How to Clean Old Metal Cabinet Hardware

Over time, metal cabinet hardware like hinges, pulls, knobs, and handles can accumulate grime and tarnish that takes away from their visual appeal and makes them harder to operate. Fortunately, with the right cleaning methods and a little elbow grease, you can restore old metal hardware to look like new again. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean metal cabinet hardware effectively.

Why You Should Clean Metal Cabinet Hardware

There are a few key reasons it’s worth the effort to clean old metal hardware on your cabinets:

Improved Appearance – Metal finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, bronze, and brass look best when they are free of dirt, fingerprints, grease, and tarnish. Proper cleaning really makes the hardware look bright, shiny, and good as new. This can totally transform the look of your whole kitchen or bathroom.

Easier to Use – Buildup of grime in grooves and moving parts can make hardware harder to operate over time. A good cleaning helps hardware glide, turn, and function more smoothly.

Prolong Hardware Life – Dirt and debris can slowly degrade metal over many years. Keeping hardware clean helps prevent wear and tear and keeps it looking great for longer.

Prevent Bacteria – Grease, food particles, and dirt accumulation on handles and pulls can harbor harmful bacteria. Regular cleaning helps kill bacteria and keeps your family healthier.

Improve Home Value – Clean hardware makes cabinets, dressers and furnishings look well cared for. This can boost resale value if you ever sell your home.

How Dirty Hardware Occurs

Before learning how to clean metal hardware, it helps to understand what makes it dirty in the first place. Some common causes of grime buildup include:

• Oils from Hands – Frequently touched hardware collects dirt, skin oils, perspiration, and grease from bare hands over time.
• Cooking Grease – Hardware near stoves easily accumulates splatters and film from cooking oil, butter, and other fats.
• Hard Water Spots – Mineral deposits in water leave behind whitish lime and calcium stains.
• Soap Scum – Bathroom hardware with residue from soap, shampoos, and cleaners.
• Tarnish – A naturally occurring oxide layer that dulls and discolors some metal types like brass, copper, bronze over years.
• Dust and Dirt – General household dirt, dust, and pollutants make hardware look dingy gradually.

Regular cleaning helps prevent ongoing buildup of all these contaminants.

Supplies Needed

Collect the following recommended supplies before tackling metal cabinet hardware cleaning:

• Mild dish soap – Look for a gentle formula without harsh chemicals. Dishwashing liquid works well.
• Warm water – Heated water helps dissolve and rinse away grease and grime best. Avoid hot water that could damage finishes.
• Soft cloths – Have an ample supply of lint-free microfiber cloths or soft cotton rags on hand.
• Old toothbrush – For scrubbing in grooves and engraved areas.
• Mild abrasive – Such as baking soda or buffing compound (like Bar Keeper’s Friend).
• Vinegar – Helps dissolve mineral deposits and clean tarnish.
• Metal polish – Such as Brasso, Wenol, or Flitz polish.
• Rubbing alcohol – For an extra sanitizing boost.
• Gloves – Vinyl gloves protect hands and keep hardware cleaner.
• Toothpicks – Help clean in narrow cracks.
• Drop cloth – For keeping counters and floor mess-free.

Cleaning Methods by Hardware Type

Use these recommended cleaning techniques tailored for different cabinet hardware materials:

Stainless Steel Hardware

Stainless steel resists water spots, rust, and corrosion. But it still picks up fingerprints and can eventually show fine scratches.

• Wash with mild dish soap and warm water using a soft cloth.
• For stuck-on grime, rub gently with non-abrasive scrubbing pad and soapy water.
• Can use rubbing alcohol to sanitize and remove oily buildup.
• Apply metal polish cream and buff lightly to renew shine. Avoid over-polishing.
• Prevent scratches by cleaning along grain direction.

Nickel and Chrome Hardware

Nickel and chrome plating give hardware a mirror-like shine when clean. But grease and dirt dull the surface over time.

