We had already purchased new knobs before realizing they did not fit properly in our existing doors. We were faced with the decision to either buy new doors with standard openings or salvage the existing knobs and hinges (that were covered in paint). We chose the latter. Luckily, this project was a super simple one! A few hours in the slow cooker with water and a bit of laundry detergent and the paint and grime easily scrubbed off (though I wouldn’t recommend using the same ceramic pot for cooking meals again). We still plan on spray painting them for an even finish, but by salvaging our existing hardware, we managed to save over $300! Money that we can spend on something a little more exciting than knobs and hinges, don’t you think?
kelleyn - Great job!
lou - hooray! sometimes it can be so easy :-)
Cafe Fashionista - Gah! That is such an incredible discovery, Maddy! I feel like I am learning all about the home buying / renovating process vicariously through you. It will definitely come in handy for me in the future! :)
yummychunklet - Great tip!
Amy - I love it when a plan comes together. Easily. :)
And for the record–I think those knobs have character (leave it to me, naturally).
Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - I like that they have character too! The cheapest door knobs they had at the store look like the ones you’d find at the office…bleh!
JWS3 - everything is so DIY with you guys…
Sarah - Dodeline Design - Wow what a great tip! Good for you! I actually really like those knobs!
Camila Faria - You guys are so clever! And YAY for all the money you saved!
Gloria - Who knew the slow cooker had so many uses?? This is great to know!
The Guilty Hyena - A tidy little restoration project :)
Elle sees - I had no idea about the knobs…I figured it was a One Size Fits All deal. Glad you figured out how to rework em
Maddy {Mad Hearts Photography} - It usually is, but since our house was built in 1939, some of the features are no longer considered standard. So the holes on the doors didn’t fit the new standard knobs…go figure! I thought changing the knobs was going to be a breeze…
Tiera - I love DIY fixes like this! And I’m so glad you guys are having success with all the home improvement stuff you’re doing on you own!!
Krysten - So helpful, thanks!
Sabine - What a fantastic trick! I guess you not only saved money, the old ones might also look much prettier.
Angelia Sims - Excellent tip! I love those door knobs. Glad you were able to salvage them. :-)