7 Best Maintenance Tips for Decorative Hardware

Decorative hardware serves as the jewellery of cabinets, doors, and furniture. It adds personality, style, and a touch of elegance to any space. Choosing the right knobs, pulls, or handles involves considering material, finish, and design. 

However, the beauty and functionality of these pieces rely heavily on proper care and maintenance. Neglecting decorative hardware can lead to tarnishing, corrosion, or even structural damage, diminishing the overall look of a room.

This post provides a few of the best maintenance tips to keep your decorative hardware in pristine condition.

• Brass: Often lacquered to prevent tarnishing. Needs gentle cleaning. Unlacquered brass develops a natural patina over time, which some prefer.

• Bronze: Similar to brass, it can be finished in various ways. Patination is common and often desirable.

• Nickel: Can be polished or brushed. Polished nickel can show fingerprints easily. Brushed nickel is more forgiving.

• Stainless Steel: Generally durable and corrosion-resistant. Easy to clean.

• Zinc Alloy: Often plated with other metals or finishes. Requires careful cleaning to prevent damage to the plating.

• Glass, Ceramic, Acrylic: Fragile materials requiring non-abrasive cleaners.

Let’s now explore the top tips for maintaining your decorative hardware.

Tip 1: Gentle Cleaning is Always the Best Policy

When it comes to cleaning decorative hardware, less is often more. Aggressive scrubbing or using harsh chemicals can quickly ruin finishes. 

Start with the simplest method: dusting with a soft, dry cloth. This removes surface dirt and prevents buildup that can become harder to clean later. Microfibre cloths work well as they trap dust effectively without scratching.

For more persistent dirt or grime, a slightly damp cloth can be used. Dampen the cloth with plain water, ensuring it is not soaking wet. Wipe the hardware gently. Immediately follow with a dry cloth to remove any moisture. 

Avoid abrasive materials, such as steel wool, scouring pads, or stiff brushes. These can scratch delicate surfaces and remove protective coatings or finishes. 

Tip 2: Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals and Abrasive Cleaners

Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners are the enemies of decorative hardware. Many common household cleaners contain ammonia, bleach, acidic components, or abrasive particles that are detrimental to metal finishes, lacquers, and other protective coatings.

Products designed for cleaning other surfaces, such as countertops, glass, or toilets, should never be used on decorative hardware unless specifically recommended by the hardware manufacturer. These cleaners can cause discolouration, etching, pitting, or complete removal of finishes.

A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything labelled as abrasive, corrosive, or containing strong solvents. If a cleaner is necessary beyond mild soap and water, look for products specifically formulated for the type of material and finish of the hardware.

Tip 3: Regular Dusting Prevents Grime Buildup

Simple, consistent dusting is one of the easiest yet most effective maintenance tips for decorative hardware. Dust contains tiny particles that can be abrasive, and over time, these particles can combine with moisture and oils from hands to form a stubborn grime layer.

Regular dusting prevents this buildup, making deeper cleaning less necessary. A quick wipe-down with a soft microfiber cloth, as part of a regular cleaning routine, is sufficient. 

Implementing a routine for dusting decorative hardware helps keep it looking clean and bright every day.

Tip 4: Address Loose Hardware and Screws Promptly

Loose knobs, pulls, or handles not only feel annoying but can also cause damage to the cabinet door or drawer front over time. The constant wiggling and friction can enlarge screw holes or scratch the surrounding surface.

Checking decorative hardware periodically for looseness is a simple but important maintenance step. If a piece feels loose, tighten the screw that secures it from the back of the door or drawer. Use the appropriate screwdriver size to avoid stripping the screw head.

Do not overtighten screws, as this can strip the threads in the hardware piece or crack the cabinet material. 

If a screw hole has become enlarged and the screw no longer tightens properly, a simple repair might be needed. 

Tip 5: Be Mindful of Polishing and Patina

Certain decorative hardware finishes, particularly those made of solid brass or bronze without a protective lacquer, are designed to develop a natural patina over time.

Polishing these living finishes will remove the patina, restoring a brighter, shinier appearance. 

For a polished look on unlacquered brass or bronze, use a polish formulated explicitly for that metal. Apply the polish according to the product instructions, typically with a soft cloth. Rub gently in the direction of the grain if there is one. 

Lacquered brass or bronze hardware features a clear protective coating that prevents tarnishing and the development of patina. Never use metal polish on lacquered finishes, as it will damage or remove the lacquer layer. 

Clean lacquered hardware only with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, if necessary, and dry thoroughly afterwards.

Tip 6: Consider the Surrounding Environment

Hardware in kitchens and bathrooms is exposed to more moisture, steam, grease, and fumes from cleaning products than hardware in other areas of the home.

In these high-moisture or high-use areas, more frequent cleaning might be necessary. Wipe down hardware regularly to remove moisture, fingerprints, and residue. 

Hardware near cooking areas can accumulate grease. A mild degreasing soap solution used sparingly can help, followed by thorough rinsing and drying.

High humidity can accelerate tarnishing on certain metals. Ensuring adequate ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms helps protect hardware, as well as other fixtures and surfaces, from moisture damage.

Tip 7: Handle with Care During Adjacent Work

When painting, refinishing cabinets, or performing other work near decorative hardware, take the time to protect it. Paint drips, stain splatters, or sanding dust can be very difficult, if not impossible, to remove from hardware surfaces without causing damage.

Ideally, remove the hardware before starting any work on the surrounding surfaces. Store the hardware safely until the job is complete and the finishes are fully cured. This is the most effective way to prevent any damage.

If removing the hardware is not feasible, cover it completely and securely. Use painter’s tape to carefully mask off the hardware, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Plastic sheeting or drop cloths can provide extra protection.

The Bottom Line

Investing time in decorative hardware maintenance pays dividends in the long run. Consistent, gentle care prevents the common issues that can cause hardware to look old, damaged, or worn out before its time.

Well-maintained decorative hardware retains its beauty, complementing the space’s aesthetics. It also continues to function correctly, providing reliable use for cabinets, drawers, and doors.

Following these decorative hardware maintenance tips helps protect the initial investment and ensures the hardware remains a source of pride and functionality.

FAQs

Q: How often should decorative hardware be cleaned?

A: Hardware in high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms, may benefit from a quick wipe-down on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Hardware in less frequently used areas may only require cleaning on a monthly or quarterly basis. 

Q: What is the best way to clean brass hardware?

A: For lacquered brass, use a soft, damp cloth with mild soap if needed, and dry thoroughly. For unlacquered brass, gentle cleaning with soap and water is fine for daily dirt.

Q: Can I use glass cleaner on decorative hardware with glass inserts?

A: Only use glass cleaner on the glass portion of the hardware. Avoid getting glass cleaner on metal or other finished parts, as the chemicals can damage these surfaces. 

Q: Is it okay to use furniture polish on decorative hardware?

A: Avoid using furniture polish on decorative hardware. Furniture polishes often contain silicones or waxes that can build up on the hardware surface, making it look dull or sticky. 

Q: How can I protect outdoor decorative hardware from the elements?

 

A: Outdoor hardware faces harsher conditions. Choose hardware made from materials known for their durability and corrosion resistance, such as solid brass or stainless steel.