How to Clean Brass Door Handles

How to Repair a Storm Door Latch
Written By
Melissa Rae
Melissa Rae
Published: May 15, 2010
Updated: May 14, 2022
1 minute read

Things You'll Need:

Things You Will Need

  • Bucket
  • Dish soap
  • Soft cloths
  • Soft-bristled brush (optional)
  • Vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Warnings:

    • Be careful scrubbing brass-coated fixtures because abrasives may damage them.

    Brass, an alloy made of zinc and copper, has been used since ancient times. It adds an elegant touch to any home's decor. This durable metal doesn't rust and has acoustic properties, making it a good choice for musical instruments. It is also a popular choice for cookware and home fixtures. Brass door handles can become dull and tarnished, but you can reverse that process with vinegar or lemon juice.

    Basic Cleaning

    Fill a bucket with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. Dip a cloth into the soapy water and wring it out.

    Wipe the door handles with the soapy cloth. Dip the brush into the water and gently scrub solid brass handles to remove stubborn dirt and debris.

    Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe it over the door handles to remove soap residue. Dry the handles with a clean cloth.

    Removing Tarnish

    Soak a cloth with white vinegar or pure lemon juice. Add a small amount of salt to the cloth.

    Wipe the door handle thoroughly with the cloth. Rinse the cloth in clean water and wring it out. Wipe the door handles to rinse the vinegar or lemon juice.

    Dry the door handles with a soft cloth. Buff the handles with the cloth until they shine.

    Melissa Rae

    Melissa Rae has been a writer since 2008, specializing in home-and-garden, business, technology and education topics. Rae holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Herzing University.

    Sponsored
    Our Pastimes Logo

    A destination for the avid collector and weekend hobbyist alike, Our Pastimes features articles and tips about your favorite cards and games, hobbies and more.

    Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

    Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.