How To Clean And Maintain Your Door Hardware

Everyday household items like faucets, door knobs and handles often see a lot of wear and tear. Luckily, you can keep these pieces looking like new by learning how to clean and maintain them properly. For most, a little soap and water is all that’s needed to get them looking brand new. Tarnished metals, though, require a different approach.

Cleaning

Door handles are one of the most commonly touched areas in our homes and offices. They get used a lot and can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria. Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your door hardware clean and germ-free by following a few simple steps. Cleaning, disinfecting, and lubricating can all be done with products you probably already have around the house. When cleaning your solid brass or copper door knobs, try a paste made from equal parts of flour and vinegar. Rub a little on the knob and let it sit for a few minutes before buffing it off for a beautiful shine. Stainless steel is also an easy material to care for, although stains can sometimes occur. A good stainless cleaner can be used to remove tea-colored blemishes and a polish can be applied to restore the shine.

Disinfecting

To help prevent the spread of germs, you should disinfect your door hardware regularly. Germs that are on the surface of hardware like doors, knobs, and handles can spread to other people through contact or by touching the hand, which can result in illnesses such as colds, flu, and even food poisoning. Using self-disinfecting door handles is a good way to lower the risk of infection. However, it is important to use the correct cleaning solution. In addition to the traditional disinfectant sprays, you can also apply a small amount of vinegar to the piece and wipe it down with a rag. This will help remove rust and residue from the hardware, as well as make it look cleaner and more polished.

Lubricating

When it comes to maintaining your door hardware, lubrication is an important step. This is because hinges and locks are composed of small, rotating parts that need a protective layer to withstand constant use. A lack of lubrication can cause friction, resulting in noise, rust and general wear and tear. Luckily, there are many different types of lubricants available that can help maintain your door hardware for years to come.

Repainting

Painting door hardware is a great way to give older knobs, locks and hinges a fresh look. It’s also a great way to save money on new hardware. If you want to paint your door hardware, you’ll need some metal primer and spray paint. Make sure to choose the paint that works best for your hardware. Before you start, clean the hardware thoroughly. This will help the paint stick to it and reduce your chances of chipping or scuffing it later on. Sand the hardware with a high-grit sandpaper to get all the nooks and crannies, then wipe it down with soap and water. And let’s not forget to apply a coat of metallic primer to the doorknob and lock mechanism. This will prevent rust and ensure that your new paint job lasts long enough to make it worth the effort!

Categorised in: Door Hardware