How to Clean Antique Brass Door Knobs

Antique brass fixtures add a touch of class to your home. Unfortunately, brass requires constant upkeep to remain bright and shiny. The metal is a mixture of copper and zinc that tarnishes when exposed to the air. Antique brass door knobs are especially liable to tarnishing because of constant contact with dirty hands. Applying a varnish to clean brass protects against future tarnishing and makes cleaning easier the next time.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Brass polish
• Fine-gauge steel wool
• Cotton balls
• Nail polish remover
• 2 soft cloths
• Brass spray lacquer

Instructions

1. Apply brass polish to the steel wool, wearing rubber gloves. Polish a small test area on the door knob. If the tarnish does not come off easily, a protective varnish was previously applied to the knob.

2. Remove the varnish. Wet a cotton ball with nail polish remover. Rub the door knob with the cotton ball until the varnish is removed.

3. Polish the door knob with the steel wool again. Let the polish dry on the brass. Wipe the knob with a soft cloth to remove the dried polish.

4. Apply brass polish neutralizer to another soft cloth. Buff the door knob with the soft cloth to remove dried polish residue.

5. Spray the door knob with brass lacquer. Allow the lacquer to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Many antique door knobs are removable. Removing the knob from the door makes cleaning easier. If possible, unscrew the knob with a screwdriver before polishing.

References

• Architectural Classics: How to Clean Brass

Resources

• Sailing Ahead: How to Care for Brass Items