• Wipe down with a soft cloth, mild detergent, and warm water.
• Use a small amount of mineral spirits on a cloth for stuck-on grease.
• To restore luster, apply silver or chrome polish and buff gently with clean rag.
• Take care not to rub polish on plastic or painted cabinet surfaces.

Antique Brass Hardware

Unlacquered antique brass has a classic, subtle brushed look. But can show tarnish, dark spots, and streaks.

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in spray bottle. Spray on and wipe down.
• For stubborn tarnish, try a vinegar soak by filling a bag or container and submerging knobs or handles for 1-2 hours. Scrub with an old toothbrush.
• Use brass cleaner and buff with soft cloth to protect finish. Avoid abrasive pads.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze Hardware

The dark, aged bronze finish can be challenging to clean without removing the patina.

• Wipe down with a damp soapy cloth, taking care not to scrub excessively.
• For light tarnish, try applying lemon oil and wiping it off. Buff with soft cloth.
• Heavily tarnished antique bronze may need a chemical bronzing solution applied. Test inconspicuously first.

Unlacquered Brass Hardware

All-brass hardware looks handsome, but is prone to tarnishing as it naturally oxidizes. Discoloration and dark spots develop over time.

• Make a paste of 1 tsp salt and 1 Tbsp vinegar. Rub onto affected areas with a soft cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
• For heavy tarnish, apply a brass cleaner or metal polish and buff off. Repeat to gradually lift oxidation.
• Prevent rinse water spots by immediately drying with a clean soft cloth after cleaning.

Lacquered Brass Hardware

Clear-coated brass resists tarnish better than unprotected brass. But lacquer can wear off over many years.

• Clean with a mild detergent solution. Avoid abrasive pads or scrubbing.
• Use a brass cleaner containing ammonia for best results.
• Re-apply clear lacquer coating occasionally following manufacturer instructions to restore shiny finish.

Copper Hardware

Copper develops a distinct dark patina over time that some appreciate. Clean minimally to maintain this look.

• Wipe down gently with a damp cloth and mild detergent as needed.
• Use lemon oil or copper cleaner/polish and buff lightly to enhance patina. Don’t over-scrub.

Porcelain Hardware

Porcelain cabinet knobs and pulls have a bright white finish, but absorb stains if unsealed.

• Wash with warm, soapy water and dry thoroughly.
• For hard water or grease stains, wipe with diluted vinegar using a soft cloth.
• Re-apply porcelain sealer occasionally according to product instructions. Don’t use wax or abrasives.

Glass Hardware

Clear glass knobs stay looking new with proper care. But can develop a permanent cloudy etched look from cleaning mistakes.

• Clean with a soft cloth, mild detergent, and warm water.
• Avoid using anything abrasive like scrub pads, scrubbing powders, or scouring compounds which can permanently damage the glass surface.

Wood Hardware

Wood handles and knobs bring warmth but are prone to absorbing liquids, so need careful cleaning.

• Wipe down with a slightly damp, wrung-out cloth and mild cleaner.
• Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth to prevent swelling or warping.
• Re-apply protective beeswax or tung oil finish periodically.
• Don’t use abrasives, bleach, or soak wood in water.

Best Practices for Cleaning Success

Follow these tips to get the best results cleaning metal cabinet hardware:

• Test cleaners first in an inconspicuous spot to check for any reaction with the finish.
• Rub gently in the direction of the grain on brushed metal finishes to avoid scratches.
• Use soft, lint-free cloths that won’t leave behind fuzz or particles.
• Avoid abrasive scouring pads, powders, or anything overly harsh that could scratch.
• Be careful using vinegar on marble or limestone countertops which can etch acid-sensitive surfaces.
• Dry immediately after rinsing to prevent water spots, especially on brass finishes.
• Replace any damaged screws, gaskets, or washers during cleaning for smooth operation.
• Consider removing hardware and soaking pieces overnight for the most heavy-duty grime cleaning.
• Clean and polish the cabinets surrounding the hardware so everything looks uniformly refreshed.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and use rubber gloves to protect hands from harsh chemicals.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Follow this complete step-by-step process for cleaning old metal hardware until it looks like new:

Step 1: Remove hardware

If possible, carefully remove all knobs, pulls, and hinges from cabinet doors and drawers to allow for easier cleaning access. Placehardware pieces on a soft towel. Take photos of hardware locations to simplify re-installation later.

