Door handles are touched dozens of times a day, so they quickly collect grease from hands, dust and dirt. On front and balcony doors, outdoor moisture adds to the problem: the metal dulls, corrosion spots appear and the mechanism starts to stick or click.
Keeping a handle clean on the outside and smooth on the inside takes more than a quick wipe. Here is a simple way to wash it, lubricate the mechanism and protect it from moisture.
What you will need
Important: Test handles with a decorative finish (lacquer, patina, powder coat) on a hidden spot first. Do not leave an oily film on the outer surface: wipe the handle thoroughly dry after treatment.
Step 1
Remove the handle
For a proper clean it is best to take the handle off. Find the screws on the rose or the grub screw on the side of the handle, undo them with the right screwdriver and carefully pull the handle out together with the square spindle. Keep the door open meanwhile so you do not shut yourself out.
Step 2
Mix a soapy solution
Mix warm water with a few drops of washing-up liquid in a bowl. Dip a cloth and wring it out so it does not drip. Avoid bleach-based cleaners and abrasive powders, which scratch and stain the finish.
Step 3
Wash off dirt and grease
Wipe the handle and rose thoroughly, focusing on the grip area and the joints. Use the toothbrush on raised details and gaps where dirt builds up. Then rinse with clean warm water and dry everything completely.
Step 4
Lubricate and protect
Use the straw of WD-40 Smart Straw to treat the handle mechanism, spring and spindle, plus the latch on the edge of the door. Press the handle a few times to spread the product. If the mechanism is old and stiff, add a little WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease to the spring after cleaning.
Lightly spray a cloth with WD-40 Multi-Use and wipe the metal surface of the handle. The thin film repels moisture and guards against corrosion; remove any excess with a dry cloth.
Step 5
Refit the handle
Put the spindle and handle back, tighten the screws firmly but without force so the threads do not strip. Check that the handle turns smoothly, springs back to horizontal by itself and the latch clicks cleanly.
Tip: The front door of a house takes the most moisture. In autumn, before the rain and frost season, treat its mechanism and latch with WD-40 so the handle does not stick in winter and the lock is less likely to freeze.
What next
Clean handles every week or two and lubricate the mechanism every few months or as soon as it squeaks or sticks. While you are at it, treat the hinges and locks of the same doors with WD-40 Multi-Use so all the hardware runs quietly.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
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