If the handles and/or hardware of your Kwikset doors are dirty, you will need to clean them.
But you probably don’t know the cleaning method that works best—depending on the material your door handle is made of. If this sounds like you, you should keep reading. This article has valuable information for you. Let’s begin!
To clean a Kwikset door handle and other hardware, Kwikset recommends using mild soapy water and then dry the hardware with a soft cloth/towel—after cleaning.
If you’re looking to learn more about cleaning door lock handles (smart locks inclusive) and other hardware, see our detailed guide below.
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How to clean door locks handles/hardware
Door lock handles and other hardware can be made from brass, copper or pewter. And their cleaning methods differ—since the materials are not the same.
This guide will show you how to clean door handles/hardware according to the material they are made from. Let’s begin!
How to clean copper and brass door handles
Though these two materials (brass and copper) are slightly different, their cleaning method is the same, as they’re both red metals.
Before you clean your brass door handle or knob, it is important to know what you are actually dealing with. Brass door knobs or handles can be made of solid brass, or another material plated with gold. You can test the magnet with a simple magnet test. The magnet won’t stick to solid brass.
The reason you need to first determine this before cleaning your brass door handle is that if it’s brass-plated, you should only clean with warm soapy water. You can damage the hardware by using abrasives to remove the brass plating.
That said, here’s how to clean door handles made of brass and copper:
Continue reading: Best Smart Lock Door Handles. Smart locks combine modern technology with traditional locking door handles for convenience. We tested the best.
Can you clean brass with Toothpaste
You can clean brass door lock handles and other hardware using toothpaste. Brass door lock hardware can be cleaned using common household products. This includes ketchup and vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, and toothpaste.
Use toothpaste to clean brass handles. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the brass handle, and let it sit for a few seconds.
Now rinse it with clean water and polish the handle using a soft cloth.
How to clean pewter door handles and hardware
Pewter, like brass and silver, is susceptible to tarnish. To keep your pewter door hardware in tip top shape throughout the year, you will need it to be cleaned from time to time.
Pewter is made mostly of tin and could develop a dark patina over time—some people love the dark patina though.
So here’s how to clean door handles made of pewter:
How to Clean Stainless Steel Door Handles
Here’s what you need to know before cleaning your stainless steel door handles; never use chlorine bleach, steel wool, or other abrasives on your stainless steel door hardware. They can cause damage to the handles’ finish and make them look unattractive.
And with that being said, here’s how to clean your stainless steel door handles:
How to Clean Plated Chrom and Nickel Door Locks Handless/Hardware
Most internal door hardware is made from polished chrome or nickel. They will only require a light dusting with a soft cloth every two to three months.
If the handles are being used as exterior door lock handles, wash them with mild soapy warm water and dry with a soft cloth. A light coating of wax can be applied to make the maintenance even easier.
How to clean door lock handles in sterling silver
Sterling silver is quite prone to tarnish—but thankfully, you can remove silver tarnish with a variety of store-bought cleaners. There are a few DIY methods that can be used to restore the sterling silver door handle or hardware. Here’s one that works:
Notification: This requires removing the hardware of the door. Refer to your user manual for details on how to remove and change your door handle.
How to Clean Black Antique Door Locks Handles
Use a soft cloth to clean antique black door handles and other hardware. Do this often.
Attention must be paid to the screws on your door lock handle as they can corrode or rust if exposed to the elements (high-moisture environments). To prevent corrosion and rusting, you can paint the head of the screws with black paint.
Final Words
So that’s how to clean your Kwikset door handles and others (Schlage, Baldwin, Yale, etc.). Keep in mind that Kwikset door handles (and other hardware too) can be made from brass, copper or chrome and should be cleaned using the appropriate methods.
If your Kwikset smartlock has a handle, you can clean it with any one of the above methods. However, make sure that water and other liquids don’t penetrate the electronic components.
READ NEXT:
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