Lacquered and Clear-Coated Finishes

• Finishes such as polished brass should be cleaned every few weeks, especially in harsh conditions such as the highly salty air of coastal regions. To clean, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe away dirt and residue. A mild soap can be used if necessary. Once clean, wipe the hardware dry with a soft cloth. You may also apply a thin layer of a non-caustic wax, such as carnauba car wax, to help reduce the appearance of shallow scratches and protect the finish for a long-lasting shine.

Non-Lacquered or Living Finishes

• Living finishes such as a true oil-rubbed bronze will change with time. Normal use will slowly remove some of the finish to reveal the brass underneath. To clean, wipe with a soft, damp cloth but do not scrub unless you wish to speed-up the natural aging process. A thin layer of oil, such as vegetable oil, can be applied to help prolong the original finish. Follow up on this process by applying a non-caustic, clear paste wax. It is important to note that the finish on all non-lacquered hardware, especially in high-traffic areas, will change over time regardless of the care given.

Stainless Steel Finishes

• Cleaning stainless steel door hardware is much like cleaning lacquered hardware of any other material. For the best looking door pulls and knobs, wipe down each piece regularly with a soft, damp cloth. This is especially true for hardware installed on exterior doors. A mild cleaner maybe used if necessary. Polish with a non-caustic wax, carnauba wax can be used here too, to help restore the beautiful shine.