DESIGN INSPIRATION - AUGUST 1, 2025
Rainy Season Cleaning for Your FENSTELA Doors and Windows
Cleaning is essential for homes with FENSTELA® doors and windows, especially during the rainy season when doors and windows are often kept closed. With regular cleaning and maintenance, your FENSTELA door system can be folded, slid, or opened beautifully this year and for the upcoming rainy (and summer) seasons.
Here are the cleaning and maintenance steps we recommend to keep your FENSTELA doors looking great and functioning optimally.
Clean and lubricate rails and bearings.
Clean surface contaminants by wiping visible rail surfaces with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent, then wipe dry with a clean cloth. Use a suitable applicator to apply a small amount of clear petroleum jelly or similar lubricant. Ensure that the carrier wheels are evenly lubricated along the entire length of the rail. Apply additional lubricant around the bearings. In extreme environmental conditions, apply a thin layer of WD-40. Always keep the lower guide channel clean of debris.
Maintaining Hooks, Pivots, Brackets, Rear Handle Plates, and Hinges
Open surfaces should be wiped with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, then rinsed thoroughly before applying a new surface protector. It is recommended to lightly spray WD-40, followed by wiping it with a dry cloth to remove any product residue on all hangers, pivots, brackets, and hinges.
Be careful not to get this compound on wooden objects as it may cause staining. For oil-rubbed bronze finishes, take care when cleaning or reapplying surface protectant.
What to do with Surface-Mounted Locking Mechanisms
Spray WD-40 onto the sliding pin inside the sliding bolt and onto the lock cylinder (if present). All sliding bolts have access holes or slots so that this process can be done without removing the key from the door.
Aluminum Coatings: Easy Cleaning and Regular Inspection
For aluminum-coated systems, exposed surfaces should be cleaned with soap and mild detergent. Cracks or scratches should be repaired immediately and not left exposed to the weather.
Inspect and Clean Screens
Dust and dirt can accumulate in the guide channels over time. Cleaning this buildup is easy—and important for smooth screen movement. When the screen is retracted, clean the dirt with a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment.
Dusty or coastal environments require more frequent cleaning. The mesh screen should be cleaned occasionally to maintain clear visibility and airflow. While the screen is extended, clean any remaining debris with a soft brush vacuum cleaner. Be careful not to tear or damage the mesh.
How often should you perform maintenance on your door system?
This procedure should be performed as often as possible to prevent damage and detect and address problems early on. However, at a minimum, we recommend that FENSTELA door systems in public environments be serviced every six (6) months. If your door system is located in a marine, industrial, or corrosive environment, perform this maintenance task every three (3) months.