Door handles and knobs are among the dirtiest surfaces in any home. Not only do they harbor a host of microbes that can pose health risks, but the buildup of grime can also detract from their appearance.
To effectively clean your door handles and eliminate dirt and germs, start by identifying the material they are made of. Next, select a cleaning agent that is safe and effective for that specific material. Regular cleaning with disinfectant wipes or suitable solutions will help maintain both hygiene and appearance.
In this article, we’ll dive into the different materials commonly used for door handles and knobs, along with the best cleaning methods for each. These tips are also applicable to the handles of refrigerators, washing machines, and microwaves, ensuring every touchpoint in your home stays clean and hygienic.
1. Identify the Door Handle Material
Before cleaning your door handle, it’s essential to identify the material. Different materials require different cleaning methods, as a wooden handle, for instance, cannot be treated the same way as an aluminum one.
Below is a quick overview of the most common types of door handle and knob materials you’re likely to encounter:
- Brass: Brass is durable and resistant to corrosion. This makes it an excellent (albeit pricey) material for the making of door handles. Although the door handle will remain durable, you can ruin its design and appearance with the wrong cleaning agent.
- Stainless Steel: Steel is the final product from iron, carbon, chromium, and other materials. It is highly durable, which makes it a common choice for door handles. However, it is important to ensure you have true stainless steel door handles, to avoid the high probability of rust and corrosion when using cleaning materials that would otherwise work perfectly for stainless steel.
- Solid Timber: Used as a primary material for construction over the years, there is no denying the fact that solid timber is a durable material for a door handle or knob. Apart from the durability, timber’s neutrality means it is an excellent option in most home décor. The finishes typically applied on wooden knobs means they need to be cleaned carefully to avoid ruining the appearance too quickly.
- Aluminum: The silvery-white appearance of aluminum makes it a great choice for door handles. They are generally the most resistant to factors such as using the wrong cleaning agents, but that doesn’t mean you should push the material to its limits.
- Glass: Glass is fragile, but its elegant feel means some designer door handles are made of it. Cleaning glass handles should be straightforward on paper, but it is still easy to get it wrong.
- MDF: Medium Density Fibreboard door handles are gradually becoming common in the market. The material is cost-efficient and durable, but it can reach its limits pretty quickly. This is why you need to ensure you are cleaning them with the right materials.
2. Use the Right Cleaning Agents Appropriate for the Material
Now that you’re familiar with the different types of door handle materials, let’s explore the best methods for cleaning each one effectively.
Cleaning Brass Door Handles
Brass door handles and knobs come in a variety of finishes, including satin, polished, and tarnished finishes. This can determine the approach you take. However, the easiest way to clean most brass door handles is to add a small amount of dishwashing liquid in warm water and use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the handle. Once you’ve cleaned the surface well enough, use another cloth, wet with fresh water, to get rid of any soap residue.
At the end of the process, use a dry cloth to get rid of any water on the surface to make it shine. Avoid using dishwashing liquids that have salts to avoid tarnishing the brass.
If you have a door handle that is made of tarnished brass originally, you can clean it by wiping with a cloth soaked in pure lemon juice or white vinegar. Rinse away the vinegar or lemon juice and dry the handle with a dry cloth.
If you don’t have cleaning vinegar at home, you can buy popular options like the Bluewater 200 Grain or the Heinz Multi-Purpose Cleaning Vinegar. For lemon juice, Real Lemon is a good option to consider.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Door Handles
You can clean stainless steel door handles with some soapy water and microfiber cloth. However, if you want to get rid of more difficult stains like grease, or water scaling, you’ll need to dip the cleaning cloth in commercial cleaning fluids instead. Rinse the handle thoroughly with fresh water and dry it off at the end of the process.
Don’t clean stainless steel door handles with a scouring powder paste or steel wool. This will leave scratches all over the surface of the steel.
Cleaning Solid Timber Door Handles
Cleaning timber door handles and knobs is straightforward. Create a solution of vinegar and water and use a microfiber cloth to wipe the surfaces thoroughly. Use a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture.
If you have a really dirty stain on the handle or knob that can’t be cleaned with just water and vinegar, consider using some washing liquid diluted in water. However, don’t make it a regular occurrence to avoid ruining the finish on the wood.
Cleaning Aluminum Door Handles
To clean aluminum door handles properly, you need to create a cleaning mix. Here are the steps to take:
- Get a small bowl.
- Add a tablespoon of vinegar, flour, and salt.
- Mix thoroughly.
Once the paste is ready, apply it to the door handles. Let the application sit for five to ten minutes, then wash it off thoroughly with water. Dry the handles with a cloth.
Cleaning MDF Door Handles
To clean MDF door handles, you can repeat the process of cleaning timber handles. However, you need to take extra care of the wetness in the cloth you are using. You don’t want too much water on this material. Once you are done cleaning, wipe the handles dry immediately.
3. Clean With Disinfectant Wipes Regularly
If your door handles aren’t heavily soiled, a disinfectant wipe is an effective way to remove dirt and germs while keeping them clean with minimal effort. This simple approach is also well-suited for materials like brass.
Brass door handles, in particular, have an oligodynamic effect, which means they naturally eliminate germs within a few hours. A quick wipe-down is usually sufficient to clean them, with deeper cleaning approach reserved for tougher stains or when necessary.
General Considerations
As you’ve seen above, a microfiber cloth is an important cleaning “tool” for door handles and knobs. If you don’t have some at home, you can consider buying popular options like this 12-Pack.
- All-Purpose Microfiber Cleaning Towels with Over...
- 80% Polyester/20% Polyamide Blend - Proven Softer, More...
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Secondly, using scouring powder or any abrasive cleaning mixes is a good way to ruin the appearance of the door handle. The negative effect will be very visible on stainless steel or brass handles, but even wood and aluminum will also look worse off with such a cleaning approach.
Conclusion
Cleaning your door handles and knobs is a great way to keep the germs away and also ensure longevity for the overall appearance of your door. If your door handles look dirty and worn out, the door automatically loses its shine.
Make sure you are applying the right cleaning approaches relevant to the door handle material, and avoid staining the door during the cleaning process.