Step 2: Clean hardware

Refer to the specific cleaning methods above based on your hardware’s material. Gently clean exterior surfaces and interior openings, crevices, screw holes, and joints where grime collects.

Step 3: Scrub with toothbrush

Use an old toothbrush dipped in cleaning solution (like diluted dish soap or vinegar mix) to scrub away stubborn grease and dirt in engraved grooves, holes, and crevices. Take care not to aggressively scour soft metal finishes.

Step 4: Rinse and dry

Rinse hardware pieces thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue. Immediately hand dry or pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Allow to fully air dry.

Step 5: Inspect and polish

Inspect closely under bright light to spot any remaining tarnish or grime. Re-clean if needed. Apply appropriate metal polish and buff gently until shiny using a soft cloth.

Step 6: Replace hardware

Re-install the gleaming hardware back in its original locations on cabinets and drawers. Replace any unsightly screws or gaskets. Check smooth operation.

Step 7: Clean surrounding cabinets

Clean cabinet and drawer exterior surfaces surrounding the hardware so that everything looks uniformly refreshed. Avoid drips on cabinet surfaces when polishing hardware.

How Often to Clean Metal Hardware

Depending on your usage, climate, and quality of hardware, aim to thoroughly clean metal cabinet hardware every 1-2 years. For high-traffic kitchens, every 6 months is better. Alternatively, do a quick wipe down of your hardware with a dry cloth or wood oil once a month to maintain its shine and remove dust and fingerprints.

Immediately clean up any grease splatters or soap scum around sinks and stoves to prevent buildup. Address any new copper or brass tarnish right away to prevent worsening oxidation. Staying on top of regular minor cleaning is easiest in the long run.

FAQs

How do you clean old rusty cabinet hardware?

For old cabinet hardware with rust pits or corrosion, use a rust remover gel or solution specifically formulated for use on metal. Apply the rust remover, allow it time to work, then scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse. Follow up with a metal polish to restore shine. Replace any hardware too far gone.

What is the safest way to clean cabinet hardware?

The safest cleaning method involves using mild dish soap, warm water, and soft cloths. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that could scratch metal finishes. Test cleaners on a small spot first. Work carefully by hand and rinse thoroughly.

How do you clean brass hardware without removing the patina?

Use mild dish soap and warm water with a soft cloth to gently clean antique brass hardware. You can also try rubbing with lemon oil or brass cleaner and carefully buffing with a lint-free cloth to restore shine and enhance the patina without removing it. Avoid excessive scrubbing.

Should you use vinegar to clean nickel hardware?

Vinegar is too harsh for use on nickel or chrome cabinet hardware as it can damage the plated finishes over time. Instead, use a mild detergent and water, or rub lightly with a chrome polish and soft cloth if needing an extra shine boost.

What’s the easiest way to clean old ceramic cabinet knobs?

Ceramic knobs clean up easily with warm, soapy water and a soft scrub brush or sponge. For hard water deposits or stains, use a diluted vinegar solution wiped on with a damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaning products that could scratch the glazed ceramic.

Conclusion

Cleaning dingy cabinet hardware may seem like a chore, but it goes a long way towards improving the look and function of your cabinets and dressers. Invest some elbow grease into a thorough periodic cleaning. Focus on using gentle cleaners and methods safe for your specific hardware materials. With the right techniques, you can restore the beautiful luster these metal pieces had when they were brand new. Enjoy revitalized hardware that looks as good as it operates.

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