How To Clean Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Knob​?

There’s something undeniably wonderful and quite classic about an oil rubbed bronze door knob. The dark undertone comes out quite beautifully and makes for turned doors that are not just elegant but also worth admiring. Nonetheless, it does not mean that it sits there uniform from the first day to last. It has to be noted that just like every hardware, this door knob too can require maintenance every once in a while to keep it looking its very best. With time, the people that use them and open close the doors, leave oils, grime and build up dirt which affects the look. But do not worry — restoring the beauty of your oil rubbed bronze door knobs is easy.

In particular, in this blog, we will discuss how to clean and maintain your door knobs with an oil-rubbed bronze finish. Let’s also use bits and pieces from Judge Hardware which is a reputable name in functional and decorative hardware, and home improvement so that you do not have to worry about your door handles being in perfect condition at all times.

Cleaning Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Knobs – A Necessity

Now, before we proceed to the cleaning, let’s first clarify why it is important that one should regularly clean their oil rubbed bronze door knobs. The dark color of the door knobs comes from a special finishing process, which involves a combination of heat and some oils. Because of the oils from the hand, dust particles, and surface care products, the surface starts being dirty or tarnished with time.

Regular maintenance of your oil rubbed bronze door knobs through cleaning helps not only in their beauty enhancement but also helps in maintaining the integrity of the finish. This will help ensure that refinishing is not done too often, ensuring that the hardware maintains its brand new look.

The Accessories Typically Used for Cleaning Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Knobs

When cleaning oil rubbed bronze door knobs, there are a few cleaning tools and materials that will be necessary. Here’s what you should prepare for:

• Lint-free rags or soft microfiber cloths
• Mild soap or any cleaner that is not invasive
• Tempered water
• Baking soda (for tough spots)
• Mineral oil or olive oil along with some metal polish (if needed)
• Toothbrush (for those places of the door knob that are hard to reach)
• A bowl or bucket to mix water with soap

Use of these tools will enable you to clean your oil rubbed bronze door knobs without adversely affecting the finish of the knobs.

How to Clean Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Knobs: A Comprehensive Cleaning Process

Step 1: Clean the Knob with Dust and Wipe

Firstly, always use a cloth made of dry microfiber and any residual lint to eliminate all the dirt and dust particles stuck on the surface of the oil rubbed bronze door knobs and doors. This mechanism allows avoiding slough marks when the head is scourged. All finish surfaces should be wiped off; it is especially true for corners and edges of the recessed areas where the dirt is accumulating.

Step 2: Clean with Soap and Water

Next, add a few drops of dish washing soap into a basin of warm water. Take the soapy water with a soft cloth but do not soak it in water. Squeeze out excess water from the cloth and use this cloth to wipe the door knobs which have been coated with oil rubbed bronze finish. Make sure not to force the cloth on the knobs for scrubbing because there may be some paint rubbing off. Remember to wipe down all surfaces including the bottom and the stem which contacts with the surface to prevent build-up of dirt and stains.

Step 3: Use a Mix of Baking Soda and Water To Remove Stains On The Area Around The Door Handles

In case you see any of these faint smudges which can be asynchronous identifiers, or grease stains, you can use a paste which has been created out of baking soda and water. Sprinkle some baking soda in water and make a paste out of it. Next, gently rub the stained area with a soft piece of cloth, or a worn out old toothbrush that you might have at home, dipped into the paste. Gently rub the stain with the paste in a circular motion to dislodge it. But remember not to bear down too much pressure as that could also impair the finish.

Step 4: Rinse and Wipe the Knob

Oil rubbed bronze door knobs should be rinsed with warm clean water to remove any soap that may remain after the cleaning procedure. The soft towel or a microfiber cloth should also be used to dry off the knob entirely so that there is no chance of water spots or streaks. Ensure that there is no moisture left on the surface before proceeding to the next step.

Step 5: Add Some Oil Finish (Optional) Apply Cosmetic Oil to the Surface of your bronze knobs and please note that it is optional.

