Cleaning Old Window Hardware

How to clean metal cabinet hardware.

Cleaning old window hardware.

This how to remove paint from metal method won t harm hardware made of non rusting metals like copper brass or aluminum. More on cleaning vintage metal hardware after the jump. Proper cleaning is. These are pretty disgusting.

Whether you have metal cabinet hardware made of antique brass modern stainless steel or something in between it requires regular cleaning. Simply rub a thin coat onto the brass let sit for an hour or so and then clean the piece with hot soapy water. If you use this method you need to wipe the hardware down very well otherwise you ll have a gummed up piece of hardware once it dries. Cooking the hardware may stain or contaminate the pot so use an old one or buy a new one for less than 20.

Cleaning old and antique brass can be a very frustrating endeavor because over time the brass oxidizes and becomes covered in tarnish. Add a few tablespoons of vinegar to the water too. Every couple years they will. Don t use your favorite pan it s going to get disgusting 0 comment comment.

Place the hardware in the crockpot. With the hardware fully wet sprinkle on a powdered cleaning product so the metal is completely covered. Particular attention should be given to cleaning dirt from slides in window hinges and from the track where the patio door rollers glide. If you are using vinegar and baking soda first brush the hardware with a layer of vinegar then sprinkle on baking soda.

The mild chemical reaction of vinegar combined with baking soda is what loosens the tarnish. We recommend the hardware be inspected once a year more if necessary and cleared of dirt and grime build up. I prefer an old school method that i know some folks will disagree with but it works fine for me. Use plastic tongs to remove hardware from the crockpot without.

The next day the paint will be soft and ready to fall off the metal. After cleaning i like to give the hardware a good soak in boiled linseed oil. For a doorknob the first thing you ll need to do is remove the knob. Instructions for cleaning old brass.

Cover with water add a couple of tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent and turn the heat to medium. The dirt and. Place the old hardware and enough water to completely cover them and a generous squirt of dish soap in a pan. There should be a small screw at the base of the knob holding it to a central rod that runs through the mortise mechanism inside the door.

Bring to a boil.