

You can use compressed air to dislodge some of it, or a vacuum to remove it. If there are salt deposits or if there is accumulated corrosion or hard grime, you can scrub it away with a nylon or a brass wire brush and then use a wet rag to clean it up.

Avoid the use of WD40 for the purpose of lubricating the track. Although this will help seal off the track against corrosion, it will eventually evaporate and leave behind a sticky residue that will not only not help the door slide, it will also attract dust and dirt.

The Door Handle and Hardware

Sliding door handle (and hardware) maintenance is fortunately relatively straightforward because most sliding door handles have few to no moving pieces except a thumb lever or actuator.

In most instances, you can just wipe them clean with a rag and warm water (and a mild soap) as needed. The hardware, that is, the screws that secure the door handle in place, are prone to corrosion. These should be dried after cleaning.

If the handle is loose, that is likely attributable to loose hardware. Tighten or replace screws and other fasteners as needed to restore the functionality of your sliding door handle or replace the handle completely.

The Lock

If your sliding door handle has a mortise lock that will also require some care and attention. First, make sure it’s working as intended from time to time, and operating smoothly. 

Keep the face of the lock clean, as well as the lock plate, if that is accessible. Make sure the latch, if it is exposed, is free of grease, grime and dust. Lock lubrication is also essential, but it is critical to use an appropriate lubricant that will not only keep the lock working smoothly, but also insulate it against corrosion. 

As a general rule, you should avoid oil-based lubricants. These will lubricate the lock, but they will also attract dirt and debris and over time will make the lock stickier and harder to use. You should also not use WD40, which is not a lubricant in the first place, but a moisture displacer. 

There are some that will tell you to use silicone-based lubricants on locks, and these are better than nothing, but dry lubricants like graphite powder that are specifically designed for locks are better. There are also other lubricants designed for locks, like Houdini, that are acceptable. 

If the lock has failed completely and is not just sticky, you will need to replace it, and if it is integral with the handle, you will need a new sliding door handle with a lock. 

Here for a Replacement Sliding Door Handle with a Lock?

If you’re in the market for a replacement sliding door handle with a lock you’re in the right place. We carry an encyclopedic assortment of door parts and hardware, including handle and lock assemblies for many of the major manufacturers and brands. Check out our collection and if you have questions about compatibility or other specifications, get in touch with us at 727-386-4629 and we’ll help you find what you need.