Maintaining the appearance of door handles and knobs is easy if they are properly cleaned. Using heavy cleaning solutions can damage these delicate pieces, so it’s best to stick with lighter methods such as lemon juice and baking soda.
The acetic acid in vinegar can cut through the tarnish on brass handles and restore their shiny appearance. Alternatively, you can use club soda or WD-40 to remove stubborn grime and scuff marks.
1. Lemon and Baking Soda
If you’ve inherited Gold door handles or other metallic home hardware finished with a coating or lacquer, regular cleaning is essential to keep them looking their best. This helps prevent tarnishing, which occurs when the metal reacts with air, making the finish look dull and lacklustre1.
Using the following methods, you can easily remove tarnish from brass door handles and bring them back to their former glory.
A jar of lemon juice and a bit of baking soda is one of the most common and effective ways to clean brass hardware. Create a paste by mixing together lemon juice and baking soda until it forms a thick consistency. Apply the paste to your brass hardware and let it sit for a few minutes until you can see the tarnish begin to break down. Use a soft cloth to wipe away the paste and then dry your hardware with a clean, damp cloth.
Another way to tackle tarnish on brass door handles is by applying white vinegar. The acetic acid in the vinegar works to break down the tarnish on your hardware and reveal its original, lustrous shine. Make a solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water and then dip your cleaning cloth into it. Use the soaked cloth to rub your brass hardware in a circular motion, paying special attention to any crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
2. Salt and Vinegar
Silver plated hardware is a common choice for home door handles. Though more expensive than their chrome and stainless steel counterparts, the precious metal does a fantastic job at resisting dirt and grime over time. Regular cleaning and maintenance of silver-plated hardware can help extend the longevity of this beautiful and functional accessory in your home.
A popular method for cleaning silver is a combination of salt and vinegar. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, breaking down the buildup and tarnish that can often develop on brass. The acidity of the vinegar also cuts through tarnish and residue to help restore a shine. This simple combination can be used with a cloth, sponge, or toothbrush for optimal results.
Another popular method for cleaning silver door handles is the use of a simple baking soda solution. Line a shallow tray or bowl with aluminum foil and add your tarnished silver pieces (remove them from the hardware) before adding boiling hot water. The tarnish and residue will naturally melt away with the heat, making this a great option for those who don’t feel comfortable using more abrasive tools or chemicals in their home.
Another surprisingly effective method for cleaning silver-plated brass is tomato sauce. Tomato sauce has an acidic content of around 4%, and this helps to dissolve dirt, grease and stains on the surface of the handle while acting as a mild abrasive. Apply a layer of tomato sauce to the surface of your brass door handle, leave to sit for five minutes and then wipe away.
4. White Vinegar and Olive Oil
The acetic acid found in vinegar works well on most metals, including gold door handles and knobs. Combine a small amount of white vinegar with baking soda to create a paste and apply to the tarnished areas. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a cloth. For stubborn tarnish, use a soft brush to scrub the area and rinse the handle when finished.
Stainless steel is more sensitive to cleaning solutions and requires special care to avoid damage. Using a little extra elbow grease and applying a light coating of olive oil can help to loosen caked-on grime for easier cleaning. If the stainless steel is still a bit tarnished after using the oil, try a mild soap solution or even rubbing it with super fine-grade steel wool.
Brass is a durable material, but over time it can become dull and tarnished, especially if not cleaned regularly. One popular, natural method involves combining water and lemon juice to make a cleaning solution and then using an old toothbrush to scrub the brass handle. After rinsing off the handles and drying them, buff them with a dry cloth to return their shine.
Another easy homemade solution involves combining salt and flour to create a paste and applying it to the tarnished areas of a brass handle. Leave it in place for a few minutes before washing the handle off thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Once the handles are dry, rub them with a light coating of natural wax to add a protective layer and enhance their shine.
FAQs
What household items can I use to clean gold door handles?
- You can use mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft cloth to clean gold door handles. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.
Is it safe to use vinegar on gold door handles?
- Vinegar is acidic and can potentially damage gold-plated surfaces. It’s safer to use a mild soap solution for cleaning.
How often should I clean my gold door handles to maintain their shine?
- Clean your gold door handles at least once a month to keep them shining and free from dirt and grime buildup.
