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DIY Cleaning Methods for Doorknobs

Reviewed by Zac Kieffer

Updated: September 15, 2025

Discover easy DIY cleaning methods for doorknobs. Keep your home germ-free with simple, effective tips using household items. Safe for all surfaces.

DIY Cleaning Methods for Doorknobs

Rubbing Alcohol and Microfiber Cloth

Dampen a microfiber cloth with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the doorknobs thoroughly. The rubbing alcohol disinfects and removes grime, leaving the surface clean and shiny.

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How to Clean Doorknobs with Rubbing Alcohol and a Microfiber Cloth

Gather your supplies: You’ll need a clean microfiber cloth and a bottle of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol, usually 70% or higher). Microfiber is a synthetic fabric designed to grab onto dust, grime, and smudges, making it a go-to for cleaning hard surfaces like doorknobs.

Apply rubbing alcohol to the cloth, not the doorknob: Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol onto a corner of your microfiber cloth. Avoid soaking the cloth—damp is good, dripping is not. This helps you control where the alcohol goes and keeps it from running into crevices or onto nearby surfaces.

Wipe the doorknob thoroughly: Use the dampened part of the cloth to wipe the entire surface of the doorknob. Pay attention to the areas people touch most, like the front, sides, and the base where fingers often rest. Microfiber’s fine fibers help lift away fingerprints, smudges, and everyday grime.

Flip and buff: After wiping, use a dry section of the microfiber cloth to buff the doorknob. This step helps remove any streaks and leaves the surface looking clean and shiny.

Let it air dry: Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so you don’t need to rinse. Just let the doorknob air dry for a minute or two before touching it again.

Repeat as needed: For high-traffic areas, a quick wipe-down every few days can help keep things looking tidy. If you notice sticky spots or stubborn grime, you can repeat the process or use a little extra elbow grease with the microfiber cloth.

Incomplete Germ Removal

Rubbing alcohol may not reach all crevices on doorknobs, and wiping with a microfiber cloth can miss spots, leaving some germs behind. This incomplete coverage reduces the effectiveness of germ removal with this DIY method.

White Vinegar and Water Solution

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto doorknobs and wipe with a clean cloth. This natural cleaner disinfects and removes grime without harsh chemicals.

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How to Clean Doorknobs with a White Vinegar and Water Solution

Mix your solution: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For most homes, a half-cup of each is plenty. Give it a good shake to blend.

Spray lightly: Mist the doorknob with your solution. Don’t soak it—just a light spritz will do. Too much liquid can seep into the mechanism and cause issues down the line.

Wipe with a microfiber cloth: Use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe the doorknob. Microfiber grabs onto grime and leaves fewer streaks than paper towels or old t-shirts.

Pay attention to crevices: If your doorknob has grooves or decorative details, use a cotton swab or an old toothbrush dipped in the solution to get into those nooks. Wipe dry afterward.

Buff dry: After cleaning, buff the doorknob with a dry section of your cloth. This helps prevent water spots and keeps things looking polished.

Check the finish: If your doorknobs are brass, bronze, or have a specialty finish, test the solution on a hidden spot first. Vinegar can react with some metals and finishes, so it’s better to be cautious.

Repeat as needed: For high-traffic areas, a quick wipe-down every few days keeps things looking fresh and helps manage buildup from hands, smudges, and whatever else life throws at your doors.

Surface Damage Risk

White vinegar is acidic and can damage certain finishes on doorknobs, such as brass, bronze, or coated metals, leading to discoloration, dullness, or surface corrosion if used repeatedly or not rinsed off properly.

Baking Soda Paste and Damp Cloth

Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the doorknob, gently scrub with a damp cloth, then wipe clean. This method removes grime and disinfects without harsh chemicals.

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How to Clean Doorknobs with Baking Soda Paste and a Damp Cloth

Gather your supplies: You’ll need baking soda, a small bowl, water, a spoon, a soft cloth (microfiber works well), and a second clean, damp cloth for wiping.

Mix your paste: In your bowl, combine about two tablespoons of baking soda with just enough water to form a thick, spreadable paste. You’re aiming for the consistency of toothpaste—thick enough to stick, but not so dry it crumbles.

Apply the paste: Use your spoon or a corner of your cloth to scoop up a bit of the paste. Gently rub it onto the doorknob, focusing on areas where you see smudges, fingerprints, or grime. Don’t forget the base and the area where the knob meets the door—these spots collect a surprising amount of buildup.

Let it sit (briefly): Give the paste a minute or two to work on any stubborn spots. No need to let it dry completely; you just want to give it a little time to loosen up the grime.

Wipe away the paste: Take your clean, damp cloth and gently wipe the doorknob, removing all traces of the baking soda paste. Rinse and wring out your cloth as needed to avoid leaving a powdery residue.

Buff for shine: If you want a little extra gleam, use a dry section of your cloth to buff the doorknob after cleaning. This helps remove any streaks and leaves the surface looking refreshed.

Check for residue: Baking soda can leave a white film if not fully wiped away. Give the knob a final once-over with a damp cloth to make sure it’s clean and free of any leftover paste.

Hidden Residue Buildup

Baking soda paste can leave behind a gritty, invisible residue if not thoroughly wiped away, leading to buildup on doorknobs. This hidden residue may attract dirt or cause the surface to feel rough and less clean over time.

Fill a spray bottle with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Spray directly onto doorknobs and let sit for a few minutes. Wipe clean with a paper towel to disinfect and remove grime. This method effectively kills germs and leaves surfaces clean.

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How to Clean Doorknobs with Hydrogen Peroxide Spray and Paper Towel

Gather your supplies: You’ll need a bottle of 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind you find in most drugstores), a clean spray bottle, and some sturdy paper towels. If your hydrogen peroxide comes in a brown bottle, pour it into a spray bottle that’s also opaque or dark—light breaks down hydrogen peroxide and makes it less effective.

Prep the area: Before you start, make sure the doorknob is free of obvious dirt or sticky stuff. If it’s grimy, give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth first. Hydrogen peroxide works best on surfaces that aren’t covered in gunk.

Spray generously: Spritz the doorknob until it’s visibly wet. Don’t be shy—hydrogen peroxide needs to sit on the surface for a bit to do its job. If you see bubbles, that’s normal; it’s just the peroxide reacting with organic material.

Let it sit: Give the doorknob a few minutes to air dry. This “dwell time” is important because hydrogen peroxide needs time to work. If you wipe it off right away, you’re not giving it a chance to do much cleaning.

Wipe away: After a few minutes, use a clean paper towel to wipe down the doorknob. This helps remove any leftover residue and gives the knob a quick polish. Toss the used paper towel in the trash—don’t reuse it, since it could spread grime to other surfaces.

Repeat as needed: For high-traffic areas (think bathroom or kitchen doors), you might want to do this daily or a few times a week. For less-used doors, a weekly wipe-down is usually enough.

Extra tip: If you’re cleaning a lot of doorknobs, work in sections so the hydrogen peroxide doesn’t dry out before you get to it. And always wash your hands after cleaning, just to be thorough.

Ineffective Application Technique

The hydrogen peroxide spray and paper towel method may fail if the doorknob isn’t fully covered, contact time is too short, or the paper towel doesn’t remove all residues, leading to incomplete disinfection and lingering germs.

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