Doesn’t your sliding glass door function as it should be? Have you fixed all problems and made sure everything is in their position? However, is it very hard to open and close the door? Perhaps it needs a lubricant for smooth movements. If you don’t know how to choose the best lubricant for sliding glass door, consider the top products that I recommended below:
Here are the best lubricants for sliding glass door you can buy in 2024:
- Easy To Apply: Unisport Lubricant
- Easy To Store: AGS Automotive Solutions Lubricant Stick
- Quick-Drying: WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant
- Versatile: 4LIFETIMELINES Specialist Silicone Lubricant
- Best For Wooden Framed Doors: Impresa Wood Lubricant
| 5 Best Lubricants For Sliding Glass Door | ||
|---|---|---|
Easy To Apply | Unisport Lubricant | |
Easy To Store | AGS Automotive Solutions Lubricant Stick | |
Quick-Drying | WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant | |
Versatile | 4LIFETIMELINES Specialist Silicone Lubricant | |
Best For Wooden Framed Doors | Impresa Wood Lubricant | |
Easy To Apply: Unisport Lubricant
- Smooth movements after applying
- Non-toxic for pets and children
- Long-lasting
- Simple to apply precisely
- Easy to use
- Little odor
Unisport lubricant has a liquid form which is easy to apply compared to others. Below are the reasons:
The liquid form allows you to apply it to specific areas exactly because its applicator nozzles and built-in brushes can target the door track and rollers directly.
Moreover, you can spread it evenly over the surfaces for consistent coverage without being over-applied.
This form is versatile enough to use it effectively on both horizontal and vertical surfaces, so it works well for tracks and rollers of sliding glass doors which have various orientations.
You exactly control the amount of lubricant without over applying to avoid the excessive buildup of dirt and debris.
Finally, customers also said that they can effortlessly apply this product in their apartment setting.
| Unisport Lubricant Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product dimensions | 8 oz |
Package info | 6.1 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches |
Highlight features | Functions optimally between -35 F and 180 F Non-toxic |
The Unisport lubricant works well for those who are new in using a lubricant for sliding glass door because it’s easy to apply.
Easy To Store: AGS Automotive Solutions Lubricant Stick
- The doors work smoothly after applying
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Messy
Don’t you have a lot of space for storing large bottles of lubricant? Are you scared that your children and pets can access chemical and harmful bottles of lubricant? If yes, you will be satisfied with the design of the AGS Automotive Solution Lubricant Stick. It’s very easy to hide this “small lipstick” from the vision of your kids and pets. It also doesn’t take plenty of storage room in your home.
| AGS Automotive Solutions Lubricant Stick Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product dimensions | 4.25 x 1 x 1 inches |
Package info | Stick |
Highlight features | Door-ease lubricant stick |
You can easily store this “small lipstick” - the AGS Automotive Solutions Lubricant Stick no matter how small your house is.
Quick-Drying: WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant
- No more noise squeaking after applying
- Easy to use
- Weather-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Quick to dry
- Odor but quick to dissipate
If you leave your sliding glass door wet for an extended period, it can lead to many potential issues. The moisture will promote the mold and mildew growth that not only makes the door unsightly but also causes a health hazard.
In particular, leaving metal components such as hinges, tracks, and screws of the sliding glass door exposed to moisture can cause corrosion and rust, weakening its structural integrity of the door and affecting its functionality.
Leaving the water long on the glass surface, frame, or track can cause mineral deposits and stains. Over time, it’s very difficult to remove them.
The WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant can help you solve this problem because of its quick-drying formula.
| WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product dimensions | 3 x 3 x 9 inches |
Highlight features | Silicone lubricant Protective, waterproof and low-friction coating Quick-drying formula Clear, stain-resistant hard film |
The WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant is quick-drying, so it can keep your sliding glass door from potential issues.
Versatile: 4LIFETIMELINES Specialist Silicone Lubricant
- Quick to dry
- Long-lasting
- Keeps noise away
- Non-toxic
- Easy to apply
- Very light smell
The 4LIFETIMELINES Specialist Silicone Lubricant is versatile because you can use it for many purposes. Apart from using it as a lubricant for sliding glass doors, it can create a water-proof and moisture-proof barrier to protect your metal surfaces from rust and corrosions. It’s safe to use this product on different materials such as metal, plastic, glass, and rubber.
| 4LIFETIMELINES Specialist Silicone Lubricant Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product dimensions | 4 oz |
Highlight features | Silicone lubricant Rust and corrosion-resistant Creates a water-proof and moisture-proof barrier Easy application brush top lid |
The 4LIFETIMELINES Specialist Silicone Lubricant is versatile because you can use it for different purposes.
