Have you ever heard the phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’? It applied to so many things in life, from illness to politics. So it’s not surprise that it also applies to locks. Both window and door locks are vital in your home’s function and security, and they can be expensive and inconvenient to replace. But you can dramatically improve the performance and lifespan of your locks with just a little maintenance. So little in fact, that you only need to do it twice a year! Which leads us to today’s lesson – how to clean and lubricate your locks.
Cleaning Your Locks
You should be cleaning your locks routinely twice a year, but if you spot rust or built-up dirt before that, giving it a clean is a good idea. The only exception is if you live in a coastal location with salty air, or extreme weather conditions – then you will need to clean your locks more often to prevent damage.
To clean your lock, grab some WD-40 and spray it directly into the lock cylinder through the keyhole. Put the key inside and turn it. Take it out, wipe it off, and repeat the whole process. Keep going until the key comes out clean. It might be done in one, or it might take several goes depending on how dirty your lock is.
Then, just leave it to dry. In a day or two you can lubricate the lock to keep it working properly.
A Quick Guide to Lubricants
There are a lot of different products out there to lubricate locks, and it can be a bit confusing if you don’t know what’s what. Here’s a rundown of the most common types:
Teflon-based lubricants: At the top of the list is PTFE lubricants. This stands for Polytetrafluoroethylene, and it’s a Teflon-based lubricant that goes on as a liquid, but dries inside the lock to leave behind a non-stick, water-repellent film on the surface. Because it’s dry, it doesn’t attract dust or dirt, which is important.
Graphite powder: Graphite powder is a dry lubricant, and a fantastic alternative to oil since it doesn’t leave a sticky residue. It lubricates the locks without attracting dust, and is one of the oldest methods of lock maintenance there is.
White lithium grease: A highly water repellent grease that creates a thick barrier that protects your locks from rust and corrosion. It’s been specifically designed for metal parts, so it’s great for locks, latches and hinges. There is a downside though. It’s a thick product, which means it can jam intricate pin mechanisms as well as attracting dirt and debris.
A note on WD-40
A common household product that’s used for everything from engines and bike chains to door hinges is WD-40. It’s made of a mix of oil and water, applied as a solvent. As we mentioned above, it’s great for cleaning locks and hinges and getting rid of rust. But it’s absolutely not a lubricant. In fact, it washes away any lubricant that might have been left in the lock! It’s too thin, and leaves behind an oily residue that can actually damage locks in the long run. So if you want to use it, make sure you use a proper lubricant afterwards.
Lubricating Your Locks
Once you’ve chosen your lubricant, you’ll need to apply it. Most products will come in aerosol canister with a straw, so they’re super easy to use. You just put the straw inside the lock and spray a few times directly into the lock cylinder. Then remove the straw and put the key in the lock. Turn it a few times to allow the lubricant to cover all of the surfaces of the lock mechanism. That’s it! Remove the key and wipe off any residue, and then just leave the lock to dry. It shouldn’t take long at all.
And that’s it! It really is as simple as that/ By cleaning and lubricating your locks every 6 months, you can keep them working properly, reduce the likelihood of jamming and mean it will take longer for them to wear out. If you do get to a point where your key isn’t turning, remember to never force it. The internal key mechanism is quite delicate, and applying force could do more harm than good. Instead, call a locksmith. We can check your locks over and replace them if needed. If you need our help, remember you can always call us!