How To Clean Knurled Handles: Step-by-Step Guide

Knurled drawer handles are a stylish addition to any home, offering a unique texture and a firm grip. While aesthetically pleasing, their intricate design can make cleaning a bit challenging. This guide will walk you through the steps to keep your knurled handles looking as good as new, ensuring they remain a standout feature on your drawers or cabinets.

 

 

What is Knurled Hardware?

Knurled handles are known for their textured surface that’s created through a process called knurling. This process involves rolling or cutting a pattern of straight, angled, or crossed ridges onto the metal surface. Knurled handles are often used in modern and industrial-inspired interiors for their style and functionality.

Types of Knurled Handle Finishes

Knurled handles come in a variety of finishes, each adding a unique touch to your home décor and requiring different care. Here's a look at the most common types:

Brass

Brass knurled handles are a popular choice due to their warm, golden hue that adds elegance to any space. However, brass can tarnish over time, developing a patina that you may prefer to remove. Cleaning brass knurled handles requires the use of a soft cloth with a mild cleaner to avoid damaging the surface.

Chrome

Chrome knurled handles offer a sleek, polished look that fits well in modern settings. Chrome is relatively easy to maintain but can show fingerprints and water spots. For chrome handles, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient.

Nickel

Nickel knurled handles provide a subtle, sophisticated finish that works well in both contemporary and traditional homes. They are more resistant to tarnishing than brass but still require regular cleaning to maintain their lustre. A soft cloth and a mild detergent solution are ideal for cleaning nickel handles.

Matt Black

Matt black knurled handles are favoured for their bold, modern appearance. The matt finish gives them a sleek and understated look, but it also means they can show smudges and fingerprints more readily. Cleaning matt black knurled handles involves using a microfiber cloth with warm water and a gentle detergent.

Gold

Gold knurled handles add a luxurious touch to any room. To clean gold handles, use a soft, damp cloth with a mild detergent. Avoid any harsh chemicals that could strip the coating and reveal the base metal underneath.

 

 

 

Copper

Copper knurled handles have a distinctive reddish-brown hue that can develop a natural patina over time. Some homeowners appreciate this aged look, while others prefer to keep their copper handles shiny. To clean copper handles, mix lemon juice with baking soda to form a paste, apply it to the handles, and gently scrub with a soft cloth.

Common Problems with Knurled Handles

While knurled handles are a stylish and functional choice, they can present certain challenges when it comes to cleaning and maintenance. Understanding these issues will help you keep your handles in top condition.

Accumulation Of Dirt and Grime

One of the most common problems with knurled handles is the accumulation of dirt and grime in the grooves. The textured surface, while visually appealing, can trap dust, grease, and other particles, making the handles look dirty and worn over time. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent this build-up and keep your handles looking their best.

Difficulty Cleaning

Cleaning knurled handles can be more challenging than smooth-surfaced handles due to the intricate texture. But with the right tools and techniques, you can effectively clean even the most stubborn grime. Patience and gentle cleaning methods are key to preserving the finish while removing dirt.

How To Clean Knurled Handles

Cleaning knurled handles doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach, you can easily restore their original shine and keep them looking new.

What You Need

Before you start cleaning, gather the following supplies:

• Soft cloths
• Mild dish soap or a gentle cleaner
• Warm water
• Soft-bristle toothbrush or a small brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Optional: Lemon juice and baking soda

Steps To Clean Knurled Handles

Here are the simple steps on how to clean handles with knurled grips:

1. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water. If your handles are particularly dirty, you can use a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda instead.
2. Apply the Solution: Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and wring it out so it’s damp, not soaking wet. Wipe down the handles to remove surface dirt.
3. Scrub the Grooves: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a small brush to gently scrub the knurled texture. Work in small sections and use circular motions to dislodge dirt from the grooves.
4. Rinse and Dry: Once the handles are clean, rinse them with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue. Then, dry them thoroughly with a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
5. Buff and Shine: For extra shine, buff the handles with a dry cloth. This step is important for brass and gold finishes to keep them looking polished.

How To Maintain Knurled Handles

Regular maintenance will ensure your knurled handles remain in excellent condition. By following a few simple steps, you can prolong the life and beauty of your handles.

Establish a Cleaning Routine

Scheduling a quick wipe-down every few weeks will prevent dirt from building up and make deep cleaning easier. Use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to keep the handles looking fresh.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Tools

Using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools can damage the finish of your handles. Stick to gentle cleaners and soft cloths to maintain the integrity of the material.

Protective Coating

Consider applying a protective coating to your handles if they are made of brass or copper, which are prone to tarnishing. This will help to preserve the finish and reduce the need for frequent polishing.

Explore our range of knurled handles [Internal Link], including brass, chrome, and matt black finishes, to find the perfect match for your home.

FAQs

Are knurled handles hard to clean?

Knurled handles can be more challenging to clean due to their textured surface. With regular maintenance and the right cleaning tools, you can easily keep them looking their best.

How to clean knurled brass?

To clean knurled brass handles, use a soft cloth with a mild detergent or a paste made from lemon juice and baking soda. Gently scrub the grooves, rinse with water, and dry thoroughly to prevent tarnishing.

How to polish knurled hardware?

Polish knurled hardware by gently buffing it with a dry, soft cloth. For brass or gold finishes, you may also use a specific metal polish, ensuring to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the finish.