How to Clean Metal Handles on Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets with metal handles are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their durability and classic look. However, without proper care, these metal handles can tarnish, fade, or collect grime and dirt over time. Cleaning metal handles regularly is key to keeping your kitchen cabinets looking like new. This comprehensive guide will provide useful tips and methods for cleaning metal cabinet handles and maintaining their shine.

Why It’s Important to Clean Metal Handles

There are several good reasons to make cleaning your metal cabinet handles a regular part of your kitchen cleaning routine:

• Removes dirt, grease, and grime buildup – Over time, dirt, oil, grease, and residue from everyday use can build up on metal handles. Regular cleaning keeps handles free of sticky, dirty buildup that can be unsightly and difficult to remove if left for too long.
• Prevents tarnishing and corrosion – Grease, dirt, humidity, and everyday use can cause metal handles to tarnish, corrode, or develop rust over time. Frequent cleaning prevents tarnish and corrosion, helping handles maintain their original finish and shine.
• Sanitizes handles – Metal cabinet handles are prime spots for germs and bacteria to collect and grow. Disinfecting handles helps kill illness-causing germs.
• Extends life of handles – Regular cleaning keeps handles looking like new for longer and can extend the lifespan of high-quality metal handles by preventing erosion and wear.
• Improves appearance of kitchen – Clean, shiny handles give your whole kitchen a put-together, well-maintained look. Greasy, dull handles make the space look dirty and unattractive.

Regularly cleaning metal cabinet handles is a simple way to keep your kitchen looking its best.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning Metal Handles

Cleaning metal handles doesn’t require many supplies. Many homeowners already have everything needed. Here are the basic supplies for effective cleaning:

• Microfiber cloths or rags – Gentle, lint-free cloths are ideal for wiping down handles without scratching. Microfiber absorbs oils and liquids well.
• Mild dish soap – Look for a gentle soap without harsh chemicals. Dish soap effectively cuts through grease.
• Soft-bristle cleaning brush – For scrubbing or getting into grooves. Make sure bristles are non-abrasive.
• Old toothbrush – Works for cleaning in crevices and other tight spaces.
• Baking soda – Baking soda is mildly abrasive to help remove tarnish and built-up gunk. It also neutralizes odors.
• Water – Warm water helps dissolve and rinse away dirt and debris.
• White vinegar – The acidic vinegar dissolves mineral deposits and stains. It also kills bacteria.
• Olive oil or lemon juice – Both can be used for polishing handles and restoring shine after cleaning.

With these basic household items, you’ll have everything needed to thoroughly clean metal handles. Avoid harsh chemical cleansers or abrasive scouring pads that could damage the surface.

How to Clean Metal Handles on Cabinets

Follow these key steps for cleaning metal handles on kitchen cabinets:

Step 1: Dust Handles

Before washing, use a completely dry microfiber cloth to dust handles. This removes any loose debris or crumbs resting on the surface. Dust all sides of handles, including around the edges and where they attach to doors.

Step 2: Create Cleaning Solution

Make a simple cleaning solution of warm water and mild dish soap. For heavy grime, mix in a little baking soda to create a mildly abrasive paste.

Prepare the solution in a bowl or spray bottle. Avoid overly wetting handles that may loosen with excessive water.

Step 3: Scrub and Wash Handles

Use a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush dipped in the cleaning solution to scrub handles. Get into crevices, grooves, engravings, and any etched surfaces.

Scrub thoroughly but gently to lift grime and dissolve grease buildup. Take care not to scratch the metal finish.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all suds. Dry completely with a lint-free cloth.

Step 4: Remove Tarnish and Disinfect

For handles with stubborn tarnish or corrosion, make a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub paste over affected areas using a soft cloth or toothbrush. Let it sit briefly, then rinse. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive for removing tarnish.

For disinfecting, wipe down handles with a cloth dampened in a vinegar and water solution. Vinegar kills 99% of bacteria, viruses, and mold.

Rinse handles thoroughly after using vinegar. Dry completely with a fresh lint-free cloth.

Step 5: Polish and Shine

For an extra streak-free shine, polish clean handles with a small amount of olive oil or lemon juice. Use a soft, dry cloth to buff handles until gleaming. The olive oil or lemon juice helps restore the original luster.

Be sure to get all oil residue off completely. Avoid using polish or oils on lacquered or painted handles, as it could cause damage.

Tips for Effective Cleaning of Metal Handles

Follow these tips for the best results cleaning metal cabinet handles:

• Clean handles regularly, at least once a week in high-use kitchens. This prevents heavy buildup that’s harder to remove.
• Always use soft, non-abrasive materials to avoid scratching the surface.
• Dry handles thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots.
• For deep cleaning tarnished or corroded handles, remove handles and soak them in white vinegar for 30 minutes before scrubbing.
• For stubborn grease stains, try rubbing with baking soda. For tough mineral deposits, rub with lemon juice.
• Replace any damaged handles that are peeling, cracked, or showing bare metal. Cleaning won’t restore handles once the finish is compromised.
• Use the cleaning toothbrush for handles only. Keep it handy by the sink.
• Avoid bleach, ammonia, or harsh alkaline cleaners that could react with metal finishes.
• Lubricate squeaky or sticking handles with WD-40 or another light mineral oil. Remove excess lubricant with a soft cloth.

With the proper cleaning process using non-abrasive tools and mild cleaners, metal handles can maintain their like-new appearance for many years.

