How to Polish Brass Doorknobs

Brass is a metal alloy made from a blend of copper and zinc. Known for its soft golden color, it is commonly used to make doorknobs and over hardware. Over time, grease and grime tend to build up on brass, dulling its beautiful shine. It can also become tarnished due to exposure to the air and elements. Polishing this material is a fairly simple process that requires no special tools, and will leave your brass doorknobs looking shiny and new again.

Things You'll Need

• Blue painter's tape
• Rubber gloves
• Paint remover/stripper
• Fine steel wool (0000)
• Brass polish
• Soft cloth or rag

Instructions

1. Protect your door from damage. Use blue painter's tape to cover any parts of the door that are adjacent to the knob. This blue tape is easy to remove and will not damage any finishes.

2. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals you'll be using.

3. Apply a small amount of paint remover to your steel wool. Use the steel wool to carefully clean the doorknob, removing all dirt and tarnish.

4. Wipe away any excess paint remover using your rag. Dry the doorknob before proceeding.

5. Use your rag to apply a dime-sized amount of brass polish to the hardware. Spread it out so that it covers the entire knob. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before proceeding.

6. Wipe away the excess polish. Buff the doorknob until it shines.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a toothbrush to clean any small areas. A toothpick is useful for removing tarnish from small cracks and joints, such as where the knob meets the door.

• When working with paint remover and similar chemicals, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area to prevent illness.