How to Clean Metal Cabinet Knobs

Keeping your kitchen cabinets looking their best often comes down to keeping the hardware clean. Metal cabinet knobs and pulls can quickly show dirt, grease, and grime, making the whole kitchen look dirty and dated. Fortunately, cleaning metal cabinet hardware is easy with the right techniques. Here are some tips for keeping your metal knobs, pulls, and handles looking shiny and new.

Why It’s Important to Clean Metal Cabinet Hardware

Over time, dirt, grease, and residue from hands can build up on metal cabinet hardware. This causes the metal to look dull, spotted, or generally dirty. Greasy buildup attracts more dirt, creating a cycle that makes the problem worse over time.

Cleaning metal hardware regularly prevents this buildup and helps maintain the look and function of your cabinets. Shiny clean knobs and pulls look much more attractive and can make the whole kitchen seem cleaner. Removing grime also helps hardware operate properly by preventing sticking or rubbing.

Supplies Needed

Cleaning metal cabinet hardware doesn’t require a lot of special supplies. In most cases, you’ll only need:

• Microfiber cloths
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Small scrub brush or old toothbrush
• Soft towel
• Glass cleaner (optional)

Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbers that could scratch the surface. Check the care instructions for any specialty finishes.

Cleaning Techniques for Metal Hardware

Here are some simple techniques for cleaning metal cabinet knobs, handles, and pulls so they look new again:

1. Dust and Wipe Down

Give knobs and pulls a regular quick wipe down when you dust cabinets to remove surface dirt and debris before it builds up. A dry microfiber cloth works well for a basic maintenance cleaning.

2. Soap and Water

For grimy hardware, use a mild soap and water solution. Mix a couple drops of liquid dish detergent into a bowl of warm water. Dampen a soft microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out excess. Gently wipe down each knob or pull. Rinse with a fresh damp cloth. Buff dry with a towel.

3. Scrub with Toothbrush

For stuck-on gunk and grease, use an old toothbrush to scrub away residue. Dip the toothbrush in warm soapy water and gently scrub knobs, getting into crevices and etchings. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

4. Glass Cleaner

Spray glass cleaner can help dissolve greasy buildup and add extra shine. Spray a small amount onto a microfiber cloth. Wipe down hardware and buff dry. Avoid over-spraying onto wood cabinets.

5. Vinegar or Ammonia Soak

For a heavy-duty treatment to remove tarnish or oxidation, soak knobs. Fill a bowl or plastic bag with undiluted white vinegar or household ammonia. Remove knobs and fully submerge for 20-30 minutes. Rinse, dry, and reinstall.

6. Metal Polish

Tarnished brass, copper, or silver knobs may need a metal polish made for that particular finish. Use a small amount of polish on a soft cloth. Rub gently in direction of grain lines, not in circles. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Tips for Cleaning Metal Hardware

Follow these tips for getting metal knobs, pulls, and handles clean:

• Check manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning to avoid damaging the finish.
• Use mild cleaners and avoid abrasives to prevent scratches.
• Clean knobs while still attached to cabinets if possible to get behind them.
• Remove mineral deposits with white vinegar.
• Use ammonia or metal polish for tarnish on brass, copper, silver, etc.
• Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots.
• Clean metal hardware regularly to prevent heavy buildup.

How to Clean Specific Cabinet Hardware Materials

Certain metals and finishes require specific cleaning methods to avoid damage:

Stainless Steel

Use a stainless steel cleaner and protectant spray or mild dish soap for stainless knobs and handles. Avoid abrasive pads or cleaners.

Brass

Clean tarnish on solid brass with a paste of baking soda and water. For laquered brass, use mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.

Bronze

Use mild dish soap and water for bronze pulls. Rinse thoroughly. Dry well with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.

Copper

Remove oxidation from copper knobs with a copper cleaner or non-abrasive paste polish. Avoid rubbing too hard.

Nickel

Clean nickel cabinet hardware with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Chrome

Use a chrome polish and a soft cloth to clean chrome handles. Avoid abrasive cleaners or pads.

DIY Homemade Cabinet Cleaners

You can also make effective homemade cleaners for metal cabinet hardware:

• Baking Soda Paste – Sprinkle baking soda onto a damp cloth. Rub onto knobs to clean and polish. Rinse thoroughly.
• Vinegar Spray – Mix 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spritz onto knobs, allow to sit briefly, then wipe clean.
• Lemon and Salt – Cut a lemon in half and dip into coarse sea salt. Use lemon half to scrub knobs. Rinse.
• Olive Oil – Slightly dampen soft cloth with olive oil to remove fingerprints and polish metal. Wipe off residue.

When to Call a Professional

In most cases, DIY cleaning is all that’s needed to refresh metal cabinet hardware. But if you’re dealing with excessive tarnish, mineral buildup, or corrosion that won’t come clean, contact a professional refinishing company. They have industrial-strength cleaners and tools to restore very dirty or damaged hardware.

Conclusion

Cleaning metal kitchen cabinet knobs, pulls, and handles is a quick and easy way to make your whole kitchen look cleaner and more attractive. With regular mild soap and water cleaning, you can keep your hardware looking shiny and new. For stuck-on grime, reach for the baking soda or toothbrush to tackle the grease and restore the shine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Metal Cabinet Hardware

Should I remove the knobs and pulls or clean them on the cabinets?

If possible, remove them to allow for cleaning the backs and sides thoroughly. But you can also clean most metal hardware safely while attached.

How can I avoid water spots after cleaning?

Always thoroughly dry hardware with a towel after washing. Microfiber cloths also help avoid streaks or water marks.

What about vintage or antique hardware?

Check manufacturer’s guidelines. Use mild dish soap and water only. Avoid abrasives or harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

Why does my hardware look dull even after cleaning?

Tarnished or oxidized finishes may need a polish made for that metal. Or age and wear may mean it’s time to replace with new knobs and pulls.

How often should I clean cabinet hardware?

Clean every 1-2 weeks for a quick wipe down. Deep clean every 2-3 months with soap and water scrubbing to remove built-up grease.