How to Clean Metal Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Cleaning kitchen cabinet hardware may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and products, it can be simple and easy. Metal hardware for kitchen cabinets, like knobs, pulls, and hinges, often sees a lot of use and can quickly become grimy. Grease, dirt, and grime can build up from daily cooking and use of your kitchen. Keeping the metal surfaces clean not only makes them look better but also helps remove bacteria and maintain their quality. With some time and focus, you can have gleaming metal hardware accenting your kitchen cabinets.

Why It’s Important to Clean Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Keeping your metal kitchen hardware clean is about more than just appearances. Here are some key reasons to make cleaning them a regular habit:

• Removes grease buildup – Kitchen cabinet hardware is handled frequently with greasy or dirty hands. This leads to buildup that looks unsightly but can also spread bacteria.
• Prevents tarnishing – Grease and grime can react with the metal over time, leading to tarnishing, corrosion, or rust. Regular cleaning prevents this.
• Extends life – Buildup puts a strain on moving parts like hinges. Keeping surfaces clean allows them to move smoothly and last longer.
• Enhances visual appeal – Clean metal finishes give your kitchen an updated, finished look. It makes the whole room look cared for.
• Improves hygiene – Clean hardware helps prevent the spread of germs and bacteria in your kitchen’s high-traffic areas.

Developing a regular cleaning routine helps maintain the look and operation of your cabinet hardware for years to come.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning Metal Kitchen Hardware

Cleaning metal hardware doesn’t require much in the way of specialized tools or expensive cleaners. Most likely, you already have everything you need. Here are the basic supplies:

• Microfiber cloths – These capture dirt, grease, and dust without leaving lint or scratches behind.
• Dish soap – An all-purpose cleaner that cuts through oil and grease when diluted with water.
• Baking soda – Functions as a gentle scouring powder for tougher grime. Also helps remove odors.
• Vinegar – Helps dissolve stuck-on gunk and adds disinfecting properties.
• Old toothbrush – For scrubbing in grooves, corners, and crevices.
• Spray bottle – For dispensing cleaning solutions to cloths.
• Soft towels – For buffing hardware to dry and shine.

With just these basic supplies on hand, you can thoroughly clean your metal kitchen cabinet hardware.

How to Clean Cabinet Hardware Knobs and Pulls

Knobs and pulls see a lot of handling, so they often need more frequent cleaning. Here is a thorough process:

Step 1 – Dust

Wipe knobs and pulls with a dry microfiber cloth to remove surface dust and debris before wet cleaning. This prevents the dust from becoming a dirty paste.

Step 2 – Spray and Wipe

Spray cabinet knobs and pulls with a diluted dish soap solution (a couple drops of soap per cup of water). Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth.

Step 3 – Detail Clean

For stuck-on grime or grease, use a damp cloth with a small amount of baking soda as a gentle scrubbing powder. You can also use an old toothbrush to clean grooves and crevices.

Step 4 – Rinse and Dry

Wipe hardware with a clean damp cloth to rinse away cleaning solution. Immediately hand dry with a soft towel or buff with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.

Repeat steps as needed for extremely dirty hardware. The toothbrush can also help remove stubborn gunk.

Cleaning Tricks for Sticky Cabinet Hardware

Sometimes knobs and pulls become sticky with built-up oils and grime that are hard to remove by simple wiping alone. Here are some tricks for tackling sticky surfaces:

• Soak – Letting hardware soak for 5-10 minutes in diluted dish soap helps soften sticky gunk. Wipe clean.
• Baking Soda Scrub – Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply and let sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
• Vinegar – Use full-strength white vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes to help dissolve sticky buildup.
• Rubbing Alcohol – Has solvent properties that help dissolve oils. Wipe on and let sit briefly before rinsing.
• Plastic Scraper – A plastic spatula can help gently scrape off sticky buildup (avoid metal scrapers which may scratch).

With a little time and the right cleaning methods, you can free hardware of sticky grime buildup.

How to Clean Cabinet Hinges

Since cabinet hinges open and close, they are prone to collecting dust and grease. Follow these steps to clean them:

Step 1 – Remove Dust

Use a dry cloth to wipe away any surface dust to prevent it from gumming up.

Step 2 – Spray and Wipe

Apply a dish soap and water solution and wipe down the exposed hinge parts. Don’t forget the surfaces that contact the cabinet interior.

Step 3 – Detail Clean

If needed, apply baking soda to stubborn areas and use a toothbrush to scrub. Vinegar can also help dissolve buildup.

Step 4 – Rinse and Dry

Wipe away cleaning solutions with a damp cloth and immediately dry. You want to prevent liquid from seeping inside the hinge joinery.

Be sure to get both sides of the hinges clean since grease and dust can collect inside the cabinet as well.

