HOW TO CLEAN CABINET KNOBS FOR A LASTING SHINE

Learn how to clean cabinet knobs and hardware effectively. Follow simple steps to remove grime, restore shine, and maintain your cabinet hardware for years.

Why Cleaning Cabinet Knobs and Hardware Matters

Your cabinet knobs are touched dozens of times each day. Over time, dust, fingerprints, and build-up, lead to tarnish and wear. Even high-end pieces like textured drawer pulls, sculptural knobs, or hand-cast metal hardware can lose their appeal if neglected.

Clean and polished cabinet hardware not only enhances the look of your space but also preserves its durability. Whether your style leans toward sleek stainless steel, timeless brass hardware, or modern black cabinet knobs, knowing how to clean them properly ensures they stay beautiful and functional for years. 

MATERIALS AND TOOLS FOR CLEANING CABINET HARDWARE

Before tackling your cabinet knobs, gather the right cleaning supplies. Using the wrong solutions can scratch or damage finishes, especially on delicate brass knobs, antique handles, or gold cabinet pulls.

Image Credit: Forme N04 brass Knob by Mi & Gei Design Studio

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES: 

Mild Dish Soap: It is gentle yet effective for removing grease from kitchen cabinet handles.

Warm Water: This is perfect for soaking and rinsing hardware.

Soft Cloths or Microfiber Towels: Avoid paper towels that may scratch your brass handles or black cabinet hardware. Microfibre cloths also help maintain a streak-free shine on glossy finishes like gold cabinet pulls.

Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: It is ideal for detailed cabinet hinges and grooves of drawer knobs.

Large Bowl or Tub: Use it for soaking knobs and pulls after removal.

Screwdriver: This tool is needed to detach cabinet door knobs and cabinet door hinges safely.

SPECIALIZED AGENTS:

White Vinegar: Effective for general grime, but not suitable for unsealed brass drawer pulls.

Baking Soda: A Gentle abrasive for stubborn marks, especially on stainless steel kitchen cupboard handles.

Metal Polish: Works well on unlacquered brass cabinet pulls or bronze pieces.

For stubborn grime, a small amount of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild soap applied directly to the hardware can make scrubbing easier without damaging finishes.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE: CLEANING CABINET KNOBS AND DRAWER PULLS

Cleaning your cabinet knobs while attached is rarely effective, so it is important to remove them for a deep cleaning.

Interior Design by YSG Design Studio

• Removal: Use a screwdriver to detach your cabinet handles and pulls, keeping screws and parts organised.

• Soaking: Mix mild soap with warm water and soak the drawer handles and kitchen knobs for 15–30 minutes.

• Scrubbing: Use a soft cloth for smooth surfaces and a toothbrush for crevices around cabinet door hinges.

• Rinsing: Rinse each piece thoroughly to avoid soap residue that dulls finishes.

• Drying: Immediately dry kitchen door handles and cupboard handles with a microfibre cloth to prevent water spots.

POLISHING BRONZE AND BRASS CABINET PULLS

• Brass hardware and bronze are popular for their warm tones but require specific care.

• Lacquered Bronze/Brass: Clean gently with soap and water. Avoid polish.

• Unlacquered Bronze/Brass (Living Finish): This type naturally develops patina. If you prefer shine:

• Clean thoroughly.

• Apply a small amount of brass polish with a soft cloth.

• Buff until the residue lifts and the shine returns.

Optionally, finish with a thin wax coat to slow patina. Hand-polished pulls and warm-toned brass knobs can benefit from buffing along the metal grain to preserve the original design details.

CLEANING DIFFERENT FINISHES OF CABINET HANDLES AND PULLS

Cabinet Knobs Forme N04 by Mi & Gei Hardware

• Black Cabinet Hardware: Wipe gently with mild soap. Avoid abrasives to protect the matte or glossy finish of black cabinet pulls.

• Brass Knobs and Handles: Use a dedicated brass cleaner for unlacquered pieces and stick to gentle cleaning for lacquered.

