This Lubricant Should Never Be Used on Garage Doors

Don’t Use WD-40 on Your Garage Door!

When it comes to garage door maintenance, it’s crucial to use the right lubricant. Contrary to popular belief, WD-40 should not be your go-to option. While it may initially improve your door’s performance due to its cleaning properties it won’t last. Every homeowner needs to understand that WD-40 is not a lubricant; it’s a solvent. This means it can strip away existing oil, leading to metal-to-metal contact, which can cause long-term damage to your garage door.

What’s the better choice for lubricating your garage door then? Two highly recommended options are white lithium grease and silicone lubricants. These not only offer superior lubrication but also help protect your garage door parts from wear and tear. When using lubricants, ensure you’re applying them to the correct parts of the door. It’s essential not to overdo it, as excess lubricant can attract dust and dirt, potentially causing more harm than good.

You can use WD-40 to clean parts like rails if you want. White lithium grease and silicone are two of the best choices and offer superior lubricating qualities. Just be sure you’re lubricating the correct parts and cleaning everything else whenever you’re performing maintenance.

If you’re unsure on how to lubricate a garage door and a text guide just isn’t enough, check out this video of Mike Holmes explaining how you can lubricate your garage door safely.