Mix 2 cups of warm water and 2 tablespoons of liquid dish detergent in a spray bottle. Add ¼ cup baking soda. Close the spray bottle and gently shake to mix the ingredients. Spray the cleaning solution on your fiberglass door, wipe clean, and dry using a clean cloth.
You need to use a detergent that won't cut through because it is too abrasive on the fiberglass door. Make sure that your cleaning solution does not have bleach as part of the ingredients.
Using a stripper on a fiberglass door is easy; apply the stripper and wait according directions, use a scouring pad to help loosen the finish, then rinse well with water. If any stain remains after the door is dry, use lacquer thinner, a scouring pad and rags to remove it.
The best solution for removing paint from fiberglass doors is by a stripper. Methylene Chloride removes the paint but is currently banned for use as a paint remover. However, there are many other strippers in markets that can remove paint quite easily. For gel stain removing you can use a stripper.
How do I stain my fiberglass entry door? If a stained wood appearance is desired on wood-grain fiberglass door panels, sidelights and glass frames, apply gel stain and clear finish according to the stain manufacturer's directions. For best results, always apply stain in the direction of the grain.
Just basic soap and water will usually do the trick and won't damage the fiberglass. Most window cleaners like Windex and similar products are safe to use without causing damage to the glass or the fiberglass framing. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that could scratch the glass.
Before you give up on trying to scrub away the stains, try the cleaning process Home Depot recommends for tough stains on fiberglass: Smear on a paste of baking soda and water, and cover that with a towel soaked in vinegar. Wait one hour, then rub with a cloth or sponge. Rinse. Wipe again with a clean microfiber cloth.
Fill a bucket of warm water with dish soap, and dissolve into a soapy solution. Use a rag or large sponge to apply the solution to your door, making sure to thoroughly scrub each area for consistency. Once the entire door is scrubbed, use a hose to completely rinse away the soap and solution.
As it turns out, you can pressure wash fiberglass as long as you're careful by positioning yourself at least three to four feet away from the fiberglass and by using a wide fan tip nozzle that doesn't have too much pressure.
Warm water and a gentle, non-scratching detergent is typically sufficient. Avoid products that contain chlorine, acetone, methyl alcohol, and mineral spirits. Apply with warm water, sponges, soft cloth, or soft bristle brushes in the direction of the grain. Do not use steel brushes or steel wool.
Fiberglass doors have a much higher resistance to weathering than wood and steel, but exposure to sunlight can fade them, as you have discovered. Depending on the fading, you may be able to patch the stain. Before you paint or stain the surface, clean your door properly.
In a reasonably protected location, a fiberglass exterior door will never need painting or staining and can last 15 to 20 years. Although it feels lighter than wood or steel, it is extremely durable and features an extremely durable coating that is difficult to breach.
Make sure when washing your wooden door to use a gentle cleaning solution such as a mild dish soap or baby shampoo. Harsh chemicals can easily damage and destroy your wood. It is best to use a spray bottle to clean your door and avoid using a power washing or a hose to prevent any structural damage.
White vinegar is acidic enough to dissolve mold, mildew, grease and buildup—but it won't hurt the fiberglass. Good for stains, smells and schmears. Create a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
Cleaning fiberglass is easy using warm water, white vinegar, and other household cleaning products. You can even use these cleaning solutions to clean a boat.
Quick Tip #38 – Fiberglass Cleaning
Use Soft Scrub Total Bath & Bowl Spray for regular use and Soft Scrub Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Spray for those tougher stains.
One-part cleaner/wax products are a good place to start. These compounds are usually some form of wax combined with a very mild cleaner, a very mild abrasive compound and sometimes a lubricant. Applied with a buffer, they do a good job on mildly dulled or chalked finishes.
5.0 out of 5 stars Better than blue Windex. This provides the same quality Windex cleaning without the pungent smell of the original blue formula. I was seriously doubtful on how effective this vinegar based cleaner would work but it left a streak clean shine in glass and other household surfaces.
Granite or marble
This is a big NO. “Windex shouldn't be used on granite or marble kitchen tops. Cleaners like Windex can etch or dull the surfaces of natural stone,” says Rick Glickman, president of Dream Kitchens, a design studio in Highland Park, Illinois.
Fiberglass front doors exposed to strong sunlight should be finished with paint, not stain. Textured front fiberglass doors look better when stained, however, either finish can be used. If your preference is a look of wood rather than fiberglass, staining can be used to accomplish this.
To refinish your door, you need to remove the old paint with a water-based stripper, apply a layer of gel stain, add at least two layers of fiberglass top coat, and allow to completely dry. You may use acrylic over your gel stain, as acrylics are known to have longer lifespan.
Use acrylic, polyester, polyurethane, or epoxy resin paint on your fiberglass door. Try to pick a paint that matches the type of fiberglass for the best results. Do not use oil-based paints because these can damage the door. Fiberglass-friendly paints are often available in matte, neutral, and gloss finishes.