How to Clean and Maintain Smart Lock - Monthly Care Guide

☑️ Clean keypad exterior
☑️ Check battery level
☑️ Test one code
☑️ Verify smooth operation
☑️ Check for loose screws

What you need:
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Water  - slightly damp, not dripping
- Optional: Isopropyl alcohol 70%  - for stubborn grime

Process:
□ Dampen cloth slightly (wring out well)
□ Wipe keypad gently
  - Remove fingerprints, dirt, oils
  - Pay attention to number buttons
  - Don't press buttons while cleaning

□ Wipe handle and exterior surfaces

□ Dry with clean dry cloth

DON'T use:
❌ Harsh chemicals (bleach, ammonia)
❌ Abrasive cleaners (scouring powder)
❌ Excessive water (dripping wet)
❌ Spray cleaners directly on lock

□ Open app → Lock → Battery status
□ Note level: _____%

Action based on level:
- 70-100%: OK, check next month
- 40-69%: Note for replacement soon
- 30-39%: Buy batteries, plan replacement
- <30%: Replace immediately

□ Document date checked

□ Test lock/unlock via app (1×)
  - Should respond <2 seconds
  - Smooth operation
  - No grinding

□ Test one PIN code
  - Should unlock first try
  - No error beeps

□ Manual operation (thumb turn)
  - Smooth, no resistance

□ Check exterior mounting screws
  - Finger-tight? (don't need tool)
  - If loose: Tighten 1/4 turn

□ Look for corrosion
  - Especially around battery compartment
  - Green/white powder = Corrosion
  - If found: Clean immediately (see below)

□ Check strike plate
  - Screws tight?
  - Hole clear of debris?

☑️ All monthly tasks (above)
☑️ Deep clean keypad
☑️ Test all user codes
☑️ Check alignment
☑️ Review access logs
☑️ Remove unused codes

What you need:
- Cotton swabs  - Q-tips
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Soft brush  - old toothbrush

Process:
□ Dip cotton swab in alcohol
□ Clean around each button
  - Remove dirt from crevices
  - Don't soak (just damp)

□ Brush gently around buttons
  - Remove accumulated gunk

□ Wipe with dry cloth

□ Let air dry 5 minutes

□ List all active user codes
□ Test each code works
□ Delete codes that:
  - Belong to people who left
  - Haven't been used in 90+ days
  - Are temporary but expired

□ Document: ___ codes tested, ___ deleted

□ With door open:
  - Extend deadbolt manually
  - Close door slowly
  - Watch deadbolt enter strike
  
□ Should be smooth (no grinding)

□ If misaligned:
  - Adjust strike plate
  - See: [Calibration Guide](/support/calibrate-smart-lock)

☑️ All quarterly tasks
☑️ Lubricate mechanism
☑️ Full function test (50 cycles)
☑️ Check for wear
☑️ Update firmware
☑️ Replace weatherstripping (if outdoor)
☑️ Document maintenance

What you need:
- Graphite powder OR PTFE dry lubricant
- NOT: WD-40, oil, grease  - attracts dirt

Process:
□ Remove lock from door (if possible)
  - Easier to access mechanism

□ Apply graphite:
  1. Puff graphite powder into keyway
  2. Puff into deadbolt mechanism
  3. Small amount (don't overdo)

□ Work mechanism:
  - Extend/retract deadbolt 20 times
  - Turn thumb turn multiple times
  - Distributes lubricant

□ Wipe excess:
  - Remove graphite that came out
  - Don't leave on exterior

□ Reinstall lock (if removed)

□ Test operation:
  - Should be noticeably smoother

□ Perform 50 lock/unlock cycles:
  - 10× via app
  - 10× via keypad
  - 10× manual thumb turn
  - 10× with door closed
  - 10× with door open

□ Track issues:
  - Jams: ___
  - Timeouts: ___
  - Errors: ___

□ Goal: 0 issues in 50 attempts

□ If >2 issues:
  - Troubleshoot before considering done
  - May need adjustment or repair

□ Check deadbolt:
  - Signs of wear? (scratches, rough edge)
  - Still smooth?

□ Check strike plate:
  - Wearing through? (metal showing)
  - Hole enlarging?

□ Check keypad buttons:
  - All respond to press?
  - None stuck or mushy?

□ Check battery contacts:
  - Clean? (no corrosion)
  - Springs intact?

□ Document findings

□ Check for lock firmware update
  - App → Settings → About → Check for update

□ Check for hub firmware update
  - Hub → System → Software update

□ Apply updates if available
  - See: [Firmware Update Guide](/support/update-smart-lock-firmware)

□ Test after update

☑️ Check weatherstripping
  - Seals tight? Replace if worn

☑️ Look for water intrusion
  - Moisture in battery compartment?
  - If wet: Dry thoroughly, check seal

☑️ Check for rust/corrosion
  - More common in coastal/humid areas
  - Clean immediately if found

☑️ Apply silicone sealant
  - Around exterior trim (if gaps)
  - Prevents water entry

☑️ Check mounting
  - Weather can loosen screws
  - Retighten if needed

✓ Better in extreme temperatures
✓ Last longer in cold
✓ More reliable in heat

What you need:
- White vinegar OR lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush
- Cotton swabs
- Isopropyl alcohol

Process:
□ Remove batteries immediately
  - Don't let corrosion spread

□ Clean battery contacts:
  1. Dip cotton swab in vinegar
  2. Scrub corroded areas
  3. Neutralize with baking soda paste
  4. Scrub again
  5. Wipe with alcohol
  6. Let dry completely

□ Check batteries:
  - If leaked: Dispose properly
  - Never reuse corroded batteries

□ Test contacts:
  - Should be shiny metal (not green/white)

□ Insert fresh batteries

□ Monitor next few days
  - If corrosion returns: Contact manufacturer

Date: __________

Monthly Check (5 min):
□ Keypad cleaned
□ Battery level: ____%
□ Function test: PASS / FAIL
□ Visual inspection: PASS / FAIL

Quarterly Check (15 min):
□ Deep clean completed
□ All codes tested: ___ codes OK
□ Alignment: PASS / FAIL
□ Unused codes deleted: ___

Annual Check (30 min):
□ Lubrication completed
□ 50-cycle test: ___ issues found
□ Wear inspection: PASS / FAIL
□ Firmware updated: Yes / No / N/A

Issues found: ___________

Actions taken: ___________

Next maintenance due: __________

❌ Don't use WD-40 or oil (attracts dirt)
❌ Don't spray cleaners directly on lock
❌ Don't pressure wash exterior
❌ Don't paint over lock components
❌ Don't over-tighten screws (damages threads)
❌ Don't ignore small issues (they become big)
❌ Don't skip maintenance (costs more later)

⚠️ Unusual noises getting worse
⚠️ Mechanism binding despite lubrication
⚠️ Corrosion won't clean off
⚠️ Buttons not responding
⚠️ Motor sounds weak/grinding
⚠️ Lock frequently jams
⚠️ Visible damage to mechanism