Most kitchens include a lot of door handles, sometimes made from different metals, so it can be tricky to know how to clean your kitchen cupboard door handles. The best cleaning method for your kitchen handles will depend on the type of door handles you have chosen, whether your kitchen cabinets have tarnished hinges or a small amount of grime, and how regularly you clean your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for kitchen cleaning tips to help keep your new kitchen clean, or you’d like to know how to clean handles that need freshening up, find out the best cleaning method for your kitchen door handles.
How to Clean Different Types of Kitchen Door Handles
As is the case with cleaning kitchen cupboard doors, the best way to clean kitchen handles depends on the type of door handles you have chosen. The cleaning products you should use to clean your kitchen door handles will vary depending on which metal they are made of.
Silver & Copper Kitchen Handles
The best way to clean copper handles and silver kitchen door handles is to mix 1 tablespoon of ammonia with a pint of water to create a cleaning solution. Wipe your kitchen handles with the solution using a soft rag, buffing them until dirt is removed and the tarnished appearance is replaced with a fresher look. Once you have finished this step, rinse the door handles with clean water and wipe them dry using a clean rag.
If you choose to purchase a tarnish removal product rather than mixing your own cleaning solution to treat tarnished door handles, then please bear in mind that any grime or dirt should be removed from your kitchen door handles first, using the above method. This is because such pre-made cleaning products are designed to treat badly tarnished silver and copper kitchen handles and hinges, so grime should be removed beforehand to maximise the cleaning effect.
Pewter Kitchen Handles
To clean pewter kitchen door handles, you should add a teaspoon of mild dish soap to a pint of water. Whether your kitchen features antique pewter door knobs or matt pewter door handles, the most effective method for cleaning pewter kitchen cabinet hardware and hinges is to mix a teaspoon of mild dish soap with a pint of water. Remove the hinges and handles or knobs first, then apply this solution to wash them thoroughly. Once you have finished cleaning your kitchen door handles and knobs, rinse them with clean water, dry them and place them back on your cabinets.
Brass Kitchen Handles
The most effective way to clean brass kitchen handles is to make a paste by mixing 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. If you find the paste bubbles, don’t worry – this is supposed to happen and means you have created a strong cleaning product. Remove your kitchen cabinet hardware and rub the paste onto your kitchen door knobs or antique brass door handles. Use a soft rag to buff the tarnished areas, then rinse the brass cabinet hardware with clean water and wipe dry. The kitchen handles, door knobs and hinges can then be placed back on the cabinets.
A great tip to prevent your kitchen handles and hinges from becoming more tarnished is to wipe them down at least once a week with a dryer sheet. This should help to eliminate any damage that can cause tarnish to build up over time.
What Other Products Will I Need to Clean Kitchen Handles?
Regardless of which type of kitchen door handles you have in your home, you should use a pair of rubber gloves throughout the cleaning process, to protect your hands. It is also advisable to use a clean rag or a dry washcloth to dry your kitchen hardware. Choose a soft material for your drying cloth, as this will eliminate any potential damage to the metal and ensure your kitchen door handles, cabinet knobs and hinges stay looking new for longer.
How to Clean Paint Off Kitchen Cabinet Hardware and Hinges
If you’re planning on painting your kitchen cabinets a new colour, then you’ll need to remove the existing paint from your kitchen door handles and hinges. Rather than spending days scrubbing your kitchen handles and risking damaging your skin using harsh paint strippers, try following these simple steps instead:
- Place the kitchen hinges and handles in a crockpot.
- Cover them with water.
- Turn the crockpot on low.
- Leave for a few hours, then return to see how much paint has started to come off.
- Peel off the paint that has been removed from your kitchen door handles and hinges.
If you want a fresh look for your kitchen at the fraction of the cost of a full renovation, then you should consider buying new kitchen door handles. Contact us today and an expert from Lark & Larks will help you choose the right kitchen door handles for your home.