How to Clean Kitchen Cabinet Hardware and Knobs
Are you working to make your kitchen look fantastic? While they may not be the first thing you think of when making your master cleaning list, clean kitchen cabinet hardware plays a big role in making your home feel fresh. Unfortunately, the tarnish, rust and grime that often settle on these surfaces can discourage homeowners from even trying, so they often choose to buy new hardware instead.
Thankfully, you don’t have to spend your money on new hardware every time they fall out of peak cleanliness. Most of these things can be improved with a good cleaning. Not sure how to correctly tackle all the materials in your kitchen? We’ll show you how.
Read on to learn how to clean any hardware in your home.
How to clean kitchen cabinet hardware or knobs
When taking on a new cleaning project, the most important thing to consider is the material you’re cleaning. Every surface responds differently to chemicals and cleaning techniques, so make sure you’re approaching your hardware with the right products.
Metal
When clean, metal hardware can add a beautiful glint to your cabinets—but surfaces in the kitchen that are not regularly cleaned are likely to accumulate thick layers of greasy grime.
To clean them appropriately, remove them from your cabinet doors and soak them in a sink full of hot water and dish soap for an hour; then rinse under hot water. Dish soap is gentle enough not to tarnish your metal hardware, but it’s tough on grease buildup. Your handles and knobs will be shining again in no time. If your metal hardware is rusting, try soaking it in a diluted vinegar solution instead.
For tougher stains, try these:
- Copper: Scrub with a lemon or a paste made from salt and white vinegar.
- Brass and pewter: Scrub with a paste using white vinegar, salt and flour—or try a product like Brasso.
- Silver: Mix 1 pint water with 1 tablespoon of ammonia; then wipe clean with a soft cloth.
Ceramic or glass
Handles made of ceramic or glass are very easy to clean. Remove dirt and grime from ceramic hardware by wiping it down with a warm, wet washcloth. Clean glass hardware first with a warm washcloth and then again with your favorite glass cleaner or a solution of water and white vinegar.
Tips and tools
When it comes to cleaning kitchen cabinet hardware, here are some more recommended tips and tools:
- To make cleaning hardware as easy as possible, it’s best to remove it completely from the cabinets so you can access all surfaces appropriately.
- When soaking hardware in water, ensure it’s fully submerged in the solution you’ve chosen.
- For stubborn spots, scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- After cleaning, make sure you fully dry your hardware to prevent rusting.
Now you’re ready to tackle any hardware cleaning project. If any material was not covered here, reach out to the knowledgeable staff at Custom Door Hardware for advice on how to safely clean your kitchen hardware. If you find that cleaning didn’t remove your stains and you need to upgrade your knobs and handles, we’re ready to help you find the perfect replacements. Contact us to discuss all your hardware needs.