E: [email protected], Easy Cleaning Methods for Door Knobs, Hinges, Handles and Knockers, Read other articles written by Chris Strauss, Tips for Removing a Broken Key from a Lock, Never use chlorine bleach or chloride containing projects, Avoid using steel wool and other abrasives, Avoid using hard water or cleaning stainless steel hardware while it is warm. Whether you are refurbishing a vintage furniture find or touching up hinges and handles around your home, knowing how to properly clean hardware and how to clean door hinges among other fixtures is important. The following information concerns the proper care of Truth window and door hardware. This is too harsh and can cause damage to the material. Cleaning stainless steel can be a bit tricky without beginning with accurate information. Simply spray a bit of the solution onto surfaces, let them soak for a minute or two and then dry and polish them vigorously with a clean cloth. Boiling off the Paint – You can let your hardware soak in a simmering pot of water and baking soda for an hour or two and then wipe off the paint pretty easily with some 0000 Steel Wool. 1) Place your hardware in a disposable metal container. New hinges and knobs are so expensive and you need so many. It's brass (Titan is the brand on the lock). Drop the hardware into the pot and let it simmer for fifteen or so minutes. Good painters remove or cover door hardware before they paint. This time, in particular, my home remedy for cleaning brass hardware just happened to reveal such a gorgeous finish that I can’t bring myself to paint over it. An antique door is a unique problem, because it’s a small enough job that it seems fairly easy but important enough that you don’t want to mess up, since doors are so highly visible. 4) Remove the spindle Just rub the leaves firmly over pewter door knobs, hinges and other surfaces to remove buildup and then buff them with a soft cloth to restore their sparkly clean look. Learn how to clean cabinet hardware with this handy list. Telling the difference between brass and brass plated hardware is relatively easy. Did you make this project? Paper towels or cleaning cloths Metal polish Large old pot ... Place enough water in a slow cooker to cover the pieces of hardware. Submerge the hardware in the soapy water for several hours or overnight. The type of polish depends on whether your hinges are brass, silver or another metal. When I moved in, they were painted over with multiple layers of paint, although the paint had worn off some of the knobs to show plain steel, with hints of the bronze colour they used to be peaking through. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information. Remove the hardware from the water one piece at a time and scrub it with a soft toothbrush. 2) Add a good dollop of dish soap, and fill with water. A sure way to tell the difference between the two is to use a kitchen magnet. You can always reapply the clear coat after the cleaning process. The pin may also help. We will never share your information with third parties. Mauro finds an old painting tray works well for this application. Cleaning solid brass hardware is easy: steel wool or sandpaper works. Use a mild solution instead, such an all-purpose cleaner. We have an extensive collection of antique cabinet, furniture, window and door hardware to suit every type of restoration project. Mix 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap with 1 pint of water. The next day, the paint will be soft and ready to fall off the metal. Use a mild solution instead, such an all-purpose cleaner. You may need to rinse the cloth as you go to keep it clean enough to do the job, especially if there is significant buildup of dust or dirt. Don't use your favorite pan, it's going to get disgusting ; For tougher cleaning jobs, pull out the ketchup, tomato sauce, or tomato paste. Give the metal hardware a pass with a clean, dry cloth as you work around the kitchen. Put on the lid and let the contents of the pot cook all night. I brought it to a boil and then turned it down to simmer for 30 minutes. Hardware collectors tend to have a favorite method of cleaning and polishing their finds. Sign Up For Special Offers (888) 223-2545 | Free Shipping on Orders Over $100. Next came the FUN part! The average small home has at least two dozen knobs, not to mention hinges and knockers that are likely the most forgotten part of your doors—at least until they fail or need lubricating. Dry them and put them back on the cabinets. It brings a smile to my face every time I see it.! So try to clean them first before you decide to make a huge purchase. So if you do not see what you are looking for, contact us or come visit our Rochester, NY warehouse to see what's new. Old or antique hinges, doorknobs and other hardware can greatly add to your home's décor, especially if you have an older home or are trying to decorate with a retro theme. The head of an old toothbrush could get in the corners and scrape away grime in a way steel wool could not. - surface to spray on, For an in depth look at how to remove this type of hardware, and how to clean its innards, I suggest this instructable:https://www.instructables.com/id/Cleaning-and-Repairing-an-Antique-Mortise-Door-Loc/ They are building up dirt, grime, and invisible bacteria with each use. Step 1 Wipe the hardware with a cleaning cloth dampened slightly with warm water. Also, while I liked using the steel wool for the face of the hardware, when it came to the inset part of the campaign handles, there was tons of gunk in there, and an old toothbrush was really the best tool to clean it. Peel and scrape the paint off. First you will need to mix the natural ingredients into the brass cleaning solution. Great Valley Lock Shop Another set is unpainted and I salivate