Metal cabinet hardware like knobs, pulls, and hinges can really take a beating over time. Grease, dirt, grime, and tarnish can build up and make your hardware look dull, dirty, or even rusted. But don’t worry – with the right cleaning methods and products, you can make your metal hardware look as good as new!

Cleaning metal hardware might seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think when you follow these steps. We’ll go over different cleaning methods and products so you can find what works best for your type of hardware and level of dirtiness. With a little time and effort, you’ll have gleaming metal hardware that makes your cabinets look fresh, clean and complete.

Why It’s Important to Clean Metal Hardware

Before we get into the how-tos, let’s go over why it’s worthwhile to clean your cabinet hardware in the first place. Here are some of the biggest reasons to add metal hardware cleaning to your regular home cleaning routine:

• Enhance the look of your kitchen or bath: As hardware collects dirt and debris, it starts to look dull and dirty, which brings down the whole look of your cabinets. Shiny, clean hardware makes cabinets look more high-end.
• Remove grime and germs: All that stuck-on grease, soap scum, dirt and more gets full of germs. Disinfecting hardware helps keep your family healthier.
• Make rooms feel cleaner: You can clean your cabinets inside and out, but dirty hardware makes the whole room seem dingy. Clean hardware completes the freshly-cleaned look.
• Prevent rust and corrosion: Built-up gunk holds moisture against the metal and can lead to rust, pits and roughness. Regular cleaning prevents corrosion.
• Extend the life of hardware: Grime wears down the metal finish. A good cleaning removes the grime so your hardware lasts longer looking like new.
• Easier to clean next time: The longer you let hardware go without cleaning, the harder it is to get it clean. Frequent quick cleanings prevent major buildup.

So don’t let your dirty hardware bring down the look and diminish the value of your kitchen or bath! Keep reading to learn how to really make your metal cabinet hardware shine.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning Metal Hardware

Having the right supplies on hand will make the process quicker and easier. Here are some must-have items for cleaning metal cabinet hardware:

• Microfiber cloths: Great for buffing hardware without scratching. Opt for lint-free cloths if available.
• Old toothbrush: For scrubbing crevices and engraved areas a cloth can’t reach.
• Mild dish soap: Effective grease-cutter that’s gentle enough for most finishes.
• Baking soda: Works as a mild abrasive to help remove tarnish and grime.
• White vinegar: Helps dissolve stuck-on gunk and disinfect hardware.
• Olive oil or lemon oil: Polishes unlacquered metals and prevents new tarnish.
• Metal polish: For really tarnished unlacquered metals. Look for a gentle polish without harsh solvents.
• Baby wipes: Helpful for a quick cleaning in between deep cleanings.
• Soft cloth: Like microfiber or an old t-shirt to apply polish and buff.
• Toothpicks: Help remove debris from engraved areas.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from harsh cleaners. Opt for rubber gloves.
• Small bowl: To mix up cleaning solutions as needed.
• Paper towels: For drying and final buffing.

With the basics like microfiber cloths, a toothbrush, dish soap and water, you can tackle most metal hardware cleaning needs. The other items help tackle specific issues like tarnish or add shine. Gather what you think you’ll need before getting started.

Prepping Metal Hardware for Cleaning

Before cleaning, it helps to remove the hardware from cabinets so you can really scrub every inch. If removing isn’t possible, cover nearby surfaces with towels to protect from drips and scrubs.

Once removed, take a minute to inspect each piece. Note any problem areas like rust spots or extra grimy crevices. This helps you focus your cleaning efforts.

Finally, give hardware a rinse under warm water to remove loose debris before cleaning. This prevents the debris from scratching the metal surface during scrubbing.

Cleaning Methods for Metal Cabinet Hardware

There are a few go-to methods that work great for cleaning most metal hardware. Try starting with the simplest approach using dish soap and water. For pieces that need heavy-duty cleaning, work your way up to abrasives like baking soda or metal polish.

Dish Soap and Water

One of the easiest, yet effective ways to clean metal hardware is with some dish soap and warm water. Just a small amount of mild liquid dish soap works great as a degreaser. Here’s how to clean with this method:

• Mix a few drops of dish soap per cup of warm water in a small bowl.
• Dip a soft microfiber cloth or toothbrush in the solution.
• Gently scrub all surfaces of the hardware, getting into crevices.
• Rinse well with clean water and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
• Repeat if needed for heavily soiled spots.

The dish soap cuts through grease, soap scum, and everyday grime. For most hardware, this method brings back the shine and removes surface debris. It may take a bit more elbow grease for hardware that hasn’t been cleaned in years.

Baking Soda

For hardware with a little more buildup or tarnishing, baking soda works great. The baking soda works as a fine abrasive to remove tarnish, oxidation and small rust spots without damaging the finish.

Make a paste by sprinkling baking soda on a damp cloth. Gently rub the paste over all surfaces of the hardware. Rinse thoroughly and dry well. Baking soda can leave a residue, so be sure to rinse it all off.

