Best Way to Restore Cabinet Hardware

Cabinet hardware can become dull and dirty over time. Hardware includes hinges, drawer knobs and pulls, and cabinet knobs and pulls. Luckily these are all easy to clean. There are different methods of restoring these pieces, and it all depends on the materials that your hardware is made from. Determine your materials and follow directions for that type.

1. Remove hardware. Using a screwdriver, remove the hardware that you want to restore. Place the pieces on a table or flat surface. Be careful not to lose any screws needed to put it back.


2. Clean each piece. Use a mild dish soap and water to clean each piece. Rinse each piece and then dry with a clean, soft cloth.


3. To restore brushed nickel or chrome, use a mixture containing a half-cup white vinegar and a half-cup water. Swish the pieces in this solution and then dry with a clean, dry cloth.


4. To restore brass, use a cleaner such as Brasso. Apply this with a clean cloth, and rub until you see the brass begin to shine. You can spray a lacquer over the pieces to help them keep their shine if you wish. You may have to use more Brasso and run quite a few time before the brass is back to its original shine. This is especially true if your hardware is old or antique


5. To restore bronze hardware, you will have to make a paste with flour, salt and vinegar. How much of each you will need depends on how many pieces you have to polish. You will mix them in equal parts. A fourth-cup of each will probably be enough for most uses. Apply the paste to the pieces you wish to restore, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the pieces before drying and buffing.


6. To restore pewter, buff it extremely lightly with fine steel wool.


7. Reattach all hardware once it is cleaned and restored.