A traditional and effective way to clean copper door handles is with salt and vinegar, but to avoid staining your doors, it's best to remove the handles first and clean them in a sink or tub.
Here's a detailed guide to cleaning copper door handles:
1. Gather Your Supplies:
- White vinegar
- Table salt
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Bowl or container
- Optional: Copper polish for extra shine
- Optional: Gloves to protect your hands
2. Remove the Door Handles (Recommended):
This step is highly recommended to protect your doors from potential stains. Use a screwdriver to detach the handles.
3. Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
- In your bowl or container, mix approximately equal parts of white vinegar and salt. Start with 1/4 cup of each and adjust as needed. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive to help remove tarnish.
4. Apply the Solution:
- Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the vinegar and salt mixture.
- Gently rub the copper door handles with the cloth, focusing on areas with tarnish or discoloration.
5. Let it Sit (Optional):
- For heavily tarnished handles, you can let the solution sit on the copper for a few minutes (5-10 minutes) to allow it to penetrate the tarnish.
6. Rinse Thoroughly:
- Rinse the door handles thoroughly with clean water to remove all traces of the vinegar and salt solution.
7. Dry Completely:
- Use a clean, dry cloth to dry the door handles immediately. This prevents water spots and further tarnishing.
8. Polish (Optional):
- If desired, apply a copper polish according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will add extra shine and protection. Follow the directions carefully and buff the handles with a clean cloth.
9. Reattach the Door Handles:
- Once the handles are completely dry, reattach them to the doors using the screwdriver.
Alternative Cleaning Solutions:
- Lemon Juice and Salt: Substitute lemon juice for vinegar using the same method. The citric acid in lemon juice is also effective at removing tarnish.
- Ketchup: Believe it or not, the acidity in ketchup can help clean copper. Apply a thin layer of ketchup to the handles, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Important Considerations:
- Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before cleaning the entire handle, test the cleaning solution in a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn't damage the finish.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Do not use harsh abrasive cleaners, steel wool, or scouring pads, as these can scratch the copper.
- Regular Cleaning: Wipe down your copper door handles regularly with a soft cloth to prevent tarnish buildup.
