How to Clean Drawer Handles

Drawer handles are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they’re one of the most touched parts of your furniture. Over time, dirt, grime, and even tarnish can build up, making your handles look dull. Not to worry; we’ll show you how to clean drawer handles properly, no matter what material or finish they have, so they can shine again like new.

General Tips for Cleaning All Types of Drawer Handles

Before diving into the specifics of how to clean drawer handles based on their material, it’s important to get up to speed with some general tips that apply to all drawer handles. With just a few simple steps, it’s relatively easy to keep your drawer handles in good condition. Let’s start with what you’ll need:

Essential Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need

Soft Cloths: Ideal for wiping and polishing without scratching the surface.
Mild Soap or Detergent: Great for removing everyday dirt and grime.
Warm Water: Used to create a gentle cleaning solution.
Soft-Bristled Brush: Perfect for scrubbing stubborn spots without causing damage.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions

Now that you’ve got your tools and supplies, here’s how to clean drawer handles using them:

Remove the Handles (Optional): If you can, unscrew the handles from the drawer to make cleaning easier.
Wipe With a Damp Cloth: Use warm water and mild soap to gently wipe the handles, removing surface dirt.
Scrub Gently: If there are tough spots, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the area without damaging the handle.
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the handles with clean water and dry them thoroughly to prevent water spots or rust.

How to Clean Brass Drawer Handles

Brass handles can add a touch of elegance to your furniture, but they tend to tarnish over time. With the right cleaning routine, however, you can restore their beautiful shine. You’ll need to use the correct cleaning solution, though.

Best Cleaning Solutions for Brass Handles

Brass requires special care to avoid damaging the surface. Here are a few safe cleaning solutions:

Mild Soap and Water: Perfect for regular cleaning to keep dirt at bay.
Lemon and Baking Soda Paste: A natural cleaning solution that’s great for tackling tarnish.
Brass Cleaner: You can use a commercial brass cleaner for a quick and effective shine.

Removing Tarnish from Brass Handles

Over time, tarnish can dull the look of brass handles. Here’s how to remove it:

Apply a Tarnish Remover: Use a brass-specific product or a homemade lemon and baking soda paste.
Rub Gently: Rub the tarnish off using a soft cloth, working in circular motions.
Buff for Shine: Once the tarnish is gone, buff the brass with a clean, dry cloth to restore its shine.

How to Clean Metal Drawer Handles

Metal handles are typically more durable than their brass counterparts. Even so, they can still gather dirt or develop rust over the years. Cleaning them correctly will help maintain their look and longevity.

Effective Methods for Different Metal Types

There are many types of metal drawers! As you can imagine, different metals require slightly different cleaning methods. Here’s how to clean the most common types:

Stainless Steel: Wipe the handle with a damp cloth dipped in mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the surface.
Aluminium: Use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean and brighten the metal.
Chrome: Clean with soapy water and buff with a soft cloth to maintain its polished look.

Preventing Rust and Corrosion on Metal Handles

Rust and corrosion are common issues for metal handles. Fortunately, they can be prevented with regular care. You should:

Dry Thoroughly: Always dry metal handles after you clean them to prevent water from sitting on the surface.
Apply a Protective Coating: Use a metal polish or wax to coat the handles and protect them from moisture.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of acidic or abrasive cleaners that can damage the metal.

How to Tackle Stubborn Stains on Drawer Handles

Sometimes, drawer handles develop stains that are tough to remove with regular cleaning methods. This is especially relevant for drawer handles in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms. In these cases, you may need to use stronger techniques to restore their look.

Using Homemade Cleaning Solutions

For a natural and cost-effective approach, try these homemade solutions:

Baking Soda and Water Paste: Mix water with baking soda to make a paste. Apply it to the stain and scrub gently with a soft brush.
White Vinegar and Salt: Combine vinegar and salt to dissolve tough stains and brighten the surface.
Lemon Juice: The acidity of lemon juice goes a long way to break down stubborn dirt and grime.

When to Use Professional Products

Sometimes, homemade just won’t cut it! Lemon juice and natural products can only go so far. There are a few instances where you’ll need to turn to professional products:

Persistent Tarnish or Rust: If you’ve cleaned your handles but the tarnish or rust doesn’t budge, professional metal cleaners or polishes will likely be more effective.
Deep Stains: Stains that have set in over time may require stronger cleaning solutions designed to break down dirt and residue that homemade cleaners just can’t handle.
Loss of Shine: If your drawer handles have lost their original shine despite regular cleaning, professional polishing products can restore their lustre.
Corrosion or Oxidation: In cases where your handles show signs of oxidation or corrosion, especially on metal surfaces, it’s best to use products specifically designed to protect and treat these issues.

Best Products for Long-Term Care

To keep your drawer handles looking like new and avoid any of the issues listed above, consider using professional products. You can also use them to clean door handles! Here are some recommended options:

For Metal Drawers: If you’re maintaining stainless steel, brass, or chrome handles, Renaissance Wax is an excellent option. It’s even trusted by museums for its ability to protect metal surfaces from tarnish and corrosion.
For Polished Finishes: For maintaining polished wood or metal handles, Antiquax Original Wax Polish works well. Its blend of beeswax and carnauba wax creates a protective coating that enhances shine and resists fingerprints.
For Heavy-Duty Metal Care: If your metal handles are showing signs of rust or corrosion, Tableau Metal Polish is a UK-made cleaner specifically designed for treating and protecting metal surfaces, restoring their original appearance.

Cleaning Drawer Handles in Different Finishes

Not all handles are made from metal or brass. Some are painted or coated with special finishes. These handles require a gentler approach to avoid damaging the surface.

Cleaning Painted or Coated Handles

Painted or coated handles are prone to chipping and scratching, so it’s important to clean them carefully:

Use a Soft Cloth: Avoid using abrasive sponges that could scratch the paint or coating.
Mild Soap Only: Stick to mild soap and water, and avoid any harsh chemicals that could strip the finish.
Dry Immediately: Always dry the handles right after you clean them to prevent water damage or streaks.

Caring for Polished vs. Matte Finishes

Handles with polished finishes need a different approach from those with matte finishes:

Polished Finishes: Use a gentle cloth to buff the surface. Avoid harsh scrubbing, which could leave scratches.
Matte Finishes: Clean with mild soap and water, but don’t buff or polish. Buffing can make matte finishes, like matte gold drawer handles, look shiny, which defeats the purpose of their flat look.

Quality Handles from Decor and Decor: Built to Last

At Decor and Decor, we offer high-quality, durable drawer handles that are made to last. Now that you know how to clean drawer handles properly, you can keep your handles looking as great as the day you installed them.

FAQs

Can I use vinegar to clean my drawer handles?

Yes, vinegar is an effective and natural cleaner for most metal drawer handles. It’s especially useful for removing stains or grime. However, you should avoid using vinegar on brass handles, as it can damage the finish over time.

How do I clean tarnished brass drawer handles?

To clean tarnished brass handles, use a commercial brass cleaner or a homemade solution like lemon juice and baking soda. Apply the solution, rub gently with a soft cloth, and buff the handles for shine. Regular cleaning will help prevent future tarnishing.

Are there specific cleaners I should avoid for metal drawer handles?

Yes, avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface of metal handles. Stay away from bleach, ammonia, or any acid-based products. Instead, stick to mild soap and water, or use products specifically designed for metal surfaces.

How to Clean Drawer Handles: A Simple Guide