Cleaning Old Window Hardware

First i ran some water over the hardware then sprinkled the bar keeper s friend on.

Cleaning old window hardware.

Then i just rinsed it off and let it dry. Spray a rag with the vinegar solution until it is damp but not. If you think the piece is brass hold a magnet up to it. Tap on the handle of the screwdriver with your hand.

A mild hand wash dish soap and water mixture can be used to loosen stubborn dirt. Otherwise it s probably brass plated metal. Bring to a boil. Start with a gentle detergent and sponge.

Always rinse the hardware with clean water. Photo by eric piasecki. 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. Put on the lid and let the contents of the pot cook all night.

Clean water should be used when possible to flush the hardware clean. The next day the paint will be soft and ready to fall off the metal. Every couple years they will. If you can t get it out with your hand use a hammer.

Vinegar cleaning solution pour 1 2 cup distilled white vinegar and 1 2 cup water in a spray bottle and shake the bottle to mix. Particular attention should be given to cleaning dirt from slides in window hinges and from the track where the patio door rollers glide. These pieces had some nooks and crannies so i took an old toothbrush to really get into those. Next i took an old cloth that was a little damp and rubbed it around the hardware.

Place the hardware in the crockpot. I prefer an old school method that i know some folks will disagree with but it works fine for me. After cleaning i like to give the hardware a good soak in boiled linseed oil. The mild chemical reaction of vinegar combined with baking soda is what loosens the tarnish.

Cover with water add a couple of tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent and turn the heat to medium. Remove the hinge pin with a screwdriver or a cold chisel. Don t use your favorite pan it s going to get disgusting. With the hardware fully wet sprinkle on a powdered cleaning product so the metal is completely covered.

Place the old hardware and enough water to completely cover them and a generous squirt of dish soap in a pan. Clean carefully remove the hardware at least once a year for a good cleaning.