A Complete Guide to Cleaning Brass Door Knobs

Brass door knobs add an elegant touch to your home, but they require regular maintenance to keep them looking their best. Over time, brass can tarnish, losing its shine and beauty. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can easily clean and polish your brass door knobs to restore their original lustre.

In this guide, we'll explain how to clean and polish brass door knobs effectively, as well as provide tips to maintain their condition for years to come.

Why Clean Brass Door Knobs Regularly?

Despite your best cleaning efforts, high-touch areas in kitchens like countertops, sinks, and cleaning cloths can harbour bacteria. When you handle these surfaces and then touch your kitchen door knobs, you're transferring those germs. Without regular cleaning, this increases the risk of contaminating your food preparation space.

Beyond hygiene, cleaning your brass door knobs also helps maintain their appearance. Brass is prone to tarnishing, especially when exposed to oils from your hands or the moisture commonly found in kitchens. If left uncleaned, this tarnish can become stubborn and more difficult to remove over time.

Determine Brass Door Knobs Finish

To clean your brass door knobs effectively, it's important to first determine the type of finish. Each finish requires a specific cleaning approach to protect the surface and maintain its appearance.

Lacquered Brass

Lacquered brass has a clear, protective coating that prevents tarnish and gives the brass a shiny, polished look. You can tell if your knobs are lacquered by checking for a glossy, even surface without visible tarnish. Avoid abrasive products or harsh chemicals when cleaning brass knobs with this finish as they can strip the lacquer.

Antique Brass

This finish is designed to have a vintage, aged appearance with a dark patina. You’ll know you have antique brass if the knobs have a darker, uneven tone and a textured or matte surface. Harsh cleaners can destroy this patina, so it’s important to use non-abrasive, mild cleaning methods.

Unlacquered Brass

Unlacquered brass is raw brass that will naturally tarnish over time. If your door knobs develop a dull, spotted appearance and respond to polishing, they’re likely unlacquered. This finish requires more frequent maintenance, including regular cleaning and polishing, to keep it looking bright.

How Do You Clean Brass Door Knobs Effectively?

With the right cleaning supplies and a bit of elbow grease, you can easily clean your brass drawer and cupboard knobs.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Supplies

You don’t need expensive cleaning solutions to restore your brass door knobs to their former glory. You’ll just need these simple household items:

• Filtered Water: Hard water can leave mineral deposits on your brass, dulling its shine and causing unsightly spots. Using filtered or distilled water prevents this buildup and ensures a spotless finish.
• Mild Dish Soap: A gentle dish soap mixed with warm water is perfect for cleaning light dirt and grime without stripping the brass or damaging any lacquer.
• Microfibre Cloth: A soft microfibre cloth is ideal for wiping and polishing brass. It won’t scratch the surface and is effective at picking up dirt and oils.

If you're dealing with stubborn tarnish, it can be tempting to reach for harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. However, cleaning products containing chlorine, bleach, or ammonia can corrode brass, leading to permanent discolouration. Abrasive tools like steel wool can scratch the surface, leaving your door knobs damaged and marked.

For tough tarnish, try this instead:

• Baking Soda and Lemon Juice: This natural cleaning combination works wonders on tarnished brass. Mix into a paste, apply to the knobs, and gently scrub to break down the tarnish.
• Soft-bristled Brush: For intricate designs or harder-to-reach areas, a soft-bristled brush allows you to clean without scratching the delicate brass surface.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Wondering how do you clean brass door knobs? Here are the three simple steps:

1. Clean the surface: For light dirt and grime, mix warm water with mild dish soap. Dip the microfibre cloth into the soapy water and wipe the brass knobs.
2. Rinse and dry: Once you’ve cleaned the knobs, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Be sure to dry the brass completely to avoid water spots.
3. Tackle tarnish: If the knobs are still tarnished, use a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice. Apply the cleaner with a soft-bristle brush and scrub gently in circular motions.

How to Polish Brass Door Knobs for a Shine

After thoroughly cleaning your brass knobs, the next step is to apply a brass polish to bring back their sparkle.

• Apply Brass Polish: If you’re using a commercial brass polish, apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the brass in circular motions. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
• DIY Polishing Solution: If you prefer a natural solution, apply this mixture to the brass and rub gently with a cloth, focusing on any areas with tarnish.
• Buff the Brass: After applying the polish or DIY solution, use a clean, dry cloth to buff the brass. Continue polishing in circular motions until the brass shines and all residue is removed.

Using Commercial Brass Polish vs. DIY Solutions

Commercial brass polishes, such as popular brands like Brasso and Bar Keepers Friend, are formulated to provide a high shine. They’re easy to use and provide fast results, making them a go-to choice for many homeowners.

Another option is DIY brass polishes, which can be just as effective and are often less expensive. If you would prefer to embrace your inner Martha Stewart and make your own DIY polish, follow these steps:

1. Dissolve 1 tsp of salt in ½ cup of vinegar.
2. Add flour until the mixture becomes a paste.
3. Apply the paste to the brass knobs and let it sit for 10 minutes, then follow the remaining polishing steps.

Tips for Maintaining the Finish of Brass Door Knobs

To keep your brass door knobs looking their best over time, follow these simple maintenance tips:

• Regularly wipe down the knobs with a damp, soft cloth to prevent dirt and grime buildup, reducing the need for frequent deep cleaning.
• Try to avoid touching the brass with dirty or greasy hands, as oils from your skin can speed up the tarnishing process and dull the finish.
• For added protection, apply a thin layer of clear wax to create a barrier against moisture and oxidation, helping to prevent tarnish and keep your brass shining longer.

FAQs

Can I use vinegar or lemon juice to clean brass door knobs?

Yes, you can use vinegar or lemon juice as a natural cleaner for brass door knobs as they help break down tarnish effectively. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards to avoid residue.

How often should I clean and polish my brass door knobs?

Brass door knobs should be wiped with a damp cloth at least once a week and deep cleaned every two to three months. If you polish them regularly, do so about twice a year to maintain a brilliant shine.

What should I do if my brass door knobs have tarnished significantly?

For significantly tarnished brass door knobs, use a DIY solution like baking soda and lemon juice. You may need to repeat the cleaning process a few times to fully remove deep tarnish.