Maintaining doors and windows does not seem that difficult, but if one does not keep up with it, the doors and windows could endure damage and excessive wear and tear. This could prove costly in the long run. Cleaning them only counts for something if care is taken to maintain their structure and moving parts. From irregular oiling to skipping caulking and sealing, here are some common door and window maintenance mistakes that most people make:

1. Irregular cleanup
Dust and dirt tend to accumulate near tracks, frames, and corners of doors and windows, making them look shabby and affecting the movement of the hinges. Regularly cleaning these areas with mild detergent and soft cloth that won’t leave scratches and checking for signs of wear and tear helps improve the appearance and performance of doors and windows.

2. Overlooking moisture-related issues
Moisture and wood do not go together, and continuous moisture can deteriorate the wooden frames of windows and doors, encouraging rot, mold, and mildew. Maintaining proper ventilation in the home, using exhaust fans in high-humidity areas, and immediately fixing any water-related issues helps maintain the strength and integrity of doors and windows.

3. Using harsh cleaning products
Using ammonia-based cleaners and rough scrubbers to clean glass windows and wooden doors can lead to scratches and material damage over time. So, using mild, non-abrasive cleaners meant specifically for glass and wood, along with microfiber cloths, can help in cleaning doors and windows without damage.

4. Skipping lubrication
Hinges, locks, tracks, and rollers are all moving parts of doors and windows that require regular lubrication to work well. Further, not oiling these parts can cause quicker wear and tear, requiring more repairs and maintenance and incurring more expenses in the process. 

5. Rough handling
Forcefully opening and closing doors and windows can damage them, from the frame to the hinges and even the locks and glass panes. If the door or window becomes difficult to operate, instead of exerting force, check for debris and dirt to find the precise cause and then lubricate the moving parts. Overlooking these essential parts of a home can have a cascading effect leading to severe damage.

6. Failing to seal gaps and cracks
Overlooked gaps can allow moisture and air to sneak into the home, increasing the risk of serious issues like mold and rot. Sealing up any gaps or cracks with caulk around windows and doors is also important to prevent them from expanding and deteriorating over time.