Cleaning The Doorknobs

Doorknobs are one of the most highly contacted surfaces in your home, and we don’t often think to clean them on a regular basis. Wipe down a doorknob and you may be surprised by the amount of dirt that comes off of it. Bacteria aside, the oils on our hands accumulate over time on these small surfaces, attracting even more grime and foreign particles. With flu season coming up, it is important that you maintain clean doorknobs for your home!

How to clean your doorknobs

For a natural, non-toxic cleaning solution, spray the surface with vinegar and wipe dry with a clean cloth. There are products that will help remove odors, such as baking soda. Check the particular method to be sure that it does not damage the surface. Baking soda is slightly abrasive and should not be used on pieces that scratch or wear easily. If safe, baking can be added to a soap and water mixture.

There are disinfectant wipes that are quick and easy to clean with. Some common brands are Lysol and Clorox wipes. Simply wipe them over the surface of the doorknob and allow it to dry.

Focus on the knobs and handles that get the most action throughout the day: the front door, bathroom doors, refrigerator doors, microwave doors, even the little knobs on your kitchen cupboard doors.

While you’re at it, don’t forget other often-overlooked areas as well, like your light switches, remotes, and computer mouse and keyboard.

Fun Fact

A lesser-known fact is that certain metals, such as brass, actually sterilize themselves after a certain period of time, making them ideal materials for surfaces like doorknobs (It’s called the oligodynamic effect). Brass doorknobs disinfect themselves in about eight hours, while stainless steel and aluminum knobs never do. Unvarnished brass doorknobs, therefore, tend to be more sanitary than stainless or aluminum doorknobs. The effect is important in hospitals, and useful in any building where there is a lot of traffic.