Tips for Cleaning Brass Door Handles Without Damaging the Finish

Brass door handles are the perfect combination of style and durability. They bring warmth and character to your home, whether you’re going for a classic or contemporary look. But like any high-quality material and finish, brass door handles need a little care to keep them looking their best. Over time, fingerprints, dirt, and tarnish can dull the surface.

The trick? Cleaning your brass door handles the right way – without harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can scratch or strip the finish. Let’s walk through the best methods for keeping your brass handles looking fresh and polished.

Looking for new brass door handles? This Fernando linear lock set is a beautiful option. 

First, Check if Your Brass is Solid or Plated

Before you dive in with any cleaning solution, it’s important to figure out what kind of brass you’re dealing with.

• Solid brass handles are durable and can handle more intensive cleaning if needed. You’ll often find these in high-end homes or heritage properties.

• Brass-plated handles, on the other hand, have a thin layer of brass over another metal like steel or zinc. These are more delicate and require a gentler touch to avoid damaging the plating.

Not sure which one you have? An easy way to check is by holding a magnet to the handle. Solid brass won’t attract a magnet, while brass-plated handles will.

At Buildmat, many of our premium door handles are made with durable 304 grade stainless steel, and then brushed with brass like brushed brass, gold, brushed vintage antique brass or antique brass. 

This Lockwood flush pull handle is a 304 grade stainless steel base brushed with brass gold. 

Gentle Cleaning for Everyday Maintenance

For most brass door handles – including brass plated handles, regular light cleaning is all you need to keep them looking great.

What you’ll need

• Soft microfiber cloth

• Mild dish soap

• Warm water

How to clean brass door handles 

1. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water.

2. Dip the microfiber cloth into the soapy water and gently wipe down the handle. Avoid soaking it – too much water can damage the finish.

3. Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe off any soapy residue.

4. Dry the handle thoroughly with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.

This simple method is perfect for removing everyday grime and keeping your handles shiny without any risk to the finish.

Dealing with Brass Door Handle Tarnish

If your brass handles are starting to look dull or show signs of tarnish, it’s time to give them a deeper clean. Tarnish is a natural reaction that happens when brass oxidises, but it’s generally easy to fix with the right approach. Vinegar or lemon juice can often be a good solution – these natural acids help break down tarnish without damaging the brass. For more stubborn tarnish, you might need to give baking soda a go. You can mix it with water to create a paste, which you’ll want to apply to the handle and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush. 

Polishing Brass Door Handles for a High Shine

If you want your brass handles to really pop, a light polish can take them from clean to dazzling. Use a non-abrasive brass polish that’s designed specifically for delicate finishes.

How to polish brass door handles

1. Apply a small amount of brass polish to a soft cloth.

2. Rub it onto the handle in gentle, circular motions.

3. Buff the handle with a clean, dry cloth until it shines.

Pro Tip: Avoid over-polishing. Too much can strip away protective coatings and leave the brass exposed to tarnishing faster. Stick to polishing only when the handles really need it.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Brass Door Handles

Not all cleaning methods are brass-friendly. To keep your handles safe, steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach can strip the finish.

• Abrasive scrubbers (steel wool or scouring pads) will scratch the surface.

• Leaving moisture behind – always dry your handles thoroughly to avoid water spots and tarnish.

If your handles are brass-plated, be especially careful. Once the plating wears off, it’s tough to restore. Stick to gentle cleaning and avoid anything too abrasive.

Regular Maintenance Tips

Keeping brass door handles looking their best doesn’t take much effort once you establish a routine. A quick wipe-down every couple of weeks is usually enough to prevent tarnish and build-up. For high-traffic areas, you may need to clean more often, especially on exterior doors exposed to the elements.

The minimalist design of this antique vintage brass door handle from Alma complements a variety of interior styles.

Elevate Your Home With Premium Door Handles

Brass door handles are a beautiful addition to any home, but they need a little love to stay in top shape. With the right cleaning methods, you can maintain their rich glow for years without worrying about damaging the finish. 

Looking for more inspiration? Check out Buildmat’s range of premium door handles for stylish and durable options that complement any home.