How To Turn Your Front Door Handle Gold... For Free!

tarnished brass door handle

As I was taking the pictures for my Front Door Reveal last week, I noticed that the brass door handle was looking a little ruff. Our house was built in 1967 and this is the original door and handle. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to replace it but wanted to spruce it up a bit so it would match the new brass knocker. So I consulted my very favorite book, Martha Stewarts Homekeeping Handbook to see what Martha would do. She said to go and buy brass polish. Hmmm lets try this first... What do I love more than anything? White Vinegar.

Brass cleaning materials

Materials:

• White Vinegar 
• Salt
• Old dish towel
• SOFT scouring sponge (not steel wool) 
• Olive oil

Directions:

• Dampen your towel with white vinegar.
• Shake some salt onto the object and the towel.
• Start rubbing, the salt works as a mild abrasive.
• If you have some stubborn areas, soak the sponge in vinegar and use the scouring side. Go gently you can scratch the surface!
• When it is shiny and beautiful rub the handle with olive oil and wipe off. This will keep the tarnish at bay.

Tada! Polished Brass Handle!

This method works for all brass, however if you have a newer brass handle check to see if it has a lacquer coating. If it does you will need to remove it before it can be polished. Check out Fantes.com on how to do this with baking soda and boiling water. Then follow the above instructions.

I have a brand new door handle and the best part... it was free!

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