How to Care For Your Hardware

How to Care for Your Nostalgic Warehouse Hardware Brass cleaning tips porcelain crystal doorknob

Your Nostalgic Warehouse hardware is crafted from solid brass and finished to provide lasting beauty. With proper care, your hardware will maintain its elegance for years to come.

Most of our finishes are protected by a durable, clear lacquer designed to preserve their color and character while making routine care simple. You’ll hear them referred to as lacquered finishes.

Nostalgic’s lacquered finishes:

  • Antique Brass
  • Antique Pewter
  • Bright Chrome
  • Lifetime Brass
  • Oil-Rubbed Bronze
  • Polished Brass
  • Satin Nickel
  • Timeless Bronze

In most homes, occasional cleaning to remove fingerprints and surface soil is all that’s required for lacquered finishes.

hand clean your nostalgic warehouse brass door hardware
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Routine Cleaning

For Everyday Care:

  • Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth
  • If needed, use mild soap and warm water
  • Dry immediately with a clean cloth

What to Avoid

To protect the finish and preserve your warranty:

  • Do not use abrasive pads or steel wool
  • Avoid powdered cleansers
  • Avoid ammonia, bleach, or harsh chemical cleaners
  • Do not use alcohol-based disinfectants
  • Do not spray liquid cleaners directly onto hardware

These products can damage the protective lacquer and affect the appearance of the finish over time.

Living Finishes: Unlacquered Brass

A living finish is intentionally left without a protective coating, allowing the metal to naturally age and develop character over time.

Unlacquered Brass will gradually develop a rich patina as it is exposed to air and handled daily. This natural aging process is part of its beauty and gives each piece a unique, evolving appearance.

Crystal & Porcelain Knobs

Our crystal and porcelain knobs are crafted to complement our solid brass hardware and should be cared for gently.

unlacquered brass door hardware with black porcelain knobs office french glass doors
nostalgic warehouse crystal doorknob black oil rubbed bronze door hardware vintage

Crystal Knobs

  • Clean with glass cleaner applied to a cloth (not directly onto the knob)
  • Or use mild soap and water
  • Dry thoroughly

Porcelain Knobs

  • Clean with mild soap and water
  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads

Maintaining Smooth Operation

For heavily used doors, a small amount of silicone-based lubricant may be applied to the latch mechanism if needed. This is rarely necessary in typical residential use.

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Designed to Last

Nostalgic Warehouse hardware is built to endure daily use while maintaining its timeless appeal. With simple, thoughtful care, your door hardware will continue to enhance your home for years to come.

If you have questions about caring for your hardware, our Customer Service team is always happy to help.