How to Clean Metal Cabinet Pulls

Introduction

Metal cabinet pulls are a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms in the home. Over time, these hardware pieces can lose their luster and become dirty from fingerprints, grease, soap scum, and everyday wear and tear. Cleaning metal cabinet pulls regularly will help restore their shine and keep your cabinets looking their best. Here are some tips on how to effectively clean metal cabinet pulls.

Assess the Metal

Before cleaning, inspect the metal pulls closely to determine what type of metal they are made of. Common metals used include brass, bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, and nickel. It’s important to identify the metal because some cleaners that work well on one type of metal may damage another. For example, brass and bronze should not be cleaned with abrasive cleaners or chemicals like bleach that can corrode the surface. Take note of any coatings or finishes too.

Remove Grease and Grime

Metal pulls attract grease and grimebuildup from hands over time. Tackle any stubborn grease or grime first before moving on to polishing.

Apply a degreasing cleaner made for metal directly to the pulls. Let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with a soft cloth or non-abrasive scrub sponge. Avoid using abrasive pads or steel wool as they could scratch the metal. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

For aluminum or stainless steel specifically, make a paste with baking soda and water. Gently scrub the paste over the pulls, rinse, and dry. The baking soda will help lift grease while being gentle on the metal.

Polish and Protect

Once degreased, it’s time to make the metal shine again.

Brass and Bronze: Use a polishing cream or metal polish specifically made for brass, copper or bronze. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub gently over the surface using circular motions. Rinse and dry completely.

Stainless Steel and Nickel: Make a paste by mixing equal parts baking soda and water. Gently rub over the surface with a soft cloth. Rinse and dry. For extra shine, follow up with a stainless steel polish or cleaner.

Aluminum: Make a paste with cream of tartar and water. Rub over pulls in a circular motion. Rinse and dry. The acid in the cream of tartar will help brighten aluminum.

For an added layer of protection, apply a thin coat of lemon oil or mineral oil to all metal types after polishing. This prevents fingerprints and maintains the glossy finish.

Cleaning Tips

• Use soft, microfiber cloths when cleaning metal to avoid scratching.
• Rub gently and avoid abrasive scrubbing. Let cleaners do the work.
• Use a toothbrush to get into small, engraved areas.
• Try not to wet any surrounding wood with liquids as it may stain.
• Clean metal pulls regularly as part of your weekly cleaning routine.
• Always read product labels and test on a small inconspicuous area first.

With the right cleaning methods and products, it’s easy to restore the beautiful shine and luster to metal cabinet hardware. Just be sure to identify the specific metal and treat it accordingly. A little regular maintenance will keep your pulls lookingtheir best for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell what type of metal my cabinet pulls are?

Look closely at the color and finish. Brass pulls have a yellowish hue. Bronze is brownish. Stainless steel is silvery. Aluminum is also silvery but lighter weight. You can use a magnet to test – stainless steel and nickel pulls will be magnetic while brass, bronze, and aluminum will not. Still unsure? Take one to a hardware store and ask for assistance identifying the metal type.

What should I avoid using to clean metal cabinet pulls?

Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrub pads as they can scratch the surface. Also avoid bleach and other harsh chemicals which can damage metal finishes. Ammonia is too strong for brass and bronze. Avoid dish soap as well – the oils can leave behind residue.

How can I make stainless steel or aluminum pulls really shine?

Use a stainless steel or aluminum cleaner and polish made specifically for the metals. Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and rub gently in circular motions. You can also try a DIY paste of baking soda and water. The slight abrasion helps buff out dullness and restore a crisp shine.

My antique brass pulls have a lacquer coating. How should I clean them?

Vintage or antique hardware with an aged patina or lacquer coating should be cleaned very gently. Use mild dish soap and warm water, and rub carefully with a soft cloth. Avoid vigorous scrubbing or using chemical cleaners as the lacquer can chip or peel. Maintain the antique look by applying a thin coat of lemon oil after cleaning.

I have some tarnished silver pulls. What’s the best way to polish them?

For tarnished silver, it’s best to use a silver polish cream. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub gently until the tarnish is removed. You can also try soaking in warm water mixed with baking soda or aluminum foil and salt. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely to prevent new tarnish from forming.

Conclusion

Metal cabinet pulls look fabulous when they are kept clean and shiny. With regular gentle cleaning tailored to your pulls’ specific metal type, you can keep your kitchen or bathroom looking newly remodeled. Be sure to properly identify the metal, use appropriate cleaners and polishes, and rub gently in the direction of the grain. With a little elbow grease and proper techniques, your metal pulls will gleam. Always test products first, especially on antique or lacquered finishes, and avoid abrasive pads or scrubbing to prevent scratches. Your beautiful pulls will be dazzling in no time.