For those who want to keep the sleek and strong finish of their oil rubbed bronze knobs, you are encouraged to apply traces of oil i.e. olive or mineral oil. This will provide a protective layer on the knob and prevent it from going dull over time plus also retain the look of the patina. Just take a small amount of oil on the tip of a cloth and rub that on the surface of the knob included in the cloth to give it a circular motion.

Those who wish to maintain the decorum of metal used in knobs can use the products independently marketed i.e. polished knobs or oils by Judge Hardware. These are great products that are very suitable for oil rubbed bronze knobs and do not only aim at making the knobs look nice but prevent them from getting damaged as well.

Step 6: Intervals in Maintenance

It is emphasized to regularly dust and wipe your oil rubbed bronzed door knobs, as failure concern would mean that these will no-longer look good. The same procedure undertaken above but comprehensively should be performed in intervals of a couple of months to protect the finishes and preserve the shininess of the knobs.

Extra Suggestions for Keeping Up Your Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Knobs

Do Not Use Tough Cleaning Agents: It is recommended that you do not use any harmful chemicals and abrasive cleaning pads on your oil rubbed bronze door knobs. Such materials might spoil the finish and discolor.

Water Exposure: Limit water contact with your knobs as much as possible, especially in the worn areas of the finish. If water does come to contact the knob ensure that it is moisture free without any delay to avoid rust or corrosion.

Protective Coating: For people who live in humid areas, protective coatings for the oil rubbed bronze door knobs is a practical idea. This will stop moisture from affecting the finish.

Why Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Knobs from Judge Hardware Should Be Your First Choice

Quality and durability are key factors to Judge Hardware which is a factor most customers hold when buying home hardware. Hence, the customer has a possibility to choose from an assortment of oil rubbed bronze door knobs manufactured with care and precision. Renovation or construction of new buildings, replacement or update of door hardware and any of our oil rubbed bronze door knobs are designed to enhance the beauty and elegance of a door for many years to come.

Besides ensuring that the products delivered are of an exceptional standard, Judge Hardware also provides useful information and maintenance techniques that every user should apply to keep any hardware in good condition. The support service of our customers is always ready to respond to any possible questions regarding cleaning, installation or selection of products.

Conclusion

Door knobs made of oil rubbed bronze are not only elegant but also sturdy and long lasting. However, you need to put in some work if you want them to look good throughout. If the basic cleaning methods provided above are followed, the knobs can remain shiny for many years. For purchasing high quality oil rubbed bronze door knobs and knowing how to take care of them, go to Judge Hardware. With our premium quality and services, maintaining the aesthetics of your home’s hardware will be effortless.

Your oil rubbed bronze door knobs will retain their elegance and charm as your doors for a long time and enhance the value of your house. What you may need to note is that all of this comes with a little hint of your attention from time to time. Happy cleaning!

FAQs

How frequently do I need to clean my oil rubbed bronze door knobs?

Cleansing oil rubbed bronze door knobs is advised every couple of months especially if regular contact is made with them. It would not harm to form a habit of lightly dusting them with microfiber cloth on a regular basis, so that thorough cleaning is less strenuous at the 3-4 monthly intervals as well as the oils and grime do not accumulate too much.

Can I use regular cleaning products on oil rubbed bronze door knobs?

It is not appropriate to use external negatively charged or exfoliating cleansers on oil rubbed bronze door knobs, as they may destroy the metallic texture of the door. One can use dish washing liquid, warm water and a towel for regular cleaning. For tough stains, a baking soda paste will be helpful; however, it is recommended that a patch test be conducted ahead of time.

How do I remove the tarnish from my door knobs made of oil rubbed bronze?

If you want to restore the shine, you only need a small quantity of either mineral oil or olive oil which when applied onto a piece of soft cloth and rubbed against the surface of the oil rubbed bronze door knobs will leave them sparkling. This technique effortlessly maintains the finish of the knobs and ensures that they appear polished without ruining the patina.

Should I use oil for my oil rubbed bronze door knobs?

No, it is not obligatory to use oil, however, if some tiny amount of oil such as olive or mineral oil is used, it will assist in retaining the patina and shine of the oil rubbed bronze door knobs. It is an important consideration in humid areas or high-traffic locations and protects the finish from usage and scuffs.