How to clean door handles

Posted: 1st May 2024 | Author: Adam Brown | Category: Doors

Door handles, though often overlooked, are pivotal features in our homes and offices. They are the primary points of contact for interior doors, and as such, they can accumulate dirt and germs, even if this isn't visibly apparent. Maintaining clean door handles is not only crucial for aesthetic appeal but also plays a significant role in limiting the spread of diseases through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Why Clean Door Handles?

Regularly cleaning door handles can dramatically reduce the transmission of bacteria and viruses, which can be particularly rampant in communal or high-traffic areas. Moreover, maintaining the cleanliness of door handles enhances their appearance and can extend their lifespan, preventing the degradation that comes from accumulated grime and corrosion.

Choosing the Right Material

The choice of material for door handles affects their ease of maintenance and durability. Various materials bring different challenges and benefits:

• Stainless Steel: Highly durable and resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, stainless steel handles are a popular choice for their longevity and ease of cleaning.
• Brass: While brass handles are known for their antimicrobial properties, they can tarnish over time and require regular polishing to maintain their lustre.
• Chrome: Chrome handles offer a sleek, modern look and are relatively easy to clean, though they can show fingerprints and water spots more readily than some other finishes.
• Anodised Aluminium: Known for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, anodised aluminium door handles are also durable but can be susceptible to scratches if not handled with care.
• Matt Black Finishes: Increasingly popular for their modern aesthetic, matt black handles do a good job of hiding smudges and fingerprints, making them appear cleaner between thorough cleanings.

Ultimately, selecting a door handle material that is slow to tarnish and scratch-resistant is advisable. However, regardless of the finish, establishing a simple cleaning routine can keep all types of door handles looking their best.

Cleaning Chrome Handles

Chrome lever handles, favoured for their bright, reflective finish, can show smudges and water spots easily. Here’s how to keep them sparkling clean:

1. Dust Off: Begin by dusting the handle with a soft, dry cloth to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Wash: Mix a mild dish soap with warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution and wring it out so that it is damp, not wet. Wipe down the handle carefully to avoid leaving water spots.
3. Dry and Polish: Immediately dry the handle with a clean, dry cloth. For extra shine, use a microfiber cloth or a specialized chrome polisher to buff the surface.

Cleaning Anodised Aluminium Handles

Anodised aluminium, known for its matt finish and robustness, requires a gentle approach to avoid scratches:

1. Routine Dusting: Regularly dust the handle with a soft cloth to prevent the build-up of grime.
2. Gentle Cleaning Solution: Prepare a solution of mild detergent and warm water. Using a soft, lint-free cloth, clean the handle gently to avoid scratching the anodised coating.
3. Rinse and Dry: Carefully rinse the handle with a damp cloth (water only), followed by drying with another soft, dry cloth. This step ensures no soapy residue is left behind, which can dull the finish.

Maintenance Tips for All Handles

To keep door handles in optimal condition, follow these general maintenance tips:

• Regular Cleaning: Depending on the level of use, door handles should be cleaned weekly in residential settings and daily in commercial or public environments.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Harsh cleaning agents can damage handle finishes. Always opt for mild soaps or specific cleaners recommended for the type of material.
• Protective Measures: When using cleaning agents on or around door handles, avoid spraying directly onto the handle. Instead, apply the cleaner to a cloth to prevent the liquid from seeping into the locking mechanism, which could cause damage.

By adhering to these guidelines, not only do you maintain the visual appeal of your door handles, but you also contribute to a healthier environment by reducing the potential for germ transmission. Whether you opt for the gleaming sophistication of chrome or the understated elegance of anodised aluminium, keeping your door handles clean is a simple yet effective step toward enhancing your interior spaces.

The Author: Adam Brown

With a background as a Mechanical Engineer, I started Nationwide Supplies alongside my brother with a vision to modernise what seemed a stuck-in-its-ways industry in the builders merchant sector.  Since 2011 it has been my goal to source quality products at the correct prices to be able to offer a saving to customers along with high quality customer service which offers quick delivery and superior technical knowledge in the industry.  

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