Home design features are the most prominent parts of a house, and they need proper maintenance over time. One such thing that might get covered in dirt and stains is the brass door handles. No one wants their door handles to lose their shine and tarnish over time.
If you are wondering how to clean brass door handles and don't know where to start, we have got your back. This article will briefly discuss how to maintain brass door handles for increased shine and functionality.
The brass door has a lot of history and is one of the oldest used home design features. It was once called the gold door handles and is still prevalent in architecture. It provides a luxurious vibe to the home design. But this is possible only if you know how to clean door handles to keep them shiny and functional.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's explore some of the best ways to make your brass door handles shine like gold.
What To Do And What Not To Do When Cleaning Your Brass Door Handles
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Do: Check If Your Brass Door Handle Is Coated
In most cases, the brass door handles are coated with a lacquer to protect them from rusting. However, this way, the door handles are prone to getting damaged when they come in contact with sharp materials like keys.
Scratches damage the coating and will allow the brass knob to get in contact with the environment, which ultimately damages it. Thus, if you are cleaning the brass knobs with coating, always go for materials that are not sharp and are handy to use.
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Do: Use A Nonabrasive And Soft Cloth For Cleaning.
Metals like brass can easily be scratched with dust particles and hard materials. Therefore, it is always recommended to use soft and nonabrasive cloths when cleaning the brass door handles. Microfiber cloth is the best thing to use if you want to clean the door handle without any damage.
Dust particles and sticky materials are the major causes of your brass door handle looking pale and dusty. Use of a soft cloth with the application of warm water would be the best way to clean the door knob. However, the water used should be relatively warm because it might damage the coating on the handle.
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Don't: Use A Chlorine-Based Product.
If you want to clean the brass door handles with minimal effort then using the home cleaning products would be the best idea. However, one major thing to note here is that these products should not contain chlorine. It can cause damage to the brass surface because of its abrasive nature.
Instead, use household cleaning products that don't have powerful solutions and are suitable for cleaning brass door handles. This way, you will ensure that the brass door handle is not in contact with chlorine and that it is cleaned safely.
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Don't: Use Hard Water To Clean The Brass Door Handles
In most regions, the hard water or the normal home supply water contains minor dust particles. Thus, using this hard water for cleaning a shiny brass door knob would not be a great idea. It will not only damage the coating of the door handle but also leave stains and streaks behind after cleaning the door handle.
If you want to get a lustrous shine on your brass door handles, it is always recommended to use filtered or distilled water. This way, you will be able to clean the door handle without leaving any spots or scratches.
Also read about, how to protect your brass door handles.
How To Clean Brass Door Handles With Lemon And Baking Soda:
As interesting as it seems to use lemon and baking soda on your brass door knobs, it is also effective. The mixture of baking soda and lemon juice is the best way to clean the brass door handles.
The things that you will need to clean the brass door handles with this mixture are lemon juice, 1tsp of baking soda, some soft and nonabrasive cloths and filtered warm water. You can also use the natural wax to get that extra shine on the door knobs, but it is optional to use.
How To Polish Brass Door Knobs With Lemon And Baking Soda Step By Step
Following are the steps that you can follow with use to clean your dusty and sticky brass door knob to give it that glossy look:
Step 01: Making A Mixture
The first step that comes in cleaning the brass door knobs is to make a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. You can mix them in a bowl until they form a thick paste; that's when you can say that they are mixed thoroughly. One advice to keep in mind is not to use too much lemon juice, as it can have harsh effects on the brass surface.
Step 02: Layering The Know With The Paste
The best way how to can clean brass door hardware is to cover the knob with the mixture that you just made. Only apply the paste in a small quantity. You have to make a thin coat of paste on the door handle and let it settle for at least 3 minutes.
Step 03: Wiping The Paste With A Thin Cloth
As we discussed above in the article, we always have to use a soft cloth to clean the brass door handle and keep it scratchless and spot-free. Thus, wipe the paste from the brass knob gently with a soft and thin microfiber cloth.
Step 04: Applying Water To Remove Remnants
If you see any remains of the paste on the brass door knob, you can apply the filtered water on it to remove any paste. Then, you can buff the door handle with a clean yet soft cloth for the final shiny look.
Step 05 (Optional): Apply Wax
If you want the brass handle to look shiny for a while before cleaning it again, then a thin layer of wax is recommended. This will not only sustain the shiny look of the door knob but also provide it extra protection.
Conclusion
Cleaning the brass door handle is easier than it sounds if an individual uses the proper cleaning technique. If you are also wondering how to clean brass door handles, then this article provides the best insights on cleaning your home design feature like brass knobs with a little effort. Using a lemon juice and baking soda mixture is an efficient method to clean the brass door handle without any scratches and spots.
FAQs
How to clean brass door knobs with the least effort?
If you want to clean the brass door handles with little effort, then it is best to use a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda. This method is not only feasible but also efficient in providing the brass door knob with a shiny and clean look.
How do I clean brass handles with toothpaste?
Yes, toothpaste is yet another alternative method to clean the brass door knobs. However, it is less efficient than the other methods but still does the work. You can apply the toothpaste on the brass doorknob, wait for a couple of minutes and finally clean it to get a shiny brass door handle.
Is there any natural brass cleaner?
If you want to use natural ingredients to clean brass door handles, a mixture of salt and white vinegar might do the job. This paste can then be rubbed on the door handle for green oxidation. Once it is completed, you can finally rub olive oil on the doorknob to get that shiny look.