If you have a lot of hardware to clean, you can also fill a tub or sink basin with warm water and mix in about 1/4 cup baking soda per gallon of water. Let the hardware soak for 15-30 minutes so the baking soda can work its magic, then scrub and rinse clean.

Vinegar

White vinegar is another mild acid that breaks up dirt, grease and mineral deposits that cause tarnish on metal. It kills bacteria too, so works well as a disinfecting cleaner.

Make a cleaning solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Spray or wipe onto hardware and let sit briefly before scrubbing and rinsing.

For heavy grime in crevices, soak a toothbrush in the vinegar solution so you can really work the vinegar into all areas. Rinse thoroughly when done.

Vinegar can also help remove light surface rust. Use full-strength vinegar and scrub with a toothbrush or soft cloth to remove rust spots and inhibit further rusting.

Olive Oil or Lemon Oil

Olive oil or lemon oil work great for polishing unlacquered brass, copper and other metals that aren’t coated. The oil helps seal the surface to prevent tarnishing and oxidation.

Simply put a few drops of olive or lemon oil onto a soft cloth. Gently rub onto the metal hardware to remove tarnish and leave a protective shine. Buff with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to remove excess.

Use this method frequently to maintain the shine and prevent future tarnishing. It works well for antique brass and other metals where you want to maintain the patina.

Metal Polish

Tarnished metals that don’t respond to other cleaning methods may require a metal polish. Look for a gentle polish without any harsh solvents, acids or chemicals. Test in an inconspicuous spot first.

Apply a small amount of metal polish to a soft cloth. Gently rub onto the hardware in the direction of the grain, avoiding any decorative engraving. Remove tarnish with minimal pressure.

Once the tarnish is gone, switch to a clean cloth and continue polishing to bring back the luster. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterward. Seal with a coat of olive oil if desired to protect the shine.

Baby Wipes

Keep a container of baby wipes in your kitchen or bath to use for quick cleanups of metal hardware in between deep cleanings. Wipes easily remove fingerprints and dust to keep hardware looking cleaner day to day.

Simply wipe down each piece of hardware as needed. No rinsing required. The alcohol and mild detergents in baby wipes cut through grease and grime for a quick cleanup. Great for high-traffic cabinets!

What to Avoid When Cleaning Metal Hardware

While metal hardware is durable, the finish can be damaged by certain cleaners or abrasives. Here are some things to avoid:

• Harsh cleaners with acids, bleach or harsh solvents
• Steel wool or abrasive scrubbers that can scratch
• Power tools like electric drills to polish – too aggressive!
• Applying forceful pressure during polishing
• Cleaning in direct sunlight – can lead to streaking
• Allowing metal to air dry – always hand dry

Test any new cleaning product in an inconspicuous area first. Stick to gentle cleaners and hand scrubbing for best results without damage.

Best Practices for Cleaning Metal Hardware

Follow these best practices whenever you clean your cabinet hardware to get the best possible results:

• Disassemble hardware whenever possible to clean all areas
• Use soft microfiber cloths, toothbrushes and toothpicks
• Rinse hardware first with warm water to remove loose debris
• Always scrub gently to avoid damaging the finish
• Use mild dish soap and water for most cleaning needs
• Use baking soda paste for tarnish and oxidation removal
• Use vinegar solution to break up grime and disinfect
• Seal and protect metals prone to tarnishing
• Frequent quick cleanings prevent major buildup
• Rinse very thoroughly after using any cleaner or abrasive
• Immediately hand dry hardware after rinsing
• Apply protectants like oil often to maintain shine

Cleaning Specific Types of Metal Hardware

Certain metals and hardware pieces have specific cleaning recommendations. Here are tips for cleaning common types of cabinet hardware:

Brass

Unlacquered, antique and oil-rubbed brass all benefit from regular oiling with lemon or olive oil to maintain the patina and prevent tarnishing.

For heavy tarnish, a paste of baking soda and water can help remove oxidation. Rinse and dry thoroughly, then apply oil to seal and protect the finish.

Bronze

Like brass, bronze stays beautiful longer with regular oiling using lemon or olive oil. For stuck-on grime, use a toothbrush dipped in diluted dish soap. Rinse and apply oil.

Silver

Pure silver is prone to tarnishing. Clean with baking soda or non-abrasive silver polish and a soft cloth. Use an anti-tarnish cloth between wears to prevent blackening.

Stainless Steel

Clean stainless steel hardware using a mild dish soap and water. For water spots, try vinegar. Polish with olive oil occasionally. Avoid abrasive cleaners.

Chrome

Chrome resists tarnishing, but shows fingerprints. Wipe down often with a microfiber cloth. Use a vinegar-water solution or baby wipes for dirt buildup. Avoid abrasives.

Copper

Prevent copper from tarnishing by oiling regularly with lemon or olive oil. Remove oxidation with baking soda paste. Avoid commercial copper cleaner – too harsh.

Pewter

Use mild dish soap and water for pewter. For polish, use a thin coat of olive oil applied with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners on soft pewter.

Nickel

Clean nickel with dish soap and water. For heavy grime, use baking soda paste. Polish and protect with olive oil to resist fingerprints and smudges.

