How to Clean and Maintain Your Larson Storm Door: Frame, Glass & Handle Sets

Your storm door is more than just the entrance to your home — it’s the first thing your friends and family see when they enter your house. Maintaining a clean and welcoming front door is the easiest way to create a great first impression. Whether you’re prepping for a new season or doing a deep cleaning, these storm door cleaning tips will keep your door looking and functioning like new year-round.

How to Clean a Storm Door Frame

Your storm door faces the elements every day, and the frame can easily collect dirt, dust and grime, especially during pollen-heavy seasons like spring and fall. Luckily, cleaning your storm door frame is quick and easy:

• Use a non-abrasive multi-surface or glass cleaner to spray the frame.
• Wipe down the frame with a soft cloth to remove dirt and smudges.
• To remove heavier buildup, mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water to gently lift the grime without damaging your door’s finish. 

Tips for Cleaning Glass on Storm Doors

Larson doors come in a variety of glass view options, and the best approach to cleaning the glass can vary based on the model you have. Fullview and Screen Away® doors are easy to clean with the glass in place, but removing the storm door glass is always an option if your door needs a more thorough cleaning.  

To remove the glass:

• Locate the finger pulls at the bottom corners of the glass insert.
• Squeeze them together and lift the right side of the glass panel out first. 
• Carefully slide the glass down and bring the bottom of the insert out toward you so it’s tilted at about a 45-degree angle.
• Finally, rotate it counterclockwise to release the glass from the track. 

Now that you’re ready to clean the glass, it’s important to have the right cleaning tools on hand:

• Use a non-abrasive glass cleaner and a lint-free soft cloth to clean both sides of the glass. You can also use a mixture of warm water and mild detergent or a solution of four parts water/one part vinegar if you don’t have glass cleaner. 
• Instead of wiping the glass completely dry, let it air-dry slightly to help minimize streaks and keep your view crystal clear.

Low-E glass care is different than standard glass care since it features a special surface coating that reflects heat and blocks UV light. If your door has Low-E glass, it’s important to never use scrapers or rough cloths while cleaning since they can scratch and damage the special coating. 

Caring for Brass or Metal Door Handles

Your storm door handle experiences the most use of any part of your door, which can lead to a lot of wear and tear. While many Larson storm doors feature solid brass handlesets for timeless style, they also require extra care. 

These handles feature a clear protective coating to protect the solid brass, but repeated use and even small nicks from rings and keys can compromise the clear coat finish. Once the coating wears away and exposes the brass to the elements it may start to tarnish, but with regular brass door handle polishing and cleaning, you can help minimize tarnish stains. 

To clean your storm door handles: 

• Start by wiping the handle surfaces with a soft cloth and a mixture of warm water and mild detergent. 
• Once the handle is clean and dry, you can apply a brass polish designed for door hardware or a non-abrasive paste wax. This will help protect the bright finish and keep your brass handleset shining like new. 

Make Cleaning Your Storm Door a Seasonal Habit

Following this simple three-part storm door cleaning guide makes it easy to keep your Larson storm