- 25 Jan 2026|
- News
Your front door deals with a lot: rain, wind, sun, frost, central heating indoors and the changing British weather outdoors. Luckily, composite doors are built with the modern world in mind. They’re made from a mix of materials like a solid or foam core, uPVC, timber reinforcement and a laminated door skin. This gives strength, security and low maintenance.
In this guide, we’re sharing our best composite door maintenance tips. You’ll learn how to clean composite doors properly, care for door hardware and carry out simple seasonal checks, so your composite front door stays in excellent condition for years of use. With just a little care, your door can perform like new for decades.
Composite door maintenance tips
Composite doors are naturally low maintenance. They don’t rot like a timber door, and they resist warping and water damage thanks to their integrated moisture barrier. We’ve put together a list of suggestions from our own team about how you can get the most value from your investment and ensure that your entrance door lasts for decades!
Cleaning your composite door
Regular cleaning protects the door’s finish and keeps colours bright.
Simple step process:
- Fill a bucket of warm soapy water using a mild detergent.
- Dip a soft or damp cloth into the warm water.
- Wipe the door surface gently.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Dry with a dry cloth.
Top tips:
- Use soapy water, not harsh chemicals.
- Avoid abrasive pads.
- Clean more often if your door faces busy roads, trees, or other features in the surroundings of your property.
For glass, use warm soapy water first, then a glass cleaner for a clear finished result.
Caring for door hardware
Door hardware includes handles, hinges, locks and letter plates. Many of our doors let you choose matching hardware colours, so you can complement the design of your new door.
Every few months:
- Wipe hardware with a soft cloth and mild detergent
- Dry thoroughly
- Add a small amount of lubricant to hinges and moving parts
Use light engineering oil on hinges and a Teflon-based spray in lock cylinders.
Seasonal checks
With the temperature changes of British weather, we recommend checking your door each season:
- Weather seals around the door frames
- The base of the door for dirt build-up
- Locks and handles for stiffness
Quick checks prevent bigger problems later. Our composite doors from DoorCo and Distinction are designed to resist warping and swelling, so regular checks are just part of occasional maintenance, rather than an essential chore.
The long term value of composite doors
Composite doors are built to last and to give fewer problems over time.
Lower energy bills
Most composite doors have an insulated core, which gives strong energy efficiency. This means less heat escapes your home. Timber core doors also retain the insulation properties of natural wood, which is great at reducing heat loss too.
The Energy Saving Trust says around 25% of heat in a typical UK home can be lost through doors and windows. A well-looked-after composite door helps keep warmth in, so your central heating doesn’t have to work as hard.
Comfort and security
Composite doors stay stable in changing weather, which means fewer draughts and a more comfortable home. Solid core options are your best bet if security is top priority, with reinforced stable timber beams and modern security options give strength of the door and long-lasting protection.
However, that isn’t to say that foam cores are weak, as they too feature multi-point locks and leading materials.
Style that lasts
From neutral shades to bold bright tones and luxurious wood effect designs, composite doors hold their colour well. Regular cleaning keeps them looking fresh and preserves the durable acrylic layer. Your door can stay a stunning focal point for years of use.
Composite doors from Doncaster Trade Windows
At Doncaster Trade Windows, we supply and install a wide range of composite doors across Doncaster and South Yorkshire. We work with trusted suppliers DoorCo and Distinction Doors.
Our range includes:
- Traditional and modern styles
- Stable doors and classic front doors
- Smooth or woodgrain finishes
- Foam-filled and timber-reinforced cores
Colour options include white, black, blue, red, green, golden oak and rosewood, plus many bespoke shades. You can even choose different colours inside and out, with a wide selection of hardware and glazing to match your preferred colour.
All our composite doors offer:
- Excellent energy efficiency
- Strong multipoint locking systems
- Durable laminated door skins
- Long guarantees for peace of mind
We also offer an online door designer, so you can visualise the design of your new door before installation.
FAQs
Are composite doors really low maintenance?
Yes. A composite door only needs regular cleaning with some warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, plus light oil on moving parts. That’s usually enough to keep it in great condition for many years.
How often should I clean my composite door?
We suggest every month or two. If your door is near trees or busy roads, clean it more often to stop dirt from building up.
Why does energy efficiency matter for a front door?
Energy efficiency means your door helps keep heat inside your home. That makes rooms more comfortable and can lower your heating bills.
Who are Doncaster Trade Windows?
We’re a family-owned business based in Doncaster, serving South Yorkshire since 2013. We manufacture our uPVC products in-house and source composite doors from leading suppliers, with our installation services gaining a whole host of positive reviews.
We offer:
- Windows, doors, conservatories and roofing
- Supply only or full installation
- Honest pricing and no-pressure sales
- A local showroom to view products
Ready to find your ideal composite door?
If you’d like a new composite door or advice on composite door maintenance, get in touch.
Call 01302 891426, email doncastertradewindows@live.co.uk or visit our Doncaster showroom to see our range in person.