Painted/Lacquered Finishes

Use the gentlest cleaners like mild dish soap and soft microfiber to avoid damaging the painted or lacquered coating. Avoid abrasives or polishes.

How Often to Clean Metal Hardware

How often you need to deep clean your hardware depends on use and exposure:

• High use areas: Clean every 1-2 months
• Moderate use: Clean every 3-6 months
• Low use: Clean annually
• Outdoor hardware: Clean and apply protectant every 3-6 months

Do periodic wipedowns in between deep cleanings when you notice grime building up. Frequent quick cleanups prevent the need for heavy-duty cleaning as often.

How to Clean Cabinet Hardware In Place

If removing the hardware isn’t practical, you can still clean it in place on the cabinets. Follow these tips:

• Tape painters tape above and below hardware as a splashguard.
• Spray cleaners onto a soft cloth instead of directly on hardware.
• Use small brushes and microfiber cloths to scrub tight areas.
• Dry immediately with a cloth – don’t let cleaners sit on surface.
• Remove tape and wipe up any stray drips right away.

Take your time and be cautious not to let excess liquids drip where it could damage wood or laminate cabinet surfaces.

Maintaining the Cleanliness of Hardware

To keep your metal hardware looking its best after cleaning:

• Apply a polish or protective oil to unlacquered metals after cleaning.
• Consider adding soft foam bumpers inside drawers and doors to prevent knobs and pulls banging around.
• Tape keyholes to prevent debris and liquids from collecting inside the hardware. Remove tape when cleaning.
• Dust cabinet exteriors frequently with a microfiber cloth.
• Use cabinet door dampeners to prevent slamming that can loosen hardware.
• Keep cabinet interiors clean and dry to avoid grime transfer to hardware.
• Use baby wipes for quick wipe downs in between deep cleanings.

Developing good maintenance habits will prevent grime buildup and the need for heavy-duty cleaning as often.

When to Call in a Professional

While DIY methods can clean most cabinet hardware, some situations call for a professional:

• Hardware is coated with thick layers of grease, paint or residue
• Surfaces feel rough, scratched or pitted
• Hardware has a worn or damaged finish
• Mineral deposits have caused etching or corrosion
• Tarnish cannot be removed with standard methods
• Hardware has loose joints or broken parts

Rather than risk damaging the hardware, call in an expert refinishing service. They have commercial products and tools to restore hardware and repair any damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Metal Hardware

Here are answers to some common questions about keeping metal cabinet hardware sparkling clean:

What’s the easiest way to clean metal hardware?

The simplest method is to mix a few drops of mild dish soap per cup of warm water. Dampen a soft cloth, wring out excess, and gently wipe down hardware. Rinse and dry well. The dish soap cuts grease and mild grime with minimal effort.

Should I remove hardware before cleaning?

It’s best to remove hardware if possible. This allows you to clean the front, back and in crevices fully. If removing them isn’t practical, cover nearby surfaces with towels before cleaning in place. Avoid excessive dripping.

How do I get caked on gunk and grease off hardware?

For stubborn grease and grime, let a paste of baking soda and water sit on the stuck-on areas for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. The baking soda works as a gentle abrasive. Rinse thoroughly afterward.

What’s the best way to shine up metal hardware?

Use a microfiber cloth to apply a small amount of olive oil or lemon oil. Rub onto unlacquered brass, copper or other metals prone to tarnishing. The oil removes oxidation and seals the surface to protect the shine.

How can I clean hardware without removing the finish?

Stick to gentle cleaners like dish soap and warm water. Use soft cloths or toothbrushes, scrubbing very gently. Rinse and dry well. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that can scratch the finish.

What should I do if metal hardware has rust on it?

If the rust is just surface discoloration, scrub with vinegar using a soft toothbrush. For pits and flaky rust, you’ll need a professional refinishing service. Removing too much metal can damage the hardware.

How often should metal cabinet hardware be cleaned?

Clean heavy use hardware every 1-2 months. Hardware used less often only needs a deep clean annually or biannually. Do periodic wipe downs in between to prevent heavy buildup.

And there you have it – everything you need to know to clean all your metal cabinet hardware and keep it looking beautiful! With the proper methods and care, you can remove tarnish, grime and oils to restore the luster and shine.

Conclusion

Cleaning metal cabinet hardware might seem like a hassle, but truly makes a huge difference in the look of your kitchen or bath. Shiny, gunk-free hardware makes cabinets look more high-end and complete. Now that you know how to clean metal hardware properly, you can tackle the job with confidence.

Focus on using gentle cleaners and methods safe for various finishes. Dish soap, baking soda, vinegar and olive oil can handle most cleaning needs. Prevent buildup by quick-cleaning periodically. And take steps to maintain the shine so your gleaming hardware stays spotless longer.

With the simple homemade cleaning methods in this guide, you can easily remove grease, grime, tarnish, rust and more from your cabinet hardware. Just be sure to use care when cleaning delicate finishes. Your newly restored hardware will bring a freshly finished look to your entire kitchen or bathroom.