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Recommended frequency and steps
Visual inspection in spring to spot finish wear. Clean with mild soap and water, then apply a finish restoration product twice a year to preserve the wood’s appearance and protection. Exterior doors, especially those exposed to sun and weather, need extra attention, particularly when facing south or strongly exposed to UV. Owners can carry out this maintenance themselves or use the MICHELENA maintenance program.
Wood maintenance guide
Preserving the beauty and durability of wood through the seasons
Exterior doors, interior doors, millwork and wall paneling. The essential gestures to maintain solid wood and extend the life of every piece.
Wood maintenance
Why wood maintenance is simple but essential
Solid wood is a living material. It reacts to humidity, light and temperature changes. Regular maintenance, a few simple gestures once or twice a year, preserves the appearance and performance of the product for decades. This guide covers the workshop’s recommendations for exterior doors, interior doors and millwork.
Exterior wood doors
How to maintain an exterior wood door
The exterior door is the most exposed to the elements. Sun, rain, snow and freeze-thaw cycles constantly challenge the finish. Regular maintenance protects the wood from fading, greying and moisture penetration.
Quick recap
The gestures to remember for wood maintenance
A reminder for owners of solid wood doors and millwork.
- Visual inspection once or twice a year (spring and fall)
- Cleaning with mild soap and water, never solvents or abrasives
- Application of a finish restoration product twice a year
- Check weatherstripping and seals every spring
- Extra attention for doors facing south or strongly exposed to UV
Maintenance questions
Frequently asked questions about wood maintenance
Answers to the most searched questions about cleaning, repairing and protecting wood doors.
Soft cloth lightly dampened with diluted mild soap. Wipe along the grain. Dry immediately with a dry cloth. Never use ammonia-based products, bleach or abrasive cleaners that degrade the varnish layer.
For surface scratches, apply a wax touch-up pencil in the same shade. For deep scratches that reach bare wood, light sanding followed by stain and varnish touch-up is required.
MICHELENA does not carry out refurbishment or restoration of existing doors. Our expertise is fully dedicated to designing and building new doors. For restoration work, some specialized companies in the Greater Montreal area can be recommended on request.
Check the condition of the weatherstripping on all four sides of the door. Replace worn or compressed sections. Verify the threshold fit, a gap under the door lets cold air through. If the problem persists, contact the workshop for an adjustment of the door in its frame.
Technically, the product we use on our doors can last a lifetime if properly maintained and protected from the elements. Regular cleaning and the application of our regeneration formula twice a year preserve the finish, prevent its degradation and minimize the need for refurbishment.
Need help?
A question about maintaining a MICHELENA product?
Contact the Saint-Eustache workshop team directly for any question about maintaining or caring for a door or a piece of millwork.
