Cleaning Door Handles and Hardware
Door handles and hardware may be small items, but they do make a big difference in the look and function of your door. These devices also give you quite a big headache when they get broken or become dirty. It also doesn’t help to know that medical experts say that door knobs and levers are carriers of disease-causing germs and bacteria. This is why you should take care of your door furniture. To help you, here are some tips on cleaning and maintaining popular door device types these days – brass, copper and silver.
Door knobs, backplates and even latches made of brass are the favorite in most homes today, mainly due to the recent revival of old architecture, as well as, the magical quality of brass that can turn any ordinary look into something that appears to be valuable. Also, brass has been known to have self-disinfecting properties. However, you still need to regularly clean and maintain your brass accessories to make it look good and last longer. Aside from having the usual dirt and grime due to everyday usage, brass door handles and hardware are prone to tarnishing, which generally means metal reacting to certain elements in the air.
One very basic but effective solution starts with taking a segment of lemon and dipping it in salt. Rub the dipped fruit onto the brass device. Wipe it clean with a cotton or non-abrasive cloth and your device is clean again. You can also use this cleaning trick on accessories made of copper, which is a lot like brass. Copper also has self-disinfecting qualities and looks good, making it a favorite among house designers and home owners, too.
Brass and copper that are obviously tarnished can be restored by making a flour-salt-vinegar solution. Put equal parts of flour, salt and vinegar in a bowl and mix them well. You can then apply this paste mixture on your brass or copper. Leave it on for a few minutes and rinse with warm, soapy water. Finish by buffing the brass or copper door hardware with a non-abrasive cloth.
Sterling silver or silver-plated material is also a classic option for door accessories, but it tarnishes easily. When it’s time for cleaning your silver plated devices, disassemble them and place them in an aluminum tray or a glass dish lined with aluminum foil. Sprinkle some baking soda over the silver items until they are covered, then pour boiling water over them. Wait for a few minutes until the tarnish is gone. Wipe them gently with a soft cloth.
In addition to these cleaning techniques, regular cleaning with warm, soapy water is recommended for your door handles and other door furniture. Cleaning them regularly will help them maintain their original appearance and functionality.