- To clean any kind of plated knobs, first use warm soapy water and a rag. Wring out the rag and wipe down the knobs. You can also soak your knobs in warm soapy water and use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the knobs. Dry with a rag. Then, take another clean rag, microfiber if possible, and buff the knobs until they shine.
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Before you choose a home remedy cleaning method, you will need to determine which type of plated knob you have. Brass, of course, is a golden-brown color. You will need to double check to make sure your knobs are just plated brass and not solid brass, as it makes a difference in how to clean. Plated brass is magnetic, so place a magnetic on the knob and see if it sticks.
Chrome is shiny like stainless steel. Plated nickel is similar to chrome but more dull. Check with your manufacturer, or take one to a local hardware store to ask if you are unsure. -
If your brass-plated knobs are still dirty after a basic cleaning, the stain is probably rust, and not tarnish, so do not use ketchup as you would to clean solid brass knobs. The only way to get them clean at this point is to gently rub very fine steel wool on them. Unfortunately, you may need to have the knobs repainted after this.
If your chrome-plated knobs are still dirty, you can use several home remedies to clean them. Wipe white vinegar on the knobs and rinse with a clean, wet rag. You can also use baby oil to get rid of stubborn stains, and if all else fails, rub the knobs with wet aluminum foil, which will "scrub" your chrome clean.
If your nickel-plated kitchen knobs are still dirty, you will have to try again with the soapy water or get a commercial product for cleaning plated nickel. Diluted vinegar is recommended by some; however, overexposure to vinegar can actually remove the nickel finish, so use with caution if you decide to use it.