Best For Wooden Framed Doors: Impresa Wood Lubricant
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Lowers noise and friction
- Versatile
- Sticky
As the name suggests, the Impresa Wood Lubricant is formulated for wood material. It can keep the wooden surface at its peak condition without being damaged and stained because this product doesn’t contain chemical ingredients that harm the wood. It has anti-corrosion properties that can protect your wood from rust and corrosion.
| Impresa Wood Lubricant Specifications | |
|---|---|
Product dimensions | 6 oz |
Package info | Jar |
Highlight features | Multi-use Friction-free motion Clear & unscented |
The Impresa Wood Lubricant can provide your wooden framed sliding glass door with smooth movements without harming it.
How To Choose The Best Lubricant For Sliding Glass Door?
Which Types Of Lubricant Are Safe For Sliding Glass Door?
Some materials used for sliding glass door tracks (aluminum or vinyl) and rollers (plastic or metal) can be damaged by petroleum-based products. So, make sure that your lubricant types for sliding glass doors are safe for them.
Silicone
Silicone-based lubricants are considered as the safest option for sliding glass doors because they are compatible with a wide range of materials such as aluminum, vinyl, plastic, and glass. It is not only low in toxicity but also leaves a dry and non-sticky surface after applying.
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
It’s also safe to use PTFE-based lubricants on sliding door tracks and rollers because they are non-toxic. Thanks to great lubrication properties, this ingredient can create a slippery and low-friction surface for smooth movements of the door.
Graphite
This is also safe to use on sliding door tracks and rollers. Because of its dry and non-sticky nature, the graphite can minimize the risk of attracting dirt and dust.
Mineral Oil
Although mineral oil is also safe, it is not as long-lasting as silicone and PTFE lubricants.
Water-Based Lubricants
This type is safe to use indoors because it doesn’t emit harmful fumes and odors. However, it isn’t effective in preventing the buildup of dust and debris, especially; you have to reapply frequently.
How well the temperature resistance of your lubricant is?
Some lubricants can perform better in extreme heat or cold, so it’s very important to determine the temperature conditions in your area to choose a suitable one. Although most lubricants are designed for extreme temperatures, it’s better to read the product label and manufacturer’s recommendations to make sure that the lubricant performs effectively with your place’s temperature condition. Don’t forget to check the moisture level in your region as well since some are more water-resistant than others.
What Are The Best Forms Of Lubricants For Sliding Glass Door?
Each of them has their own benefit. You should choose one based on what you need.
Spray Lubricants
This is the most convenient form because the combination of aerosol cans and nozzle helps you apply the lubricant precisely. Moreover, the aerosol format allows you to reach tight spaces and crevices in the door tracks and rollers straightforwardly. Normally, silicone-based and dry-film lubricants are available in spray form.
Liquid Lubricants
Liquid lubricants are packed in squeeze bottles or dropper containers. These designs can stop you from applying too much and help you direct the lubricant to specific areas exactly. Silicone-based lubricants have a liquid form.
Gel Lubricants
Compared to liquid lubricants, gel lubricants have a thicker consistency that is less to drip and run, so this form works well for vertical surfaces and areas which require the lubricant to stay in place. You can easily find silicone-based lubricants in gel form.
Powder Lubricants
The powder lubricant is dry, so you will apply it by dusting and sprinkling. This form can prevent sticking and avoid attracting dirt and debris. It usually contains materials such as graphite and PTFE.
Stick Lubricants
This form looks like deodorant sticks and solid balms which are applied by rubbing it onto the track and rollers directly. I strongly recommend this type for spot lubrication because it is less messy than others.
Wax Lubricants
Some wax-based lubricants include paraffin wax and beeswax. How to apply it is similar to stick lubricants. This form can function as a lubrication, but it isn’t long-lasting.
Foam Lubricants
This is a foam spray format that clings to surfaces, so it is helpful for vertical sliding glass door tracks. Typically, silicone-based lubricants have this foam form.
Penetrating Oils
This form has a thin layer of oil that can seep into tight areas and dissolve corrosion and rust.
Which Brands Make The Best Lubricant For Sliding Glass Door?
WD-40
This brand that was founded in 1953 is famous for lubricants and maintenance products. They can not only loosen rusted and stuck parts, displace moisture but also protect against corrosion.
FAQs
How do you maintain a sliding glass door?
Regular cleaning your sliding glass door can minimize even remove the buildup of dirt, smudges, and fingerprints. Here are tools for this task: a vacuum cleaner, a stiff brush, or a screwdriver. Don’t apply too much force when cleaning to prevent damage to the tracks.
Lubricating the door tracks and rollers can help the door slide smoothly without squeaking.
