How to Clean Handrails

Co-authored by Elias Weston

Last Updated: February 11, 2021 References

Handrails come into contact with germs all the time, but rarely get cleaned. They are often made of materials like wood or wrought iron, that should not be exposed to too much water. However, they can be cleaned if you are careful about removing or limiting exposure to moisture. Periodically, you should also consider waxing, varnishing, or sanding the surfaces to remove imperfections.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning Wooden Handrails

1
Make a cleaning solution with baking soda and oil. Combine an equal amount of mineral or coconut oil with baking soda. Mix thoroughly with a spoon. The mixture should have the consistency of a paste when you are done.^{[1]
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2
Apply the solution to a microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloth is ideal for sanitizing surfaces. Apply the mixture to a microfiber cloth. Use enough solution to cover one section of the cloth. Wash off and reapply as necessary when the rag becomes overly dirty.

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3
Rub the handrail down with the microfiber cloth and the paste. Rub with a circular motion. Clean until no dirt remains.^{[2]
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4
Dry the wood with a microfiber cloth. Rub down the handrail with a new, clean, dry microfiber cloth. Continue until it has picked up all the moisture.^{[3]
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5
Sand imperfections in the wood. If you have any serious rough spots or blemishes in the wood, consider using a sanding sponge. Start at the top of the rail and sand your way down, always rubbing parallel to the gain of the wood.^{[4]
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- A sanding sponge is flexible so it will conform to the shape of your rail. One side will be rough, allowing you to rub the surface and scrub out imperfections.
6
Apply varnish. To preserve the wood, use a three-inch wide foam brush to apply a polyurethane varnish to the surface. Dunk the brush into the varnish and then run the brush along the surface, applying a light layer. Do not apply so much that the varnish clumps up or runs.^{[5]
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7
Sand imperfections in varnish after drying. After about 8 hours the polyurethane should dry. Use 180-grit sand paper to lightly sand the handrail. Use a dry rag to clean dust off the rail.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning Wrought Iron Handrails

1
Dust the handrail. Begin by wiping the handrail with a clean cloth to pick up dust. Alternatively, you can attach and use a dusting tool on your vacuum.^{[7]
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2
Sand off rust with steel wool. If any rust has accumulated on the wrought iron, rub down problem spots with steel wool. Scrub roughly until all of the rust has been picked up.^{[8]
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3
Wipe down with a soft-cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Use a mild cleaner, either an all-purpose cleaner or a combination of baking soda and water. Rub down the whole handrail.^{[9]
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- For a baking soda solution, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of water.
4
Dry the handrail with a soft cloth. Use a new, clean cloth to wipe down the handrail. Be sure to pick up all moisture and soap from the surface.^{[10]
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5
Apply liquid car wax. Use a soft cloth to spread liquid car wax over the iron. This will protect it from the elements and help prevent the formation of rust.^{[11]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Cleaning Automated Rubber Handrails

1
Wipe down the handrail with cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Use an all-purpose cleaner to rub all parts of the handrail. Be extra careful to get to the hard to reach underside of the rail.^{[12]
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2
Use EHC handrail cleaner and nylon plastic scouring pad for tough stains. For hard to pick up spots, use a plastic scouring pad that is non-abrasive. Apply EHC handrail cleaner to it and spot clean the tough stains.^{[13]
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3
Rotate the handrail to clean the whole surface. If the handrail is not moving, there are parts that you will not be able to reach. You will need to rotate it to reach all parts of it.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How can I disinfect handrails?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

If you are sanitizing against more resilient germs that spread more easily, then you should also use a household disinfectant after cleaning with a multi-purpose cleaner.
Question

What else can I use if I don't have baking soda or an all-purpose cleaner?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

You can use a simple soap and water solution made with Dawn dish soap and water. You can also make a simple cleaning solution with vinegar and water. These cleaning solutions are gentle enough to use on a variety of surfaces, yet strong enough to break up most germs and dirt.
Question

How often should you clean handrails?

Elias Weston
Cleaning Specialist
Elias Weston is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Seatown Cleaners in Seattle, Washington. Elias specializes in helping clients find cleaning services with instant booking and flexible pricing. Seatown Cleaners offers standard, deep, and move-in/out cleaning services using green products and cleaning techniques. Every cleaner is thoroughly vetted and every cleaning is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.

Elias Weston

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Ideally, handrails should be cleaned at least one to two times per day to get rid of any germs.