How to Clean Black Doors

A black door is sophisticated, modern, and striking. But choosing to have them throughout your home can be a hard decision. Will they need a lot of cleaning to stay looking in top condition? Are black doors hard work or could they perhaps be easier than classic white ones? After putting it to the test, here’s what you need to know about cleaning black doors.

Are black interior doors hard to keep clean?

Black internal doors are actually easier to keep looking clean. Generally, they make dirt, grime, marks, and fingerprints less visible.

Monica Benavidez who has lived with black doors throughout her house says:

 “The dust isn’t as noticeable on a door that is black in color– in fact, I tried over and over again to get a good picture to show you all the dust on the door in our master bathroom (toilet paper dust is a pain!).” 

Make sure you check out her useful guide that gives plenty of insight into the black doors in her home.

@TheRolland_Abode told us:

“A simple switch up of a door can instantly transform a room and add character and that is exactly what we have achieved with our black heritage doors. Our new build home has been transformed with these super sleek and modern looking glass doors – with the added bonus of being able to easily keep them clean!”

Cleaning Guides: Choose Your Black Door Type

It’s important to pay attention to the type of black door you’re cleaning before you begin the process. Different materials will need slightly to be cared for in different ways to keep them in the best condition. 

How do you clean black wood doors?

Black internal doors are usually made of wood. As long as they’re fully finished, cleaning them should be a fairly simple job. Here’s how:

1. Dust the door to remove any loose debris.
2. Using a sponge and some dish soap, wipe the front, back and sides of the door leaf.
3. Wipe again with a damp sponge to remove any remaining soap.
4. Dry with a microfibre cloth to avoid any streaks.

If your wooden black door does have any damage to the finish, it’s best to repair this before cleaning. Water can encourage wood damage and rot, so it’s important to seal the timber before you wipe it down. Whilst it’s unlikely that you’ll cause too much damage in one clean, repeated exposure to water could make a small fracture in the finish worse.

What can I use to clean black wood?

We’d recommend using a mild detergent like dish soap to clean your black wood doors. It’s also important to use a soft sponge and cloth that won’t scratch the finish on the door.

How do you clean a black-painted front door?

If your timber front door is painted black, it can be cleaned as follows:

1. Remove any dirt, dust or loose residue with a dry cloth. 
2. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clear away any debris around the hinges and frame.
3. Check for any damage to the paintwork and repair before washing. Leave to dry thoroughly if you’ve repainted any areas. 
4. Wash with a bowl of dish soap and water. There’s likely to be more dirt accumulated on your front doors so keep the water fresh and keep rinsing the cloth or sponge regularly to avoid spreading soil or anything that might scratch the door. 
5. Clean any glass panels with glass cleaner and a clean cloth. 
6. Wipe down handles, letterbox and hardware.
7. Dry the door with a soft cloth to avoid any streaks.

Black front doors are classic and elegant, keeping them clean will help them to look their best as well as prolonging their lifespan.

How do you clean black composite doors?

You can clean black composite doors in the same way as painted ones, just follow the steps above. There’s no need to use harsh cleaners or anything abrasive. Composite doors are robust and low-maintenance so you’re unlikely to spot any damage to the finish that needs repair. A good clean won’t take long and you’ll already have everything you need at home. 

Why has my black composite door faded?

These days, new composite doors are very resistant to fading and discolouring. However, if you have an older black composite door that has faded, it’s probably due to strong sunlight or harsh weather conditions.

If you’re replacing or reviving a faded door, consider protecting it from the elements with a porch or front door canopy.

How do you revive a black composite door?

You might be surprised at how much a good clean revives your composite door. This is the first step we’d suggest. If that isn’t enough, you could try applying a colour restoring and protective oil like Polytrol. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid any damage to your door, and if in doubt, ask an expert for advice. 

How do you clean a black uPVC door?

The basic steps for cleaning a black uPVC front door are the same as cleaning a painted one. However, as uPVC is more water-resistant, you can soak the door with soapy water or spray with a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar and leave for a few minutes. This can help you get rid of stubborn stains more easily.

After washing, you can also rinse a uPVC door down with a hosepipe to quickly and thoroughly remove any soap residue. Dry thoroughly with a cloth to avoid streaks.

How do you clean black french or bifold doors?

Whatever the frame colour, bifold and french doors are usually chosen for their large glass panes that allow great views within or outside your home. The key to getting these looking great is to clean the glass thoroughly and keep things streak-free.

1. Dust the door with a dry cloth to remove any debris.
2. Hoover the threshold and tracks.
3. Wipe down the black door frames with a sponge and warm, soapy water. 
4. Rinse the frames, and dry thoroughly.
5. Use a glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth to clean the glass, starting at the top and working your way down.
6. Alternatively, you can use clean water with a little soap and a squeegee. 
7. Clean and dry one glass panel at a time.

Black metal doors like our heritage doors range are really easy to operate and simple to keep clean.

@DIYandthedad let us know:

 “For us the heritage doors were the only choice. They have the premium look and feel of crittall but way more affordable. Easy to clean and easy to fit too. We installed them ourselves and saved a lot. Planning on getting another set soon for our other side entrance” 

How do you get scuff marks and scratches off black doors?

In our experience, one thing that black doors can be prone to is scuffs and scratches. If they’re on top of the door’s finish, most of these can be removed with your dish soap and water, and a little extra scrubbing effort. 

However, deeper scratches or scuffs may have damaged the surface of your door. Even a small chip in the paintwork can be really obvious in such a dark door, so you’ll want to remedy this. The best solution is to gently sand the area that’s damaged and then repaint the finish. If you can match the black shade, you can touch up the finish to make your door look as good as new.

Embrace the Benefits of Black Doors

Through our practical knowledge, we’ve determined that black doors can disguise dirt and look cleaner for longer. They’re just as easy to clean as doors in other colours. When they add so much drama to your interior design, it’s easy to see why so many people are opting to build them into their homes.