Door Handle Cleaning Guide
You don't want to constantly have to look at dirty and tarnished door handles, do you?
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Dirty door handles can spoil the look and hygiene of your home and can be one of the problems that composite doors have.
Discover how to clean door handles with our no-nonsense guide.
We cover techniques for brass, chrome, and stainless steel to ensure lasting shine and use.
Clean Oxidised Door Handles - In Summary
- Identify the material of your door handles (brass, chrome, stainless steel, etc.) to apply the correct cleaning method and maintain their appearance and function.
- To effectively clean and maintain the shine of your door handles, use material-specific solutions such as lemon juice and baking soda for brass, soap and water for chrome, and white vinegar and olive oil for stainless steel.
- Regular maintenance and applying protective sealants or waxes can prevent rust and corrosion, prolonging the life and beauty of door handles and related accessories.
Determine Door Handle Material
Door handles can be made of various materials, and using the same cleaning solution for all of them would be too easy, wouldn't it?
Determining the material of your door handles is key to maintaining their lustre. Brass door handles exhibit elegance, while stainless-steel door handles offer a modern appeal. Each requires unique cleaning methods.
Remember, a well-maintained door handle not only enhances the beauty of your doors but also serves its function smoothly.
Brass Door Handles
Brass door handles are favoured for their durability and resistance to corrosion and rust on their brass surface.
However, a brass door handle may become part of tarnished furniture, requiring specific cleaning methods to restore its original shine.
To maintain their appearance, simply clean brass door handles using warm water and dish soap.
Chrome Door Handles
Chrome door handles are easily identifiable by their satin or polished finishes. They are easy to maintain with a gentle combination of soap and water.
Just dry them off with a soft cloth to avoid water spots that can dull their shine.
Stainless Steel Door Handles
Stainless steel door handles with their smooth, satin finish are a popular choice for a modern look. To keep their stainless steel surface shiny, avoid using metal polish or abrasive cleaners that could scratch it.
Instead, a simple wipe with a damp cloth and warm water can keep them looking their best.
Cleaning Techniques for Door Handles
Having identified the type of door handle, we can explore the specific cleaning methods for each. Some of these techniques are similar to how you treat an oak door, using similar solvents and tools.
Whether brass, chrome, or stainless steel, each material has a preferred cleaning technique that helps maintain its shine without causing damage.
How to Clean Brass Door Handles - Lemon Juice & Baking Soda
Brass handles have a natural allure that can be maintained with a simple paste made from lemon juice and baking soda.
This natural solution effectively cleans your brass handles without harsh chemicals. Apply evenly to clean brass door handles, leave for about 10 minutes and then wash off to reveal clean, shiny handles.
How to Clean Chrome Door Handles - Soap and Water
Chrome handles can be kept sparkling with a simple mixture of soap and water. To clean chrome door handles, use a soft cloth to wipe the soapy water over the handles gently, then promptly dry them with a separate soft cloth for a brilliant shine.
Regular cleaning can help maintain the beautiful finish of your clean chrome door handles.
Soap and water are common methods for cleaning composite doors, as they don't require much maintenance.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Door Handles - White Vinegar & Olive Oil
Stainless steel handles need gentle care. A mixture of white vinegar and olive oil can clean your stainless steel handles effectively without causing scratches.
This solution not only cleans but also leaves your handles looking shiny and new.
Lacquered and Coated Door Handles
Some of you might have a coated or lacquered door handle to really add to the aesthetic of your door.
Lacquered and coated door handles, while offering an added layer of protection, demand special attention and tailored cleaning methods to maintain their appearance and longevity.
Cleaning Tips for Lacquered Door Handles
Lacquered door handles are preserved with a clear lacquer coating, adding to their shine and preventing tarnishing.
Regular cleaning with warm, soapy water helps keep these handles in shape.
For stubborn tarnish, a gentle rub with super fine-grade steel wool can bring back the original shine.
Protective Measures for Coated Door Handles
Consider applying a protective sealant to protect your coated door handles from rust and corrosion. This will preserve their look and extend their lifespan.
After a good cleaning, apply two coats of clear protective sealant, allowing suitable drying time between each coat.
Tackling Tarnished Door Handles
Even though tarnishing can dull the shine of door handles, effective solutions exist for brass and chrome handles to combat this issue and restore their original lustre.
