Master Your Home Hardware: Essential Maintenance 3 Tips!
Hardware is ubiquitous in our homes but often overlooked. For example, door handles, showerheads, kitchen faucets, cabinet hinges, suitcase handles, and zippers on women’s handbags are all made of metal.
If we pay attention to these seemingly insignificant hardware pieces and spend a little time maintaining them correctly, we can extend their lifespan and create a warm, comfortable, and healthy home environment for our families and ourselves.
Below, let me share some tips on how to maintain various types of hardware.
I. Tips for Maintaining Door Locks
Locks are small hardware pieces easily overlooked in daily life, yet they play a crucial role in security. Most people neglect lock maintenance after installation. Here are some tips for maintaining locks:
- Some zinc alloy and copper locks develop “spots” over time, which is oxidation, not rust. Use surface wax to wipe them clean.
- If keys become difficult to insert or remove, apply some graphite or pencil lead powder to ensure smooth operation.
- Regularly lubricate the moving parts of the lock to keep them smooth. Check the screws every six months to ensure they are tight.
- Avoid exposing locks to rain for extended periods, as the springs inside can rust and become less functional. Rainwater, containing nitric acid and nitrates, can also corrode the locks.
- When turning the key to open the door, do not pull the key out until the lock cylinder has returned to its original position.
II. Bathroom Hardware Maintenance Tips
- Regularly open doors and windows to ensure good ventilation in the bathroom. Separating wet and dry areas helps maintain bathroom hardware.
- Do not place wet items on metal hangers, as paint can corrode them.
- Residual shower gel on chrome surfaces can dull the faucet’s shine and affect the appearance of bathroom product. Wipe them regularly with water and a cotton cloth, at least once a week.
- Wax has strong cleaning properties. Apply it to a clean white cotton cloth for thorough cleaning of bathroom part, extending their lifespan.
Note: After each cleaning, immediately rinse off all cleaning agents with water and dry the hardware with a specialized maintenance cloth to prevent unsightly water stains.
III. Caring for Luggage Hardware
Luggage maintenance focuses on hardware, which is crucial, especially for women who love collecting bags. Here are some tips:
- Regularly wipe the hardware with a dry cloth to maintain its luster and prevent discoloration.
- For slightly oxidized hardware, try gently wiping it with flour or toothpaste.
- When storing bags, wrap the parts first.
- For suitcases, avoid trapping foreign objects in the locks when opening and closing them to prevent damage to the procuct.
IV. Kitchen Hardware Maintenance Tips
- Regularly wipe kitchen cabinet hardware with a dry cloth to prevent rust. If stubborn black spots appear, use a small amount of kerosene to clean them.
- Cabinet hinges may become noisy over time. To maintain smooth and quiet operation, apply lubricant every 2-3 months.
- Avoid heavy or sharp objects colliding with or scratching kitchen hardware. Do not pull or drag items forcefully during transportation to prevent damage to the part connecting the furniture.
- Regularly clean faucet surfaces with a soft cotton cloth or sponge and neutral soap to prevent water scale buildup and corrosion.
- Avoid bumping the faucet spout surface with hard objects. During installation, do not force the parts to prevent damage.
V. Maintenance of Door and Cabinet Hardware
- Stainless steel door handles or cabinet handles can be polished with a cleaner to keep them shiny.
- Hinges, hanging wheels, and casters in cabinets may accumulate dust over time, reducing their performance. Apply a drop or two of lubricant every six months to keep them running smoothly.
- Wipe aluminum profiles around windows with water and a cotton cloth to remove dirt, then dry with a dry cotton cloth.
