5 Ways to Clean and Maintain Your Composite Door

Category: Home Maintenance / Aftercare
Reading Time: 7 Minutes

You’ve invested in a premium composite door—a fantastic choice for security, style, and thermal efficiency. One of their biggest selling points is that they are “low maintenance” compared to timber. But please remember: Low maintenance does not mean “No maintenance.”

Without regular care, even the highest quality door (like our Comp Door range) can suffer from tarnished hardware, dried-out seals, or a dull finish caused by traffic film.

1. The Cleaning Schedule (Printable)

How often you clean your door depends entirely on where you live. A door in a quiet cul-de-sac needs far less care than one facing the Solent or a busy main road.

2. The 5-Step Cleaning Process

You don’t need expensive chemicals. In fact, simple is better.

1. Wash the Slab: Mix warm water with a mild washing-up liquid. Use a soft microfibre cloth to wipe down the door leaf. Rinse with clean water and dry.
2. Clean the Frame: Dirt often collects in the rebates (the “step” inside the frame). Open the door and wipe this area out to ensure a good seal.
3. Glass Care: Use a standard glass cleaner, but spray it on the cloth, not the door. This stops harsh chemicals running down onto the seals or door skin.
4. Hardware Buff: Wipe handles and letterboxes with a damp cloth. Do not use metal polish on gold/chrome plating as it will strip the lacquer.
5. Drainage Check: Open the door and look at the threshold. You will see small slots. Use a pipe cleaner or cotton bud to clear out any mud or spiderwebs to stop water backing up.

3. The Stain Buster Tool 🛠️

Sometimes soapy water isn’t enough. Use our interactive tool below to find the safe solution for stubborn marks.

4. What NOT to Use (The “Kill List”)

Using the wrong product is the #1 cause of warranty claims being rejected. NEVER use the following:

• Pressure Washers: These force water into the core and strip the UV coating.
• Abrasive Cleaners: Cif, scouring pads, or wire wool will scratch the GRP skin instantly.
• Solvents/Bleach: White spirits, bleach, WD40 (on the skin), or nail varnish remover will bleach the colour.

5. Mechanical Maintenance (Hinges & Seals)

A door that “sticks” or feels hard to lock often hasn’t failed—it just needs adjustment. Composite doors are heavy, and over time (gravity + thermal movement) they can drop slightly.

The Paper Test (Seal Check)

Worried about drafts? Open the door, place a sheet of A4 paper against the frame, and close the door. Try to pull the paper out. It should offer resistance or rip. If it slides out easily, your compression seals (gaskets) may need replacing or the door needs adjusting tighter to the frame.

6. Restoring & Repairing

Has your door already suffered damage? Here is how to fix it.

Restoring Fade/Dullness

If your door looks dull, it’s usually just “oxidation” or grime. If a soapy wash doesn’t fix it, you can use a specialist Composite Door Restorer fluid (available online). Do NOT use car wax, as it can leave a white residue in the woodgrain texture that is impossible to remove.

Fixing Scratches

If the GRP skin is scratched, do not use standard paint. Contact the original installer or manufacturer (e.g., Comp Door, Solidor) to buy a Touch-Up Pen matched to your specific RAL colour. This seals the scratch against moisture.

7. High Exposure Areas (Coastal & South Facing)

Hampshire has a mix of rural, urban, and coastal properties. Your location dictates your care regime.

South Facing Doors: Dark doors in direct sun get hot. To prevent thermal movement (sticking), ensure you engage the multi-point lock (lift the handle) every time you shut the door. This holds the slab straight against the frame as it cools down in the evening.

8. Frequently Asked Questions