Remove Tarnish from Brass Handles
A homemade mixture of lemon juice and baking soda can remove tarnish from brass handles. Apply the mixture, wait for a few minutes, and then rinse off to reveal shiny, like-new handles.
Restore Tarnished Chrome Handles
Restoring tarnished chrome handles is as easy as using a gentle cleaning solution and a soft cloth.
Mixing vinegar and olive oil can help remove the tarnish and restore the handles’ original shine.
Prevent Rust and Corrosion on Door Handles
So, you know how to exterior clean door handles when they get dirty, but how about learning how to nip them in the bud?
Regarding door handle maintenance, the adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ rings true.
Consistent upkeep and protective steps can ward off rust and corrosion, ensuring your door handles retain their prime condition for the long haul.
If your doors were to get too rusted and damaged, then knowing how to fix door handles would go a long way into restoring them and keeping them from getting as damaged again.
Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your door handles doesn’t have to be a chore. A simple wipe with a soft cloth or a gentle clean with warm, soapy water can keep them looking new.
Regular maintenance prevents dirt and grime buildup, helping avoid any long-term damage.
Protective Coatings and Wax
Protective coatings and wax-based products can act as barriers, protecting door handles from moisture and corrosive elements.
Applying a non-abrasive wax or a clear protective sealant can keep your handles rust and corrosion-free, extending their lifespan.
Cleaning Door Knobs
Door knobs and other related accessories, such as nickel door handles, merit the same care as handles, requiring consistent cleaning and maintenance to maintain their pristine appearance.
Let’s look at some tips to clean brass, stainless steel, and chrome door knobs.
Brass Door Knobs and Knockers
Brass door knobs and knockers can be cleaned using natural cleaning solutions like:
- Ketchup
- Lemon juice & baking soda
- White vinegar
- Yoghurt
These natural door handle cleaners can effectively remove tarnishes and restore the original shine to your brass door accessories.
Stainless Steel and Chrome Accessories
Stainless steel and chrome door accessories require gentle cleaning to avoid scratches. A simple wipe with a damp cloth and a gentle buff with a soft cloth can keep these accessories shiny and new.
Safety Precautions for Cleaning Door Handles
It might not seem the most dangerous of jobs, but looking out for your own safety should always be a priority no matter what you do.
Safety should be your top priority when cleaning door handles. Wear protective gloves, particularly when handling cleaning chemicals, read labels meticulously, and adhere to the suggested safety procedures.
After cleaning, dispose of used materials properly to ensure a safe and clean environment.
Clean Door Handles - Our Thoughts
Now that our guide has ended, we hope you have learned all you need about cleaning and maintaining your door handles.
To sum up, door handles are often overlooked in our cleaning routines, but with the right knowledge and techniques, you can keep them looking as good as new.
This guide has covered everything from understanding the material of your door handles to using the right cleaning techniques, regular maintenance, and safety measures. Happy cleaning!
Have issues with your door locks? - you can also look through our guide on composite door lock problems here!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to clean exterior door handles and remove grime?
You can easily remove grime from door handles by mixing warm water and dish soap, soaking a cloth in the soapy water, rubbing it over the handle, and then drying the handle with a separate cleaning cloth.
This is a simple and effective method for keeping your door handles clean and grime-free.
How to clean metal door handles?
To clean metal door handles, you will have to study what metal your door handle is made from, as different materials will have more effective ways to clean them.
Brass handles are best cleaned with lemon juice & baking soda, soap & water for chrome handles, and white vinegar & olive oil for stainless steel handles.
How often should I clean my door handles?
To keep your door handles clean and free from germs, aim to clean them every three to six months so you don't have to clean oxidised door handles constantly.
If they are frequently used or in a high-traffic area, consider cleaning them more often to maintain hygiene.
Can I use vinegar to clean my stainless steel door handles?
Yes, you can clean stainless steel handles without scratching them with a mixture of white vinegar and olive oil. Try it out and see the difference!
What should I do to prevent rust and corrosion on my door handles?
Regular maintenance and the application of protective coatings or wax-based products can prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring your door handles stay in great condition for years.
What is a door handle cleaner?
There are several popular solutions used to clean different types and materials of door knockers. Here are some common cleaners used by homeowners:
- Lemon juice & baking soda
- White vinegar & olive oil
- Soap & water
- Ketchup
- Yoghurt
Some of these will work better depending on the material of the door handle. For example, lemon juice and baking soda are popular ways to clean brass door handles rather than chrome handles.
