How to Clean Your Lock

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Although lock change is the best solution to many security issues, it's not always necessary. After all, locks are affected by the external temperatures and dust and they might cause a few minor problems now and then. Though, most of these problems are solved with lock repair. If we were to change the locks every time the key sticks or the lock feels stiff, we should have them replaced very often. Sometimes, by cleaning and lubricating them we solve issues fast and effectively.

Six steps to clean your home locks

Before cleaning the door locks, make sure the main problem is the dust. If the key has a hard time moving or being inserted in the keyway, you should first check to see if key replacement is needed. Small distortions and rust will keep it from entering into the keyway properly and in this case it's better to replace it. Though, cleaning the dead bolt from over concentrated dust and grime is equally important or you will soon have to replace it as well.

So, let's see the steps one by one:

1. You must first remove the deadbolt. The setscrews keeping the cylinder in place must be removed in order to be able to remove the bolt.
2. You can use the hairdryer or canned air to remove dust and dirt from the bolt, inside and outside cylinder, and the pin holes.
3. Use a small brush (a toothbrush will be just fine) to remove any remaining dirt. Check all parts and clean them all well.
4. Never use water or damp clothes and wet toothbrushes when you clean the inner parts of your security door locks or they will eventually rust.
5. You can lubricate the key hole of the bolt and the mechanism before assembling them. Don't overdo it; a couple of drops should suffice.
6. Reassemble the dead bolt but be extra careful. The inside and outside cylinders must be aligned and so must the bolt and latch in regard to the strike plate. Make sure the entire system is tightened properly, the door locks are fine and you can turn the lock open with ease.