Your exterior and interior door locks have very different jobs, which means they need different care. Using the wrong maintenance method can do more harm than good. This guide will show you how to properly care for each type to ensure years of smooth, reliable operation.
Why They Need Different Care
Outdoor Locks: Battle the elements—rain, dust, UV rays, and extreme temperature changes. They also face more frequent, heavier use and have more complex mechanisms to withstand physical attacks.
Indoor Locks: Primarily deal with interior dust and humidity. Their main focus is providing privacy and smooth operation for daily use.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Locks (The Guardians)
Focus on protection, cleaning, and inspection.
Cleaning (Quarterly):
Wipe the exterior with a dry, soft cloth to remove dirt and grime.
For the keyhole, use a specialized dry lubricant like graphite powder or a dry Teflon spray. Avoid oil-based lubricants as they attract dust and gum up the mechanism.
Never use abrasive or corrosive cleaners on the finish.
Lubrication (Every 6 months):
Use dry graphite powder or a dry lubricant spray into the keyway and on the bolt. These won’t attract dirt.
Inspection (Every 6 months):
Check that all mounting screws are tight.
Ensure the lock bolt throws and retracts smoothly and aligns properly with the strike plate.
Test your key for smooth operation.
Maintaining Your Indoor Locks (The Privacy Keepers)
Focus on gentle cleaning and occasional lubrication.
Cleaning (Every 6 months):
Wipe the handle and plate with a soft cloth dampened with a mild soapy solution, then immediately dry it.
Lubrication (Annually):
A silicone-based lubricant or dry lubricant is ideal for the internal mechanism. Apply a small drop to the latch bolt.
Check (Annually):
Tighten any loose handles or set screws.
The Universal “Don’ts” of Lock Care
NEVER use WD-40, cooking oil, or motor oil in any lock. These will eventually thicken, gather dirt, and seize the mechanism.
Avoid using abrasive pads or harsh chemicals that can destroy the protective finish.
YALIS: Built to Last, Easy to Maintain
At YALIS, our in-house manufacturing allows us to build durability into every product. Our exterior locks are crafted from premium 304 stainless steel and feature advanced PVD finishes that are exceptionally resistant to corrosion and weathering, making routine cleaning simple.
Our interior locks are engineered for low-friction operation, requiring minimal maintenance over their long lifespan. By controlling the entire production process, we ensure superior quality and reliability, giving you true peace of mind and worry-free ownership.
Your Quick Checklist:
Outdoor: Clean quarterly, use dry lube, inspect screws.
Indoor: Clean gently, use light silicone lube annually.
Never: Use WD-40 or oil.
Proper care extends the life of your hardware dramatically. For locks designed to make maintenance easy, explore the durable YALIS collection.
FAQ:
Q: What if my lock is already stuck?
A: For exterior locks, try a dedicated lock de-icer or a dry lubricant. For a seized interior lock, a tiny amount of silicone spray can help. If problems persist, contact a professional.
Q: How do I clean a smart lock?
A: Use a dry, soft cloth for the electronic touchscreen or keypad. For the mechanical keyhole, follow the outdoor lock guidelines above.
Post time: Sep-16-2025