Maintaining your pet door is essential for ensuring it operates smoothly and lasts a long time. A well-maintained pet door not only makes life easier for your pets, allowing them seamless access to the outdoors, but it also benefits pet owners by reducing the need for repairs and enhancing home security.
Let's explore how regular maintenance can keep your pet doors in top condition.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your pet door is crucial. The frequency depends on the type of door and how often it's used, but a good rule of thumb is to clean it thoroughly at least once every three months.
Some pet doors are easier to clean than others. For example, the easier pet door to clean is the Liberty Pet Door. The rust-proof frame can be easily wiped down with a wet cloth or household disinfectant, and all the flap needs is a wet cloth and dish soap.
How Do I Clean My Pet Door?
No two pet doors are alike, and strong cleaners like all purpose spray or magic erasers could damage your pet door depending on what materials it is made out of. Unless the manufacturer says otherwise, you should err on the side of caution and stick to using only dish soap and warm water.
(Note: never clean your pet door with hot water. Many frames and flaps are made from material that melt or warp under high heat. Only clean your doggie door with tap-warm water).
Here’s how basic guide for how to clean the different parts of your pet door:
- The Flap: Use a soft cloth and a mild soap solution to gently wipe away grime. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. If the material for your flap is warped or yellowed, then it may be time to purchase a brand new pet door flap.
- The Frame: Wipe down with soapy water. For metal frames, you should use a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent rust.
- The Tunnel: The inside tunnels for in-wall pet doors can be vacuumed and wiped down with mild soap and water.
What Kind of Maintenance Does My Pet Door Need?
If you have never owned a pet door before, you may not know what parts of your pet door need special attention to ensure that your pet door remains in top condition. Here are a few common pet door parts and how to maintain them:
- The Flap: Regularly check the flap for any damage such as tears, punctures, or stiffness. Some flaps can even warp or become discolored in the sun. For these cases, you should replace the flap with a new one. You can also deter your dog from chewing on the flap with anti-chew spray.
- The Weatherproofing: Check any weatherproofing for wear and tear. Glue down any sections that are falling off and replace any broken areas.
- The Lock: Ensure the door's locking mechanisms are functioning correctly. Add lubricant to any locking mechanisms that are stuck, or replace the locking unit entirely.
- The Magnets: Check that the magnets on the flap are still aligned with the magnets in the frame. Replace any magnets that are broken. If you need extra protection, check to see if you can add additional magnets to your flap.
- The Seal: Check if your in door or wall pet doors are sealed tightly to the surface they are installed into. Tighten any screws or add more caulking as needed.The Screws: The Liberty Pet Door’s flap is attached to the frame by a series of screws. Regularly check that the screws are still tight enough to keep the flap secure.
Where Do I Find Spare Parts For My Pet Door?
Plenty of pet door maintenance requires you to have extra pet door parts on hand. Parts like screws and caulking can easily be sourced from your local hardware store. You can check your installation instructions for specifications, or you can ask a member of our expert customer service team.
For flaps, magnets, and any other part made specific to the pet door, you will need to find extra parts online. We have replacement flaps and more for the Liberty Pet Door readily available in our store. For other brands, you can check out the replacement part selection at PetDoors.com, or reach out to your brand’s manufacturer.
How Do I Know If An Issue Falls Under My Dog Door’s Warranty Policy?
Every pet door brand has a different warranty policy, so we highly recommend reviewing your pet door’s warranty policy to see what is covered and for how long. Most brands cover manufacturing defects for a limited time period.
The Liberty Pet Door policy lasts for three years and covers normal wear and tear, as well as manufacturing defects.
Note that most pet door companies do not include dog chewing under normal wear and tear. If your dog destroys their flap by chewing on it, then you will most likely need to cover any replacements yourself.
To claim your pet door warranty, you should reach out to the original manufacturer via their website or email. If you’re unsure how to contact them, you should contact the customer service team of whatever retailer you purchased your pet door from for assistance.
Can I Purchase Spare Pet Door Parts From Amazon?
Some pet door brands carry their replacement parts on Amazon for your convenience, but they run the risk of having their products be confused with a knock-off brand. Other pet door brands only sell their spare parts through their websites or well-known pet door retailers.
Before purchasing a replacement flap through Amazon, check that the listing is run by the same manufacturer as the people who made your pet door. Make sure that the part is not listed under a brand, as any person can sell a brand on Amazon. Amazon stores require a trademark and proof of ownership.
Luckily, buying the wrong part off of Amazon can be easily fixed with a quick return. However, even if the knock-off part seems to work, you should still not use it for your door as any issues you experience afterwards may be in violation of the manufacturer’s warranty policy.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is key to maximizing the lifespan and functionality of your pet door. By following these tips, you can ensure that your pet door remains a convenient and safe passage for your furry friends. Embrace the routine of pet door upkeep, and enjoy the long-term benefits it brings to both you and your pets.
