How do I clean and care for handrails and railings?

Question

Accepted Answer

Handrails and railings are touched and used daily -- regular but gentle care keeps them looking good for a long time:

**Lacquered wood handrails:**
- Remove dust with a soft cloth
- Wipe soiling with a **slightly damp cloth** and mild cleaning agent
- Always wipe **in the direction of the wood grain**
- Wipe dry afterwards
- Do not use abrasive cleaners or microfibre cloths

**Oiled wood handrails:**
- Regularly apply **care oil** to keep the pores saturated
- Clean with pH-neutral cleaner before oiling
- Treat frequently touched areas (grip zone) more often

**Metal railings and balusters:**
- Clean with a damp cloth and mild washing-up liquid
- Polish dry
- Powder-coated surfaces do not need additional protection

**Tip:** Remove dirt from handrails immediately -- dried-on soiling is harder to remove. A stable indoor climate (not too dry) prevents cracks in the wood.