Cleaning Different Types of Metal Handles

Not all metal handles are the same when it comes to care and cleaning. Here are some tips for properly cleaning common metal handle finishes:

Stainless Steel Handles

Stainless steel handles have a silvery, brushed metal look. They resist rust, corrosion, and fingerprints. Clean regularly with a stainless steel cleaner or mild dish soap and water. For best results, rub handles following the direction of the brushed grain.

To restore shine, use olive oil or baby oil to polish. Avoid harsh abrasives or bleach that could damage the brushed finish.

Chrome Handles

Chrome has a shiny silver-like mirror finish when clean. It resists corrosion but shows fingerprints, water spots, and smudges easily. Use only soft cloths when cleaning chrome to avoid scratches and swirl marks.

Wash with a mild cleaner and rinse thoroughly. For polishing, rub gently with a dry cloth.

Brass Handles

Brass handles have a distinctive yellow-gold tone. Brass tarnishes naturally over time. Regular polishing is needed to maintain the original shiny appearance. Use a brass polish and very soft cloth to gently rub handles.

Remove tarnish with lemon juice or vinegar. For heavy tarnish, use a brass polish paste. Rinse thoroughly and make sure to get into crevices.

Antique Brass, Bronze or Copper Handles

These have an aged, darkened appearance and naturally patina over time. Do not try to polish or shine these types of handles. Instead, clean gently with mild dish soap and water. Use a soft wet cloth, rubbing very gently in the direction of the grain.

Painted or Lacquered Handles

Clean these gently with a soft, damp cloth only. Do not use any abrasives, harsh cleaners, or polishes which could damage the painted or lacquered finish. Use only a small amount of mild dish soap if needed for dirt buildup. Avoid excessive moisture near the base.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Metal Handles

Here are answers to some common questions on keeping metal cabinet handles looking their best:

What is the best way to clean metal handles?
The best method is to regularly wash handles with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush or cloth. Microfiber cloths are ideal for scrubbing and polishing without scratching. Make sure to rinse and dry thoroughly.

How can I make my metal handles super shiny again?
Use a small amount of olive oil or lemon juice to polish clean handles. Rub it into handles using a very soft cloth. The oil helps seal pores and restore shine. Rinse off excess oil thoroughly afterward.

Why do my metal handles look faded and corroded?
Tarnish, corrosion, and fading are caused by oxidation over time, especially from exposure to grease, acidic foods, humidity, and everyday use. Refinishing or replacing handles are options if cleaning cannot remove the damaged finish.

How do I clean engraved or ornate metal handles?
Use a soft-bristle brush and toothbrush to gently scrub into engraved grooves and crevices. Soak handles in vinegar solution to dissolve grime before scrubbing if needed. Dry thoroughly after cleaning crevices to prevent water spots in engravings.

What’s the quickest way to clean metal handles?
The quickest method is to wipe down regularly with a microfiber cloth, mild cleaner, and some elbow grease! For a fast deep cleaning, remove handles and soak them in a solution of hot water and dish soap for 15-30 minutes.

Best Practices for Maintaining Metal Handles

Regular, proper cleaning is key for keeping metal cabinet handles looking pristine. Here are some best practices for metal handle care and maintenance:

• Inspect handles weekly for signs of damage, loose screws, corrosion, etc. Tighten or replace as needed.
• Clean handles at least once a week in high-traffic kitchens, or once a month in lightly-used spaces.
• Use only gentle, non-abrasive cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals that could strip or damage finish.
• Follow a regular cleaning regimen for your specific handle finish. Know what’s safe for stainless, chrome, brass, etc.
• Dry thoroughly after cleaning or spills to avoid water spots or calcium buildup.
• Lubricate squeaky or stiff handles with a small amount of WD-40 or mineral oil. Remove excess.
• For heavily corroded handles, consider refinishing, painting, or professional re-plating services to restore functionality and appearance.
• Replace loose or damaged handles promptly to prevent further issues.
• Clean the areas around and behind handles during deep cleaning sessions. Pay attention to edges.

Develop smart habits and use proper products and methods to keep metal kitchen cabinet handles looking pristine and lasting for years.

When to Call a Professional

While regular cleaning is usually enough to maintain most metal cabinet handles, sometimes professional help is needed:

For polishing or re-plating very tarnished antique or vintage handles – Special expertise and chemical solutions may be required to restore or preserve these intricate finishes.

If deep cleaning methods fail to remove heavy tarnish or corrosion – Professionals have industrial techniques to strip and re-finish heavily damaged metal.

When handles won’t tighten properly or keep coming loose – This indicates stripped screw holes or underlying issues needing repair.

For handles showing chips, cracks, peeling, or wear – Refinishing and restoration services are available but replacement may be needed for certain issues.

For specialty ornate or engraved handles – To properly clean detailed decorative handles without damaging grooves or engravings.

For restoring value to high-end antique bin pulls or hardware – To carefully refinish heirloom or vintage pieces without lessening their worth.

Don’t feel defeated if your efforts can’t remove really stubborn tarnish, grime, or damage. Seek professional help when needed to keep your handles functional and looking their best.

Conclusion

Cleaning metal kitchen cabinet handles is an important and often overlooked part of maintaining your space. Following these tips and techniques for regular cleaning and optimal care will help metal handles retain their original finish and function for many years.

Be sure to use gentle cleaners and non-abrasive scrubbers to avoid damaging the metal surface. Establish a weekly or monthly cleaning regimen based on your handle finish and kitchen usage. Pay special attention to engraved details and crevices where grime loves to hide.

With some elbow grease and proper products, you can keep those metal handles shiny enough to see your face in! Having clean, streak-free handles elevates the whole look of your kitchen.