Tips For Looking After Your Internal Door Handles

Maintaining a home’s door handles is essential for both aesthetic appeal and functionality. With regular use on a daily basis, door handles can lose their shine and even become less effective over time. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. With the right cleaning and maintenance, your door handles can retain their look and functionality, ensuring they not only enhance the overall appearance of your home but also continue to operate smoothly for years to come. Regular care is key to preserving the longevity and performance of your door handles. Read our post below to learn more about how to keep your door handles looking good and functioning well.

• Regular Cleaning

Gentle cleaning is important. Regularly wipe down your door handles with a soft cloth. For daily cleaning, a damp microfibre cloth is sufficient to remove dust and fingerprints. Also, make sure you use appropriate cleaners, ideally cleaners that are suitable for the material of your door handle. Brass handles, for instance, may require a different cleaner than stainless steel or chrome. Avoid abrasive cleaners as they can damage the surface. In terms of polishing, for metal handles, use a specific metal polish to restore shine. Always test the polish on a small, inconspicuous area first.

• Preventing Wear and Tear

Another tip is to be gentle when using the handles. Forceful handling can lead to loosening and faster wear of your door handles. Likewise, avoid harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can corrode or tarnish door handles. Avoid using them, especially on handles with special coatings. Similarly, protect from moisture. In humid environments, protect metal handles from moisture as it can lead to rust or tarnish.

• Fixing Loose Handles

Regularly tighten any loose screws, as this can prevent most malfunctions. Additionally, lubricate the lock mechanism occasionally with graphite lubricant, avoiding oil-based products that attract dirt. Both of these steps can ensure the longevity and smooth operation of your handles. If you notice persistent issues or significant wear, consider seeking professional assistance to address any underlying concerns and keep your door handles in good condition.

• Handling Rust and Corrosion

Addressing rust is crucial. Should you spot any rust, gently scrub it off using fine steel wool or a specialised rust remover. After removing rust, it’s important to clean and polish the area thoroughly. To prevent rust and corrosion, especially on iron and steel handles, regular cleaning and occasional waxing are effective. Addressing rust promptly not only maintains the aesthetic appeal of your handles but also prevents potential damage that can compromise their functionality over time.

• Special Care for Different Materials

Wooden handles benefit from regular application of furniture polish, which helps maintain their finish and prevents them from drying out. For glass handles, using a glass cleaner is ideal to keep them clear and shiny. Additionally, if your doors have handles made from various materials, tailor your cleaning routine accordingly to ensure each type receives the right care it needs, preserving the overall aesthetic and functionality of your door hardware.

• Replacing Worn Out Parts

Conduct regular inspections to identify any signs of wear. If you find certain components are worn out, consider replacing these specific parts rather than the entire handle, which can be a more cost-effective solution. For handles with complex mechanisms or those of significant value, it’s wise to consult an expert before attempting any repairs.

• Environmental Considerations

It’s important to consider environmental factors. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the finish on some handles to fade, so positioning and maintaining them with this in mind is crucial. Also, the material of the handle can be affected by extreme temperature changes. Maintaining a stable indoor environment helps prevent any damage that these fluctuations can cause.

Internal Door Handles in Ireland

Regular maintenance is key to keeping door handles functional and aesthetically pleasing. By following these simple tips and best practices, you can extend the life of your door handles and ensure they continue to enhance the beauty and functionality of your doors.

Here at Doras Doors, we have an exquisite range of door handles in Ireland, each thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Our selection includes the sophisticated Arte Toscana collection, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any space. 

Our door handles, including Florence, Genoa, Napoli, Pompeii, Rimini, Siena, Verona, and Venice, each bring their unique charm to domestic home spaces. If you’d like to learn more about our door handles and locks, please contact us today on (01) 6235444 or email us at sales@dorasdist.com.