Cleaning door handles on a regular basis is now more important than ever, especially to help stop the spread of coronavirus as well as other bacteria that could be living on your handles and door knobs.
Most viruses can only survive 24hrs on a door handle*, but think how many times that door handle is touched and by how many different people in the space of one day. Its a lot.
Thanks to day to day use and regular contact with our hands, door handles and doorknobs pick up their fair share of wear and tear as well as dirt, dust and grime. This is especially true when concerning metals, which have the unfortunate habit of tarnishing over time. Though some metals age better than others, for instance, an antique finish might benefit from a little battering as the years go by, there are some materials that are best kept clean and in tip-top condition.
To help you get a handle on things, the More4Doors team have put together a list of tips on how to freshen up your door furniture and fittings.
How To Clean Brass Door Handles & Copper Handles
Brass handles and doorknobs, along with copper handles, feature heavily in traditional homes, however, they’re also prone to tarnishing. Thankfully, this is pretty easy to rectify so long as you’re prepared to put the work in. We recommend the following solution:
What You Need:
- 1 tbsp of flour
- 1 tbsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of vinegar
Method:
Step 1 - Mix these ingredients together until it forms a paste
Step 2 - Rub the mixture onto the surface of your brass door handle or copper door handle.
Step 3 - Leave it to settle for around 2-3 minutes and then remove the paste with hot, soapy water.
Step 4 - Buff the handle or doorknob with a soft cloth that won’t scratch the metal and your door handles will look as good as new. Of course, if you’re the owner of antique brass and bronze handles, remember not to get too carried away with the buffing process!
How To Clean Chrome Door Handles & Nickel Handles
That’s traditional finishes taken care of, but how about shiny metals that favour a polished, contemporary look? The likes of chrome handles as well as nickel handles and doorknobs are intended to have a burnished aesthetic, so how can you keep on top of this and ensure that your door furniture is kept looking its very best?
What You Need:
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Wax
- Soft cloths
Method:
Step 1 - Mix the warm water and dish soap together.
Step 2 - Soak the cloth in the soapy water and rub over the handle.
Step 3 - Dry the handle with a separate cleaning cloth.
Step 4 - Apply a light coating of wax using another cloth to add extra shine to your handle.
Cleaning Pewter Handles
Though not the most common choice of finish, pewter door handles are also prone to tarnishing and the effects of regular usage, and given the properties of this metal, they do require a bit of special attention.
Pewter is primarily comprised of tin, and like tin, it’s likely to develop a patina on its surface over time. Some people prefer this look, but it’s not always for everyone; if you’re wanting to remove the wear and tear from your pewter handles, we recommend using this simple solution:
What You Need:
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- Add flour until the mixture forms a paste
Method:
Step 1 - Combine the mix above until it forms a paste.
Step 2 - Spread the paste over the handle and leave for an hour.
Step 3 - Rinse the paste off with warm water and a cloth
Step 4 - Polish and dry with a separate cloth. Remember, pewter is meant to have an aged, faded look – so don’t get too carried away and polish until you can see you face in it!
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