• Gold Cabinet Pulls: Clean with a mild solution and a soft cloth to preserve shine.

• Stainless Steel Kitchen Handles: Baking soda paste works well for spots, followed by thorough drying.

For textured drawer pulls, a soft toothbrush or Q-tip can remove dust from intricate patterns without scratching the surface.

MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR LONG-LASTING KITCHEN CABINET HARDWARE

• Weekly Cleaning: Wipe down your knobs and pulls with a damp cloth to prevent buildup.

• Spill Management: Clean acidic spills immediately to protect brass kitchen handles, drawer pulls, and knobs.

• Check Screws: Ensure cabinet door handles remain tight to prevent wear on wood surfaces.

Avoid Harsh Chemicals: These can damage the finish of delicate brass drawer pulls or cupboard handles.

Regular maintenance of even pieces like sculptural pulls ensures they continue to complement your interior design.

QUICK GUIDE TO COMMON PROBLEMS

Object: Forme N04 Polished Nickel knobs by Mi & Gei Hardware

• Dull Finish/Streaks: This is caused by leftover soap, so re-rinse and dry immediately.

• Verdigris (Green/Blue Spots): Often appears on brass knobs or bronze, so make sure to treat with baking soda paste.

• Scratches: Avoid scouring pads. For severe scratches on brass cabinet pulls, professional refinishing may be needed.

• Rust: On cheaper steel drawer handles, gently rub with aluminium foil or fine steel wool.

Note that Sculptural knobs or oversized pulls with unique finishes may need extra care to prevent surface damage.

CARING FOR HIGH-END CUSTOM CABINET KNOBS

Brands like Mi & Gei Hardware offer handcrafted brass hardware and bronze pieces with a living finish. These cabinet pulls are designed to evolve, showing patina that reflects use and environment.

Sculptural knobs or oversized pulls with unique finishes may need extra care to prevent surface damage.

High-quality kitchen hardware with unique finishes, such as a set of brushed brass cabinet pulls or hand-polished pulls, can transform your space when maintained properly.

Cleaning Rule: Stick to mild soap and water only. Allow your brass handles and cabinet knobs to age naturally, developing unique character.

Your cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, and kitchen cabinet handles may be small, but they have a big impact on your kitchen’s style. By following these steps to clean cabinet knobs, maintain brass cabinet pulls, and care for black cabinet hardware, you ensure that every piece stays polished, functional, and visually stunning. 

Regular upkeep of gold cabinet pulls, hand-polished pulls, and textured drawer pulls preserves their beauty while extending their lifespan.

FAQ: CLEANING CABINET KNOBS AND HANDLES

Q: What is the best way to clean cabinet knobs and handles?

A: The best way to clean cabinet knobs and cabinet handles is to remove them, soak in warm soapy water, scrub gently with a soft cloth or toothbrush, rinse, and dry with a microfibre towel to restore shine and prevent water spots.

Q: Can I use vinegar or baking soda on cabinet hardware?

A: Use vinegar carefully—never on lacquered brass knobs or brass cabinet pulls, as it can damage finishes. Baking soda paste works well on stainless steel drawer pulls and kitchen cupboard handles, but avoid it on delicate finishes like gold or lacquered brass.

Q: How do you clean black and brass cabinet hardware?

A: For black cabinet pulls, use mild dish soap and water with a microfibre cloth to avoid scratches. For unlacquered brass hardware, apply a small amount of brass polish and buff gently. If lacquered, stick to mild soap and water only.

Q: How often should I clean kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls?

A: Wipe down kitchen cabinet knobs and drawer handles weekly to prevent grease buildup. Every 3–4 months, do a deeper cleaning and polish to keep your cabinet hardware looking new.

Q: Do I need to remove cabinet knobs before cleaning?

A: Yes, for a thorough clean. Removing knobs and pulls allows you to soak them properly, reach hidden areas, and clean around cabinet door hinges and screws.

Upgrade your kitchen with Mi & Gei’s premium cabinet knobs and hardware for lasting shine and style.