You’ve probably seen brass-type kitchen handles on a variety of appliances. They can be found in everything from refrigerators and freezers to ovens and dishwashers. Brass is an attractive metal used for many years because it resists corrosion, tarnishes and rusting. However, over time the brass on your kitchen hand grips will start to change colour or show signs of wear if you don’t take care of it properly.
Use a brass polish.
According to KT & Co, if you want to keep your brass kitchen handles shiny and bright, you can use a brass polish. These polishes are available at hardware stores and come in liquid form or as a paste. Apply the polish with a cloth or soft cloth dipped in water before applying it to your handgrips—this will help draw out dirt from the surface of your grip without removing any of its coatings. You can also purchase polishes made explicitly for cleaning other metals (gold, silver) if you only want to keep one set of kitchen utensils clean.
Don’t use harsh chemicals.
You should avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, oven cleaners or bleach to clean.
- If you want to clean brass kitchen handles with any detergent or soap, it’s better to buy one specifically designed for cleaning brass. But even so, you should only use this type of product sparingly.
- The best way to clean every day is by using warm water and a soft cloth (preferably a microfiber cloth).
- Create a cleaning solution with water and white vinegar.
- Mix the white vinegar and water in a small bowl or cup.
- Dip your soft cloth into the solution, then use it to clean your brass grip. If you have hard-to-reach areas, you can dip cotton balls into the solution and use those instead of using a cloth.
- Rinse off any residue with fresh water from your faucet and dry thoroughly with another clean, soft cloth or cotton ball.
Use olive oil.
Olive oil is a great option if you’re looking for a natural alternative to commercial cleaners. You can use olive oil by simply rubbing it into the surface of your kitchen hand grips with a clean cloth or soft cloth. However, if they have become tarnished over time and need serious cleaning, apply some elbow grease and rub vigorously!
After using this method once or twice weekly, give them an extra scrub with baking soda on a damp cloth before wiping them down with olive oil again.
See if they are lacquered or unlacquered.
Lacquer is a protective coating that is applied to the brass. Lacquered brass is shiny and bright. Unlacquered brass has a matte finish that can look darker than its lacquered counterpart and will develop a patina over time.
You can find out if they are lacquered or unlacquered by rubbing the back of your hand across the handle. If it feels rough or gritty, then it’s likely unlacquered.
The key is knowing what works best for your situation— it’s about choosing the right products. Whether that means using olive oil or giving them a good scrub down every once in a while (or both!), these tips will help keep them looking fresh and beautiful for years to come!