lubricate a sliding glass door track

How to Lubricate a Sliding Glass Door Track in Singapore

Over time, the need to lubricate a sliding glass door track arises to give the door better functionality. Even though the tracks of sliding doors can last a long time without needing much maintenance beyond simple cleaning, they do need regular lubrication.

Without adequate lubrication, you can make the sliding mechanism of the rollers resistant to movement. This can lead to the track getting warped or misaligned, which can be quite a hard problem to solve. 

Thus, knowing the correct way to lubricate a sliding glass door track is important to ensure that the sliding door can provide adequate functionality. In this guide, we will discuss the complete process of lubricating a sliding glass door track.

So gather your tools, and let’s fix that sliding door track. Also, If you need professional assistance with services related to aluminium toilet doors,  sliding toilet doorsHDB toilet doors, etc., LS Toilet Door Singapore is your best choice.

When To Lubricate A Sliding Glass Door Track 

Here are some important signs that show that a sliding glass door track needs to be lubricated 

  1. Difficulty In The Sliding Mechanism – Whenever you encounter any resistance to the normal movement of the sliding glass door, you should consider lubricating the tracks to make the movement smooth.
  2. Noise During Movements – Unlubricated tracks can produce noises such as squeaking, grinding or other unusual sounds when opening and closing the door. 
  3. Visible Dirt Or Grime – When you notice any dirt, debris, or other impurities in the tracks, you should get the sliding glass door track lubricated to get better functionality. 
  4. Corrosion Or Rust – Rust spots or discolouration mean that the track is getting old and will need regular lubrication to function smoothly. 

Tools And Materials Needed 

You will need some basic tools and cleaning supplies to lubricate a sliding glass toilet door. 

  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Mild detergent 
  • Warm water
  • Dry cloth 
  • Silicone-based lubricant 

how lubricate a sliding glass door track

How to Lubricate A Sliding Glass Door Track 

Here is the step-by-step guide to lubricating a sliding glass door track

1. Clean The Track 

Clean the track before applying the lubricant with the help of a vacuum cleaner or a clean cloth. Mix a small amount of detergent in warm water and apply the solution to the tracks to thoroughly clean them.

Use a toothbrush to reach the nooks and crannies of the tracks and remove dirt and debris. Use a dry cloth to remove excess water to prevent moisture retention and rust formation.

2. Inspect For Damage 

Check the track for any signs of cracks, breaks, or disfigurations. These signs show that the tracks are becoming old and must be replaced instead of lubricated. You can fix smaller breaks with fillers as well. 

3. Apply The lubricant

Use a silicone-based lubricant as it is ideal for use in hot and humid weather, like the ones in Singapore. Spray or apply the lubricant in generous amounts to ensure you cover all parts of the tracks and don’t miss a spot. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can further attract dust and dirt and decrease functionality. 

4. Spread The lubricant 

Move the door on the tracks back and forth several times to ensure that you are spreading the lubricants to all nooks and crannies of the tracks. 

5. Wipe Off The Excess 

Use a clean cloth or a sponge to remove the extra lubricant from the tracks. This step is optional, and you can skip the removal process since the lubricant will be used either way during the door’s movements. However, we recommend wiping off the excess as it can attract more dirt and debris. 

sliding glass door track

6. Lubricate The Rollers 

If the sliding glass door doesn’t move smoothly even after applying the lubricant, you can consider applying it to the rollers to prevent them from getting stuck. You can also remove the rollers and inspect them for any signs of damage.

If you find any breaks in the rollers, replace them with new ones since they are causing the problem instead of the tracks. 

Maintenance Tips 

Here are some maintenance tips you should consider to keep the sliding glass door tracks clean and ensure smooth movements of the glass doors. 

  • Clean the tracks regularly. We recommend deep cleaning the tracks at least two times every month to remove any dirt or grime buildup that can interfere with the normal movements of the door. 
  • Lubricate the tracks at least once every month to ensure smooth doors’ functionality and prevent any movement resistance. 
  • Avoid spilling liquids on the tracks and vetting moisture buildup, as they can lead to corrosion, rust, and damage to the tracks. 

Conclusion 

We have discussed the complete process to lubricate a sliding glass door track in your bathroom. The lubrication process should be repeated once every month to ensure that the track stays functional and keeps the doors sliding without any resistance.

Proper lubrication also prevents warping or misalignment of the tracks and should be done regularly. Use silicone-based lubricants as they are less likely to attract dirt and grime. You can lubricate a sliding glass door in Singapore regularly to enhance the functionality and longevity of the tracks and doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clean the tracks first with a vacuum cleaner or a dry cloth. Spray a generous amount of lubricant on the tracks and spread it evenly to cover every part of the track. Move the door back and forth on the tracks to spread the lubricant.
Silicone-based lubricants are best for sliding glass door tracks since they don't attract dirt or debris. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, which can get more dirt and debris and cause further track problems.
Yes, you can apply WD-40 Specialist on the tracks to lubricate them. But clean the tracks first, as dirt, debris, and grime can interfere with the normal working of the lubricants.