Brass hardware elevates interiors with a timeless elegance, offering both aesthetic appeal and durability. To ensure these pieces continue to enhance your home, regular maintenance is essential. This guide provides expert tips to preserve the shine of your brass handles, knobs and pulls.​

Tarnishing occurs when brass reacts with environmental elements such as oxygen, moisture, and pollutants, leading to a dull, darkened appearance. Factors like humidity, exposure to oils from hands, and air quality can speed up this process. Understanding these causes is key in implementing effective preventive measures.​

Addressing tarnish promptly restores the brightness of brass door hardware. Begin by determining if your hardware is solid brass or brass-plated. For solid brass, a gentle polish using appropriate cleaners can effectively remove tarnish. Brass-plated items require more delicate handling to avoid wearing away the brass layer. Pushka Home’s Solid Brass hardware comes with a clear lacquer coating to provide protection against fingerprints and to prevent oxidation, however regular dusting and immediate attention to fingerprints can also mitigate tarnish buildup.​

1. Remove the Hardware: Carefully detach the brass pieces to ensure thorough cleaning and protect surrounding surfaces.

2. Clean the Surface: Wash with lukewarm water and a mild soap to eliminate surface dirt. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.​

3. Apply a Cleaning Solution: For more stubborn tarnish, use a natural solution by mixing equal parts vinegar, salt, and flour into a paste. Gently apply it to the brass, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft microfibre cloth.

4. Polish the Brass: A soft cloth helps preserve the hardware’s original shine and finish.

5. Reattach the Hardware: Once completely dry, reinstall the hardware, ensuring all components are securely fastened.​ 

The key to keeping brass looking beautifully polished lies in consistent, gentle care. Regular dusting with a soft, dry cloth prevents the build-up of grime that can dull its finish over time. Always ensure the surface stays clean and dry.

Brass door hardware, including door knobs and handles, benefits from regular upkeep. After removing the hardware, clean it with a mild soap solution to remove grime. For tarnished areas, apply a suitable brass cleaner, following the step by step guide. 

Cabinet hardware, such as handles and knobs, should be cleaned periodically to maintain their appearance. Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution to wipe down the brass surfaces and thorough drying is recommended.

• Using Abrasive Materials: Avoid steel wool or harsh scrubbing pads that can scratch the brass surface.​

• Over-Polishing: Excessive polishing can wear down the brass over time. Polish only as needed to maintain shine.​

• Ignoring Regular Maintenance: Infrequent cleaning allows tarnish to build up, making it more challenging to restore the original shine.​

By following these Pushka guidelines, you can ensure that your brass hardware remains a luxury feature in your home for years to come.