To a locksmith locks are, of course, the most important part of the door. But professional locksmiths aren’t completely unaware of the hardware the lock is installed in, and they understand homeowners like that hardware to look as attractive as possible. Here are some simple, effective solutions for cleaning door hardware – knobs, hinges, handles, lock plates, and knockers.
Clear-Coated Hardware
Source: Pexels
Door hardware that features a high-gloss finish often comes by it through a protective clear-coat layer. When you need to clean the subsurface material, you have to get through the clear coat first. The ideal tool for this job is a solvent that can remove acrylics, such as mineral spirits. A new clear coat can be applied after you’re done cleaning the metal below.
Brass And Copper Door Hardware: Do-It-Yourself Cleaning Solutions
1) Mix flour, vinegar, and salt water in equal proportions, typically about a tablespoon of each. Mix thoroughly to create a clingy paste. Rub this gently onto door hardware made from brass or copper. Let the paste sit for a few minutes and then buff it away with a soft cloth.
2) Cut a ripe lemon in half. Thoroughly coat the interior pulp of one half with salt. Rub the fruit on tarnished brass or copper to restore its shine, clean it, and disinfect it. Use a cotton cloth afterward to remove any leftover lemon residue.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Door Hardware
Source: Pexels
Stainless steel is a tremendously durable metal, but keeping it looking its best can be trickier than you think. It’s important not to damage the finish by using cleaning products that are too harsh. Steer clear of the following stainless-steel cleaning mistakes:
* Never use any cleaner that contains chlorides on stainless steel. This includes chlorine bleach!
* Do not use oven cleaners on stainless steel.
* Do not use abrasive scourers, such as steel wool.
* Avoid cleaning stainless steel with hard water if possible.
* Whenever possible, test new cleaning products on a small area of hardware to confirm that they will not damage the finish.
Stainless steel door hardware is best cleaned using a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. If your hardware has sticky or stubborn gunk on it, create a stronger cleaning solution by mixing equal parts olive oil and vinegar. For locksmith lock services, contact Popalock immediately.
Cleaning Silver or Silver-Plated Door Hardware
Source: Pexe
Silver is a beautiful metal with a lot of attractive properties, but it’s also notorious for tarnishing easily. Silver door hardware is best cleaned with products specifically formulated for sterling silver. If you want to give silver hardware a thorough cleaning and you can remove it from the door, follow this procedure: Arrange the hardware in an aluminum baking tray (ideally a disposable one) and add a cup of baking soda. Then, fill the tray with enough boiling water to cover the hardware completely. This treatment will melt away tarnish and unwanted residue in instants. Once the hardware cools, use a clean, soft cloth to polish the pieces up to a brilliant shine before reinstalling them.
Cleaning Pewter Door Hardware
There’s a funky but effective homemade recipe for cleaning pewter. Simply rub the metal with a fresh leaf pulled from the outside of a head of cabbage. This will quickly cut through unwanted buildup. Buff pewter hardware with a soft cloth afterward to make them look their best.
Crystal, Glass, And Other Materials
A mild general-purpose cleanser should be safe to use on door hardware made of glass, crystal, plastic, or other materials. As suggested above, you’ll want to test out a new product on a small area first to confirm that it doesn’t have an adverse effect on either the material or the finish of your door hardware.
Author’s Bio:
Jonathan Weyer is a car enthusiast. He has been fond of cars at a very young age. Every part fascinates him, from the seats to the engine, even the key design! In his free time, he makes sure to take his dog for a walk and play with him at a local park. Other that, he writes a lot so he can share his passion with everyone.
