Door handles are touched frequently every day, which means they need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. A single contaminated door handle can spread infection within hours! By following a few simple cleaning and disinfecting steps using specific household products, you can keep your home clean and healthy while maintaining the shine of your door handles.
Materials Used in Making Door Handles at Home
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to understand the different materials used to make door handles, as this will affect how they should be cleaned:
Brass: Door handles made from brass alloys (a mixture of copper and zinc) are shiny and golden in appearance. However, they can tarnish over time, turning a dull brown, so they require gentle cleaning solutions that avoid harsh chemicals.
Stainless Steel: Known for its corrosion-resistant chrome finish, stainless steel door handles offer a silvery-gray shine but are prone to water stains and fingerprints. Harsh abrasives should be avoided when cleaning.
Chrome: Chrome-plated door handles shine brightly but can easily show water marks and fingerprints, requiring gentle cleaning to prevent damage to the chrome finish.
Bronze: Bronze door handles are attractive with their brownish metallic shine but can develop rust and oxidation over time, changing color to a greenish-brown. Cleaning with specialized metal cleaners is necessary.
Glass: Glass door handles show fingerprints and soap residue but are relatively easy to clean and require gentle methods without abrasives.
Tin: Tin door handles are made from a metal alloy that needs gentle cleaning with a specialized cleaner. They are prone to deformation, so avoid vigorous scrubbing that could damage the surface.
Essential Cleaning Supplies for Door Handles
To clean door handles effectively and safely, here are the essential supplies you’ll need:
Warm Water: Safe and gentle on most metals. You can use warm water alone or mix it with cleaning agents like soap or vinegar for added cleaning power.
Mild Soap or Cleaner: Use any mild soap or cleaner available, such as dish soap, hand soap, or laundry detergent, but avoid any that contain bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals that could damage or discolor your door handles.
Soft Cloths or Sponges: Use soft microfiber cloths, cotton cloths, or cellulose sponges. Avoid using rough, abrasive, or dirty cloths or sponges that could scratch or stain the handles.
Cotton Swabs or Old Toothbrush: These are useful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as cracks, grooves, or edges. Both are gentle and safe for most materials.
Specialized Cleaners: These are effective and safe for specific materials but may not be suitable for all types. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test in a small area first.
Gloves: While optional, gloves can be helpful if your skin is sensitive or if you have cuts on your hands.
How to Clean Brass Door Handles
You’ll need: Warm water, mild soap or cleaner, a soft cloth or sponge, brass polish or baking soda and lemon.
Follow these steps:
Wipe the handle with a damp cloth or sponge to remove dust and dirt.
Mix warm water with mild soap or cleaner in a bowl or bucket.
Soak the cloth or sponge in the soapy water, wring out the excess, and gently scrub the handle in circular motions. Avoid harsh scrubbing or using abrasive materials as they can damage the brass.
Rinse the handle with clean water and dry it using a soft cloth.
If the handle appears dull, use brass polish or a mixture of baking soda and lemon to restore its shine. Apply a small amount of the polish or paste to the handle and gently rub it with a soft cloth in the direction of the grain. Rinse with clean water and dry.
How to Clean Stainless Steel Door Handles
You’ll need: Warm water, mild soap or cleaner, a soft cloth or sponge, and white vinegar.
Follow these steps:
Dust the handle using a dry cloth.
Mix warm water with mild soap, and soak the cloth in the soapy solution.
Wipe the handle gently, then rinse with a clean cloth soaked in clean water.
Dry the handle with a soft, clean cloth. If stubborn spots or water stains remain, use a mild vinegar solution. Mix a little vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray it on the handle, wipe it gently with a cloth, rinse with clean water, and dry it.
To keep the handle shiny, buff it with a soft cloth after cleaning. Avoid using synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon, as they can scratch the stainless steel.
How to Clean Bronze Door Handles
You’ll need: Baking soda, lemon juice, a soft cloth, warm water, an oxidizing solution, and wax.
Follow these steps:
Mix equal parts of baking soda and lemon juice in a small bowl. This mixture works as a natural oxidizer and can help remove tarnish from bronze.
Apply the mixture to the door handle using a soft cloth, focusing on stained areas.
Scrub gently in circular motions to clean the surface and reach corners and crevices.
Leave the mixture on the handle for 15 minutes to allow it to work its magic.
Rinse the handle thoroughly with water to remove all residue.
Dry the handle with a soft cloth to remove any moisture.
Polish the handle with a clean cloth to bring back its shine.
If the handle is heavily oxidized, use an oxidizing solution to remove the greenish-blue patina.
Apply a light coat of wax to the handle every few months to protect it from further damage. Use natural wax, such as beeswax or carnauba wax, applied with a soft cloth, and buff it to a shine.
How to Clean Chrome Door Handles
You’ll need: Warm water, mild soap or glass cleaner, a soft cloth or sponge, and chrome polish.
Follow these steps:
Dust off the handle with a dry cloth.
Mix warm water and soap to create a cleaning solution.
Dip the sponge or cloth into the soapy water and gently clean the handle, avoiding vigorous scrubbing.
Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
If the handle is dull or scratched, use chrome polish to restore its shine. Apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth and rub in the direction of the grain. Rinse with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.
How to Clean Glass Door Handles
You’ll need: Warm water, dish soap or glass cleaner, a soft cloth (lint-free), a sponge, and cotton swabs.
Follow these steps:
Mix warm water with a small amount of dish soap or glass cleaner.
Dip a lint-free cloth into the solution, wring out excess liquid, and wipe down the glass surface, paying special attention to the edges near the hardware.
Use cotton swabs to clean the crevices and areas where dirt tends to accumulate.
Rinse the handle with warm water and dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth.
For extra shine, buff the handle with a microfiber cloth or even a newspaper.
How to Clean Tin Door Handles
You’ll need: Baking soda, white vinegar, warm water, a soft cloth for polishing, and a specialized tin cleaner.
Follow these steps:
Create a paste with baking soda and white vinegar.
Apply the paste to the tin handle using a soft cloth.
Gently rub the paste on the surface, focusing on the stained areas.
Rinse the handle well with warm water and dry it with a clean, soft cloth.
Use a tin cleaner for polishing to restore its shine.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Door Handles
Rinse thoroughly after cleaning to prevent soap or cleaner residue from leaving streaks or build-up.
Disinfect door handles using an EPA-approved disinfectant spray and a paper towel.
Clean high-traffic area door handles at least once a week to combat germs.
Occasionally rub a small amount of olive oil or almond oil on brass and stainless steel door handles to maintain their shine between cleanings.
By following these simple methods, you can ensure your door handles remain not only hygienic but also beautifully shiny, enhancing the overall cleanliness and appeal of your home!
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