Periodically inspect the hardware of the door such as handles, bolts, and screws to tighten any loose fasteners and replace damaged or missing hardware timely.
Check the weatherstripping around the door to ensure that it has a proper seal. If not, replace damaged and worn items timely.
If your door doesn't slide smoothly or is dragging, adjust the rollers at the bottom edge of the door. Consult the instruction to know how to adjust it properly because each model has a different door’s design.
Check the lock to make sure that the locking mechanism works rightly. If not, you may need to repair or replace it for maintaining security.
In case your glass has minor scratches, you can repair them with a glass polishing kit. However, if it is a major damage, it’s essential to replace a new glass pane.
Check the sealant around the door frame to reapply a deteriorated one timely.
Protect your glass from direct sunlight with curtains or blinds. If not, this environmental element will make your door frame warp or the glass to fade over time.
Why is my sliding door so hard to open and close?
The door tracks that are clogged by the buildup of dirt, debris, leaves, and hair will obstruct the door’s movements. In this case, you can clean the door tracks thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner, brush, or a screwdriver.
It’s very difficult to slide the door over worn or damaged rollers. So, you need to check and replace if essential.
If your door rollers are misaligned, your doors can’t glide smoothly. What you have to do is to consult the manual to adjust the rollers properly as long as they are aligned with the track.
The changes of temperature and humidity can make your door frame and tracks warp over time. If there is any visible warping on the tracks and frame, replace or repair them immediately.
It’s hard to slide the door when the dry and sticky rollers cause friction, so you need to lubricate the rollers and tracks.
Loose screws, bolts and damaged hardware will affect the stability of the door. In this case, you simply tighten loose hardware or replace damaged parts.
Small rocks and debris in the track groove will prevent the door from smooth movements. To fix this problem, remove all obstructions.
Worn and damaged weatherstripping can produce additional friction, making the door hard to slide. So, replace damaged weatherstripping for a proper seal.
Cracked and shattered glass affect the stability of the door, so it’s very difficult to open and close. This case requires you to replace the glass.
How to fix sliding door off track?
Remove your sliding door to access the track and rollers by lifting it off the bottom track and angling it slightly to remove it from the top track.
Inspect the rollers to know if it is damaged or worn. Replace if any.
Clear the tracks by removing any debris, dirt, and obstructions with a vacuum cleaner, a brush, or a screwdriver.
Aren’t the rollers damaged? But is the door still off track? The problem may be the height. The rollers with adjustment screws allow you to raise and lower the rollers until they align with the track.
Put the door back onto the bottom track and adjust as long as it fits the top track as well.
Test the movements of the door by sliding it back and forth. If it works improperly, you may need to adjust more.
Lubricating the tracks and rollers can maintain the door’s smooth movements.
Make sure that all screws and hardware are tightened properly.
The weatherstripping must be installed properly to maintain a great seal around the door.
Finally, you must replace severely damaged, bent and warped tracks.
How to remove sliding glass door for cleaning?
Prepare the area by clearing inside and outside the area around the sliding glass door.
Secure the sliding door in place for safety.
Laying down the floor inside and outside the door with plastic sheeting, padding, or blankets to keep it from damages and scratches.
Get rid of the door stopper with a screwdriver if any because this item can protect the sliding glass door from lifting off the track.
Remember to slide the door open partially to leave enough room for you to access both sides.
Lift the door along the bottom edge or by the frame straight until it completely clears the bottom track.
After lifting, put the wood blocks or dowels on the bottom track to stop the door from sliding back into the place accidentally.
Set the door on a secure and flat surface such as a sturdy table or a sawhorse without being tipped over easily.
Clean both sides of the glass door with a glass cleaner or a mixture of water and vinegar. Meanwhile, you can handle the frame and tracks with a vacuum cleaner, a brush, and a damp cloth.
How to adjust rollers on sliding glass door?
Remove the door to adjust the rollers easier if essential.
Look for adjustment screws on or near the rollers. Turning the screws with a screwdriver or an appropriate tool clockwise can raise the door while turning them counterclockwise can lower it.
In case your door isn’t level, adjust a roller higher or lower than another by turning the adjustment screws.
Can you use Vaseline for sliding door track?
You can use Vaseline as a short-term lubricant for sliding door track, but it isn’t an ideal long-term solution. Vaseline will attract dust and dirt over time, making the track sticking easily and damaging the rollers.
Conclusion
Some people said that lubricants are useless. Of course, it isn’t functional if you use this product type for the wrong purposes. Even the best lubricant for sliding glass door is only used for minimizing friction to help the door glide smoothly. Although it has other benefits, lubricants are not formulated for repairing a broken thing.
