Brass cabinet hardware is a timeless addition to any home, offering elegance and durability. However, over time, it can lose its shine due to dirt, grease, and tarnish. Many homeowners are unsure whether their brass handles need cleaning or polishing, but understanding the difference is crucial to maintaining the beauty of your hardware. This blog will explain how to clean brass cabinet hardware, when to clean and when to polish brass, and how to properly care for your VIGOROUSHOME’s brass cabinet hardware.
Cleaning Brass Cabinet Hardware
Dirt, grime, or oil on brass is probably the most common reason to clean. When your brass handles have dulled or feel sticky when touched, it is probably time to clean them.
When learning how to clean brass cabinet hardware, it’s essential to use gentle methods to avoid damaging the surface. Start by wiping down the brass with a soft cloth dampened with warm water and mild dish soap. This simple solution works well for removing surface-level dirt without causing harm.
For tougher stains or tarnish, you can use brass cleaners. Gently clean the brass using this cleaner and a soft cloth, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Be cautious with abrasive materials, as they can scratch the brass. If you’re cleaning lacquered brass, avoid acidic solutions, as they may strip the protective coating.
To maintain the longevity of your brass hardware, clean it every few months. This regular upkeep will prevent buildup and help your brass retain its natural shine.
Polishing Brass Cabinet Hardware
While cleaning is the process that would remove dirt and stains, polishing returns the shine and luster that characterizes brass. If your brass handle is pale and dull and looks hazy even after frequent cleaning, this is when you polish.
It does not do so when the brass has been coated or even lacquered; the polish works well where the brass is not. Tarnishing, in fact, is the result of oxidation, that chemical reaction between the brass and the air around it. To understand how to clean brass handles which are tarnished involves using a brass polish manufactured especially for use on brass. Rub the polish into the item with a soft cloth, using gentle circular motions to make the brass shine again. Then buff the hardware with a clean cloth to remove leftovers and work out luster.
For brass hardware with intricate designs, use a small brush or toothbrush to apply the polish in hard-to-reach areas. If your brass handles are lacquered, polishing isn’t always necessary since the lacquer protects the metal from tarnishing. However, if the lacquer wears off, polishing can bring back the shine.
When to Clean Vs. When to Polish
It depends on the situation of your brass hardware whether it is to clean or polish them. If your brass handles are only dirty or greasy, cleaning is usually enough after knowing the complete process of how to clean brass handles. But if, after cleaning, you find that your brass is looking dull and clearly tarnished, it’s time to polish.
In summary, learning how to clean brass cabinet hardware means one has to understand how to clean as well as polish. Cleaning prevents the continuation of accumulation, while polishing brings back the shine with a reflected natural beauty where it’s tarnished. This proper care will ensure your brass cabinet hardware remains an enhancing beauty and valuable item for years.
