5 Key Tips to Stop Exterior Steel Doors From Rusting

May 18, 2022

our exterior steel doors are the first impression visitors have of your home and play a crucial role in its security. To ensure they remain both functional and aesthetically pleasing, it’s essential to keep them well-maintained. When properly cared for, exterior steel doors can last over 30 years.

However, outdoor elements like moisture, humidity, oxygen, and carbon monoxide can lead to rust formation on steel doors. If your doors have wooden edges, they are also vulnerable to wood rot, which can accelerate the rusting process.

To extend the life of your steel doors and maintain their beauty, regular maintenance is key. By addressing any signs of wear and tear promptly, you can protect your investment and enhance your home’s curb appeal.

What causes exterior steel doors to rust?

Before we can effectively prevent and remove rust from steel doors, it’s important to understand the underlying causes. Here are the main factors that contribute to rust formation on metal doors:

Neglecting regular cleaning
Using abrasive chemicals during cleaning
Allowing moisture buildup or water to remain on the door

Fortunately, there are several preventive measures you can take to protect your exterior steel doors from rust. Here are five essential tips for preventing and removing rust from steel doors:

1. Keep your exterior steel doors clean

Regularly cleaning your exterior steel doors is essential for preventing the buildup of rust. It’s recommended to clean them at least once a month. However, if you live near a body of water or in a humid climate, aim for cleaning them twice a month to effectively combat corrosion.

To clean your steel door, follow these steps:

Use mild soap and water to clean the steel surface.
Take a non-abrasive microfiber cloth or pad and wet it with water.
Apply the cleaning solution to the cloth or pad.
Wipe down all areas of your exterior steel door.
Rinse the door with water and dry it with a non-abrasive sponge.

By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule, you can significantly extend the life of your steel doors and keep them looking great.

However, you should avoid the following cleaning solutions:

When maintaining your exterior steel doors, it’s important to avoid certain cleaning products that can cause damage. These include:

Solutions with high alkalinity
Bathroom cleaners
Abrasive sponges or cloths
Products with high levels of bleach

Using any of these items can compromise the protective coatings of your steel door, leading to potential rusting or damage to the steel itself.

How often should I clean exterior steel doors to prevent them from rusting?

To prevent metal door rust from developing, clean all exterior doors—such as your front door, patio door, or storm door—at least once a month. Regular maintenance will help keep rust at bay and ensure your doors remain in good condition.

2. Grease the hinges of your exterior steel doors

Entry doors have many small hinges that help them function, so they must stay clean and well lubricated. Use the same solution you used to clean the exterior steel door and clean the hinges. After you’ve cleaned the hinges, it’s time to lubricate them.

To lubricate the hinges, use a lithium grease or silicone lubricant found at any home improvement store. Then, ensure you grease them all over to keep all parts working smoothly. You even want to get inside the lock.

How often should I grease the hinges to prevent the build-up of metal door rust on entry doors?

Entry doors feature numerous small hinges that are essential for their proper functioning, so it’s important to keep them clean and well-lubricated. Use the same cleaning solution you used for the exterior steel door to clean the hinges. Once they’re clean, it’s time to lubricate them.

For lubrication, opt for a lithium grease or silicone lubricant, which can be found at any home improvement store. Be sure to apply the lubricant thoroughly to ensure all parts operate smoothly, and don’t forget to lubricate inside the lock as well.

How Often Should I Grease the Hinges?

To prevent the buildup of rust on your luxury exterior steel doors, aim to grease the hinges at least once a year.

3. Apply wax or oil to your steel doors

A great way to keep water away from your exterior steel doors is by applying wax. Similar to waxing a car, you can apply door wax using a non-abrasive, lint-free cloth.

Another option is to use linseed oil to prevent oxidation, which can lead to rust. While raw linseed oil can take months to dry, boiled linseed oil is a better choice as it dries more quickly. Be sure to apply it in thin coats for the best results.

How Often Should I Apply Wax or Oil?

To prevent rusting, aim to apply wax or oil to your exterior steel doors at least once a year. However, in harsher climates, you may need to reapply every six months to ensure effective protection.

4. Add paint to your exterior steel doors

If you like the appearance of your exterior steel doors as they are, there’s no need to paint them. However, painting can provide an added layer of protection against rust. If you decide to paint your exterior steel doors, start by removing them from their hinges.

Before applying paint, ensure that any existing paint or rust is removed by following the appropriate steps outlined previously. Next, clean the door using the cleaning instructions provided earlier. Once it’s clean, apply a suitable primer and paint designed specifically for steel doors.

Remember to choose products that are compatible with steel to ensure the best results.

5. How to remove rust from steel doors

In most cases, removing rust from steel doors is a straightforward process. Just follow these steps:

Clean Your Door: Begin by cleaning the surface of the door.
Prepare the Area: Cover the ground around the door to make cleanup of any debris easier.
Sand Off the Rust: Use sandpaper or a wire brush to sand away the rust until the affected area is smooth.
Clean the Sanded Areas: Vacuum the newly sanded areas and wipe them down with a wet cloth.
Fill Dips and Crevices: Apply an auto-body putty filler to any dips or crevices, smooth it out, and allow it to dry for about 30 minutes.
Final Sanding: Once dry, sand down the patched areas until they are smooth, then wipe them down to remove any remaining debris.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove rust and restore the appearance of your steel doors.

Is it time to replace your steel entry door?

If rust has built up excessively and the doors haven’t been properly maintained, removing the rust may prove to be more challenging than replacing the doors altogether. Here are some signs that it may be time to consider replacing your steel doors:

Visible Cracks or Damage: Look for noticeable cracks or other damage on the exterior.
Corrosion: If rust has started to corrode part of the metal, it may compromise the door’s integrity.
Difficulty Opening: If it’s hard to open the door, this could indicate significant rust or structural issues.

If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to invest in new steel doors for your home.

Enjoy Your Rust-Free Exterior Steel Doors

By following these five tips, you can effectively prevent rust on your exterior steel doors, helping to protect your investment in your home or business while ensuring they remain elegant, luxurious, and clean.

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