as I pass it. To properly clean the old door hardware, you can quickly make an inexpensive cleaning solution that will clean all types of hardware found on your doors. However, use caution to avoid those that contain solvents that can damage your hardware. Lacquered Brass can be damaged easily by rings and keys and these little cuts in the lacquer will allow the air to tarnish the metal underneath over time. I know, it tarnishes, but nothing a bit of Brasso every few months can't handle;-), Reply Pull the hardware out of the pot and place it somewhere where the paint can be scraped off. 5. Silver hinges, too, can loose their brightness and shine over time, as can other metals. Once a week, take time to thoroughly wipe the copper or brass handles, knobs and pulls from top to bottom to keep grease and dirt from building up. 3) Give the metal a good wash with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Follow the directions on the spray paint and paint your hardware. It just wasn't on my radar until I started looking at the house with selling in mind. Cleaning. The paint came off easily, the hardware didn't end up getting scuffed, and it was a fairly pain-free process. If you are using vinegar and baking soda to clean your metal, first brush the hardware with a layer of vinegar. I ran into the very same issue refurbishing 90-year-old doors in my new house. The residue and tarnish will quickly ‘melt’ away. - screwdriver While they are susceptible to tarnishing, they can easily be cleaned with a few household products and a bit of elbow grease. They have been varnished then painted over the top of the varnish. Wait 15 minutes for the polish to cloud up, and then wipe it off with a soft cloth. Reinstall your hardware (it will probably be easier without the paint gumming up the screws), and enjoy your shiny new door knobs! HOW SHOULD I REMOVE THE PAINT ON THE HINGES? Yes, we’re serious! 3) Loosen the screw on the knob and screw the knob off the spindle. For tougher cleaning jobs, pull out the ketchup, tomato sauce, or tomato paste. There are ways to try to clean that off. F: 610-889-3837 (We can help you fix that door knob at home, too!). - your door hardware Open the wood door and use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off the edges all around the door frame. The interior doors of my house have the original 1950's knobs - the old style with the long escutcheon plates and the knob-and-spindle doorknobs. 2) Polish off any loose rust or corrosion. However, for stuck on gunk or stubborn residue, you can create a mixture of equal parts of olive oil and vinegar. You can also douse a cloth with a bit of lemon oil furniture polish, club soda, or WD-40 and rub it into your door knobs and hinges until they are spotless. https://www.instructables.com/id/Cleaning-and-Repairing-an-Antique-Mortise-Door-Loc/, How to Make a Bent Plywood Modern Mantel Clock. Contact us at 610-644-5334 today for more information about how we can serve you within the communities of Malvern, Kennett Square, Downington, King of Prussia and West Chester. Use coarse or old rags. So, here's how I made my worn and sad looking door hardware look like hammered copper for less then $10, and, made them all match. You can add a bit of mild dish soap to your damp rag if the dirt seems resistant to wiping. Doing so can cause rust to appear. You likely use them every day without giving their cleanliness a passing thought, even when you’re doing a thorough spring cleaning of your home. In order to keep your hardware looking and functioning properly, you should do the following: If there is a lot of dirt on the hardware, mix the water with a mild dish detergent to loosen up any gunk. Most general-purpose cleaning solutions will adequately clean crystal, glass and clear plastic knobs and handles. For minor cleaning, you should be able to use a bit of mild dish soap mixed with hot water. Polishing antique brass door hardware without scratching or otherwise damaging the surface is a concern of many homeowners, and we often get asked what can be done to polish up these beautiful pieces. To do this, Schlage recommends starting with a mild liquid dishwashing soap detergent mixed with water. 1) Use the knife to carefully cut the paint along the edge of the escutcheon plates. From gleaming stainless steel hinges, decorative polished brass knobs and antique drawer pulls, well-maintained hardware goes a long way in enhancing the appeal of your favourite furniture pieces. Reply. The most common hardware … However, if you want to save some cash and time, you might consider this next solution, which would require the temporary removal of some of your hardware. Brass hinges become tarnished over the years, almost taking on a greenish tint or sometimes appearing black. Ever have a piece of furniture (o Our Antique Door Hardware will help you complete your home restoration project quickly and easily. Step 2. About a tablespoon apiece is a good place to begin, depending on how much hardware you plan to clean. 5) Give your slow cooker a good wash, and throw out the metal container. Wind-blown dust and dirt can cause the windows and doors to be more difficult to operate, as well as cause the hardware to wear or corrode faster. Rub and smooth the polish on the hinges and pins. - metal polish (I started with a commercial polish, but ended up using baking soda, water, and a toothbrush) To restore brass door handles and return the fixtures to their original gleaming condition, you can use commercial cleaners or homemade concoctions that are affordable and highly effective. My steps for how to clean old brass hardware is rather simple. Your source for all things door, hardware and hinges well and then wipe it off with a household! 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