How to Clean Antique Door Knobs

Antique door knobs can be quite valuable.

Cleaning your antique door knobs might be necessary if they become overly tarnished or develop a buildup of dirt or debris. Antique door knobs are typically made of a metal, such as brass, that can be a little tricky to clean. However, once the cleaning process is complete, your antique door knobs will have a much shinier and more impressive finish. These antiques may be quite valuable, so you should be extra careful when cleaning antique door knobs so you don't damage them.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Fine steel wool
• Soft cloth
• High-grade metal polish

Instructions

1. Put on gloves before you start cleaning. The oils in your hands can damage antique door knobs.

2. Buff the antique door knob using a very fine steel wool. This can help to remove surface dirt and minor scratches.

3. Put about a teaspoon of high-grade metal polish onto a soft cloth. Apply the metal polish to the antique door knob. Rub it in well and continue polishing until the metal polish is completely worked into the door knob.

Tips & Warnings

• The Antique Door Collectors of America recommend under-cleaning, rather than over-cleaning, antique door knobs. Over-cleaning can reduce the value of your antiques.

• Never use abrasive cleaners or coarse cleaning tools on antique door knobs. It will damage them.

References

• Antique Doorknob Collectors of America: Frequently Asked Questions
• Ask the Builder: Cleaning Brass the Professional Way