How to Maintain Brass Door Hardware
Maintaining and cleaning solid brass door handles
For centuries, brass has held a special place in interior design, its glow and elegance gracing the doors of everything from grand estates to boutique hotels.
But like any precious material, brass requires proper care to maintain its beauty. As trusted partners in creating exceptional interiors, we understand the importance of preserving the integrity of the design elements you select.
In this article, we'll explore how to clean and maintain brass door handles, ensuring they continue to add luxury and warmth to your projects for years to come.
Understanding brass
Let's begin by reviewing the material itself. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, offers both durability and malleability. This combination allows for intricate designs that integrate into your vision.
However, it's essential to remember that brass, like most metals, undergoes a natural process called oxidation. This results in a distinctive patina. Fortunately, this is normally just a surface reaction and doesn’t indicate damage. Cleaning and proper care can maintain and slow the rate of patination , but the method depends on the type of finish.
We'll cover these finishes and cleaning methods next, so you can advise clients and keep their brass looking beautiful.
How to clean and maintain brass door handles
With a few household staples and our expert tips, revive the warm glow of brass and elevate your designs. Here's how to professionally clean brass door handles.
Living brass
Initial care
Establish a waxing routine from the moment of installation.
Wipe away fingerprints with a dry, soft cotton cloth.
Apply a thin, even layer of wax (Renaissance Wax or natural beeswax) using another soft cotton cloth.
Buff the surface dry with a clean, dry cotton cloth.
Repeat this process once or twice a week for the first four weeks.
Regular maintenance
After the initial four weeks, continue cleaning the brass handles with a dry cotton cloth.
Periodically reapply wax and buff dry to maintain the protective barrier.
This helps shield the surface from natural hand oils, water stains (especially for kitchen and bathroom items), and slows down the breakdown of the natural finish.
Plated Brass
Plated finishes offer a more consistent, lustrous appearance. To preserve this look, follow these guidelines:
Initial care
Immediately after installation, wipe away any fingerprints with a soft, clean cotton cloth.
Avoid using harsh chemicals, cleaning products, or abrasive materials.
Regular maintenance
For routine cleaning, use warm water only.
Dry the surface promptly with a dry, clean cotton cloth to prevent water stains and protect the finish.
Avoid using polish, as it can thin the plating over time.
To enhance the finish and offer additional protection against fingerprints and water stains, you can periodically apply a coat of wax (Renaissance Wax or natural beeswax) and buff dry.
Gentle care is key. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials that can scratch the brass.
Joseph Giles specialises in the design, manufacturing, and trade supply of architectural hardware for the most discerning clientele worldwide. Explore our collection of brass door handles by clicking here, or delve deeper into the art of caring for finishes.