We all want to achieve that authentic period restoration aesthetic, but not much thought is given to how to care for your antique hardware and door knobs. Door handles, drawer pulls and cupboard knobs see a lot of traffic every day, so it’s important to make sure they are clean and hygienic.
While modern door handles are commonly made from materials that are easily wiped down and rarely tarnish, this isn’t always the case for genuine antique door hardware. The materials used will play a big part in the materials you can use to clean them.
We recommend using natural cleaning products to clean your door knobs rather than turning to harsh chemical cleaners. Many vintage designs will develop character and a unique patina over time, but this will be removed if you choose harsh chemical cleaners.
The first step in learning how to care for your hardware is to determine if your door knobs are genuine antiques, or if they are faithful replicas.
Replicas are incredibly easy to care for. All you need is a soft lint cloth to keep them dust free. Some will also require occasional oiling to keep them looking beautiful. If you purchased your door knobs from us, we will include cleaning instructions suitable for the chosen materials.
If you have genuine antiques, this will often require a lot more care and attention to detail. We’ve included some tips for caring for antique materials below. A genuine Victorian door knob could be over 150 years old, which adds up to a lot of daily use. If your original door knobs are showing their age, we recommend replacing them with faithful replicas.
The methods and supplies you need to clean your door knobs will all depend on what they are made of. Antique and period door knobs could be made from brass, copper, nickel, wood, stainless steel, pewter, silver or glass.
The door knob could also be finished with a special coating which will need to be removed before the door knob is thoroughly cleaned and then re-finished. Some materials will be more susceptible to tarnishing, which can leave unsightly marks on your hands and clothing.
You will need to clean these materials regularly or apply a finish that helps to prevent tarnishing. As a general rule, you should use gentle or natural cleaning products and avoid abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool. A microfibre cloth should be sufficient for most materials.
These materials are commonly used in period homes. You should avoid using any harsh or corrosive chemicals to clean your brass door knobs as this can strip the top coat or lead to unsightly scratches on the metal.
For highly ornate door knobs with intricate designs, you might find a soft bristled toothbrush is useful for getting into the hard to reach areas.
Avoid using any abrasive or acidic to clean your nickel door knobs. A simple mixture of warm water and dish soap applied with a microfibre cloth should be sufficient for getting your door knobs clean. Make sure they are completely dry and free from soap residue. The same process can be used to clean stainless steel door knobs.
Silver looks stunning, but it is prone to turning green and leaving dirty marks on hands that can then transfer to clothing. The best way to remove tarnish from silver is using bicarbonate of soda and boiling water. Immerse the door knobs in the solution and leave it to sit.
Once the solution has cooled, remove the door knobs and wipe with a soft cloth. This should remove all traces of tarnish without resorting to chemicals that could damage the finish.
A simple soft lint-free cloth will be ideal for cleaning your wooden door knobs without damaging the wood. Avoid using too much water when cleaning wood, as this could lead it to swell and crack. Wood polish is also effective, but this can make the wood very shiny, which can make it difficult to get a grip on the handle.
Glass is one of the most hard-wearing materials for door knobs. Keep a close eye out for cracks or chips and replace it promptly if there are any sharp edges. A natural glass cleaner like vinegar and water should be sufficient to keep your glass door knobs clean and sparkling.
Creaks and squeaks are caused by friction between moving parts, usually in the door hardware. This can happen with age and is more common with older hardware.
If you have cleaned your door hinges with soapy water, this can often lead to creaks as the soap will remove the lubrication on the metal. The simplest solution is a drop of oil or WD40. If the creaking is persistent, it might be time to replace your hardware.
The inner workings of locks and door mechanisms can wear down over time, leading them to become less reliable. Use a degreaser like WD40 to keep mechanisms moving smoothly.
If parts are worn down or broken, you might be able to hear rattling inside the mechanism. This means it is time to replace the lock or mechanism. Don’t put this off for too long, as you could find yourself locked in or out of rooms.
If you have original antique door hardware in your home, there might come a time when you need to think about replacing it. Materials can wear down over time and lead to doors getting jammed shut or materials showing signs of wear and tear.
Rather than ruin your interiors with modern hardware, we recommend choosing faithful reproductions of original designs. This will allow you to enjoy all of the benefits of brand-new hardware, with the materials and styles that are sympathetic to the original style of your home.
Our door knobs and hardware are faithfully recreated from salvaged pieces. This means you can enjoy the original designs with reliable components.
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