Best Cleaners for Metal Kitchen Hardware

While simple dish soap and water does the job for routine cleaning, sometimes you need a little extra cleaning power. Here are some good cleaning solutions for metal:

• Glass cleaner – Ammonia-based types cut through grease, leave a streak-free shine.
• Stainless steel cleaner – Removes fingerprints and polishes metal without scratching.
• Mineral spirits – Helpful for dissolving old wax or stuck-on grime. Use gloves and proper ventilation.
• Jewelry cleaner – Soak hardware for 5-10 minutes for an intensive clean. Rinse thoroughly after.
• Mild brass cleaner – May be used occasionally if hardware has tarnished, but avoid overuse which can damage the metal over time.

Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous area first. Rubbing alcohol or vinegar work in a pinch if you don’t have commercial metal cleaners on hand.

Tips for a Deeper Hardware Clean

For a deeper clean of your kitchen cabinet hardware, you can remove the hardware and soak or gently scrub individual pieces. Here are some pointers:

• Use a screwdriver to remove knobs and pulls for cleaning. Label them for easy reinstallation.
• Soak knobs and pulls in a solution of dish soap and hot water to loosen grease.
• For stuck-on grime, letting hardware soak in vinegar can help dissolve buildup.
• Use an old toothbrush dipped in baking soda to scrub intricate grooves and details.
• Rinse hardware thoroughly and make sure to get rid of any soap residue.
• Buff hardware with a microfiber cloth once completely dry for added shine.

Taking hardware down periodically for a thorough cleaning keeps the metal surfaces looking their best.

Maintaining a Clean Metal Finish

Regular cleaning is key to maintaining the look of metal cabinet hardware, but here are some extra tips:

• Dry immediately after washing to prevent water spots.
• Re-apply protective finishes like wax occasionally to enhance water beading.
• Address signs of corrosion right away before it spreads. Remove rust spots with fine grit sandpaper.
• Avoid harsh cleaners with acids or abrasives which can damage the metal over time.
• Consider paint or lacquer if worn hardware cannot be restored. Brass and nickel finishes can be refreshed with a clear topcoat.

With routine cleaning and care, quality metal hardware will maintain its good looks for many years.

How Often Should You Clean Kitchen Cabinet Hardware?

A regular cleaning regimen prevents dirt and grease from building up on kitchen hardware. Here are some guidelines for frequency:

• High-Use Areas – Clean pulls, knobs, and handles after every use. Quick wipedown keeps oil and grime under control.
• Moderate Use Areas – Weekly cleaning to remove accumulated dust, dirt, and fingerprints.
• Seldom Touched Hardware – Clean every 2-4 weeks. Still requires occasional cleaning.
• Hinges – Clean monthly to remove dust buildup which can impede motion over time.
• Deep Cleaning – Take hardware down and scrub thoroughly every 4-6 months.

Determine cleaning frequency based on how much use and handling hardware gets. Frequently touched pieces may need cleaned daily.

Cleaning Metal Kitchen Hardware FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about keeping metal cabinet hardware clean:

How can I make stainless steel hardware shine?

Use a stainless steel cleaner and buff with a microfiber cloth in the direction of the grain. Glass cleaner also works well. Avoid abrasive pads or paper towels that could scratch the surface.

What about tarnished brass hardware?

Use a mild brass cleaning polish. Avoid excessive rubbing. You can also try lemon juice and baking soda. If that fails, very fine grit sandpaper may remove stubborn tarnish.

Is it safe to use vinegar and baking soda?

Yes, vinegar and baking soda are a safe, eco-friendly cleaning combo for hardware. The vinegar helps dissolve gunk while the baking soda is a gentle abrasive. Rinse thoroughly.

How should I clean antique hardware?

Use mild dish soap and water only. Avoid harsh cleaners or scrubbing abrasives. Immediately dry antique hardware with a soft cloth to prevent damage. Maintain with a protective paste wax coating.

My hardware has paint splatters – how do I remove them?

Use a plastic scraper to gently lift the paint, then mineral spirits on a cloth to dissolve residue. Avoid scraping vigorously or you may remove the finish underneath.

How can I clean hardware still attached to the cabinets?

Use a small hand towel soaked in cleaning solution, like diluted dish soap, to wipe attached hardware. Scrub with an old toothbrush if needed. Buff dry with a cloth.

Conclusion

While it may seem daunting, keeping your kitchen’s metal cabinet hardware clean is really straightforward. With the proper techniques and cleaning solutions, you can easily remove greasy film, sticky buildup, dust, and grime. Taking time to regularly clean hardware prevents tarnishing and maintains the quality of your cabinets. Implementing a weekly or monthly cleaning regimen keeps handles, knobs, and hinges looking their best over the long term.