A good vacuum will have a crevice tool. Running this over the track often helps clean out the track. Stubborn items like mud might need more thorough cleaning with a wire brush. The old Fuller brush set had excellent hard bristle brushes of all sizes. Even an old toothbrush can help clean the track. Some folks choose a car vacuum.

Then a good waterless silicone spray needs to be in the cleaning pail for the room the sliding glass door is in- kitchen, family room, walk out basement etc.

Regularly spray that track with the silicone spray. Since there is no water in the spray, the wheels and other metal parts will not rust. This adds life to the use of the wheels. Also makes it easier for the door to slide easily.

Also, the wheels or rollers can be knocked out of adjustment with the shifting of the home or soil. Adjusting the wheels at the bottom will help adjust for this shifting. Raising or lowering the wheels located on the underside of each door panel can help keep the door more squared up. Also these steps can help straighten a crooked door. Keeping these in correct alignment allowing it to close parallel to the doorframe.

Raising both wheels evenly can prevent the bottom of the door from rubbing on the track, protecting the track as the wheels wear out and become smaller. For wheels that are adjustable, turn the screw to raise or lower the wheel. Normally there is a hole at each end of the bottom track of the sliding glass door. You can insert a screwdriver into that. You may have to use a small pry bar to lift the glass panel a little and take the pressure off of the wheels. With the door lifted, it is easy to turn the screws.

If the door is lowered and you want to raise it, then turn the screw the other direction.

If you can no longer adjust the rollers, then it must be time to replace them. This is not as hard as some might think. Open the door about half way, and raise it about an inch. This will force it into the top track. At the same time, pull out on the bottom. Take the door out of the opening. Then snap out the old worn out rollers and replace with new ones. Then replace the door just as you took it out, only in reverse order. This will insure your glass door will slide.

Next comes routine maintenance of the doorframe itself. It is important to keep the whole glass doorframe clean inside and outside. There is a small ridge on the top on both interior and exterior and this wants washing every month or so on the outside. The interior can go longer since there is no weather adding to the dirt and sand etc.

A dusting can help on the inside. A feather duster works well. A good glass cleaner on inside and out will work for the glass panes. The old timers may still be using vinegar water or lemon juice in water plus newspaper. However the hard water in some areas makes the water residue spotty and not clear visibility.

An attachment like car windows are cleaned with - a rubber tipped cleaning wand will work well. Many of the yard watering wants will help clean the window if they are high. Then use the rubber edge to swipe the drops from top to bottom.

Metal cleaner for the correct doorframe is recommended. Make sure any lock opening is left clear of the metal cleaner so the key will still work and the interior of the lock is not corroded.

Tools for a sliding glass door can include:

• Vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment
• Soft absorbent cleaning rags
• Multi purpose cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Small brush-whiskbroom
• Waterproof sliding track lubricant

It is critical this track be kept clean for long life of a sliding door. Vacuum regularly and well to protect your investment.