How to Clean Kitchen Cabinet Knobs

Kitchen cabinet knobs can accumulate a lot of built-up grime over time. Each time you open a cabinet door or drawer, you transfer dirt and oils from your fingers onto the knob. Over time, these oils and impurities can rob the knobs of their luster, while allowing tarnish and discoloration to take hold. Clean your cabinet knobs on a regular basis to keep them looking their best.

Edit Steps

Remove the knobs from the cabinets with a screwdriver. Many cleaning detergents and hard scrubbing can damage the wood of the cabinets. The backs of the knobs can also be an area where grime builds up; removing the knobs allows you to clean all of these areas.

Hold the knob tightly in one hand while turning the screwdriver counterclockwise in the screw on the back of the door.

Remove the screws from the backs of the doors and set them aside for later.

Fill a bowl with enough warm soapy water to fully submerge all the knobs.

Soak the knobs in the soapy water for approximately 30 minutes to begin loosening the grime.

Scrub the knobs. Use an old soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub metal, porcelain and glass knobs. Use a soft cloth to rub wooden knobs.

Work the toothbrush or cloth over the knobs, paying attention to any carvings or grooves, removing the build up, grease and dirt.

Allow wooden, glass and porcelain knobs to dry completely.

Apply metal polish to metal knobs to help remove any tarnish and bring back the shine of the knobs. Use a soft cloth to rub the polish into the knobs until they have the desired finish.

Apply a thin coat of beeswax to metal knobs to help protect their finish, prevent new tarnish build up and keep them looking clean longer.

Screw the knobs back onto the cabinet doors.

Finished.

Edit Tips

Old fashioned furniture polish, the kind sold in cans, can be used to protect and give a quick cleaning to metal and wooden knobs. Apply some between cleanings with a soft cloth, rubbing it in until the knob is dry to the touch.

Use a gentle dish soap for wooden knobs. Other materials can handle stronger, commercial cleaners such as those made for glass or metal.

Edit Warnings

Many metal knobs come in antiqued finishes such as pewter and oil rubbed bronze, as well as living finishes which are meant to darken and age over time. Do not use metal polish on these finishes, and clean them with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Using harsh chemicals or polishes will ruin the finish on the knobs. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer for recommendations on what cleansers to use.