Cleaning Old Window Hardware

Cover with water add a couple of tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent and turn the heat to medium.

Cleaning old window hardware.

Place the screwdriver or cold chisel under the edge of the head of the hinge pin. If you think the piece is brass hold a magnet up to it. If you can t get it out with your hand use a hammer. Then i just rinsed it off and let it dry.

Clean carefully remove the hardware at least once a year for a good cleaning. Next i took an old cloth that was a little damp and rubbed it around the hardware. The next day the paint will be soft and ready to fall off the metal. If the magnet doesn t stick the piece is solid brass and you can use a brass polish.

If you are using vinegar and baking soda first brush the hardware with a layer of vinegar then sprinkle on baking soda. Remove the hinge pin with a screwdriver or a cold chisel. Every couple years they will. Spray a rag with the vinegar solution until it is damp but not.

A mild hand wash dish soap and water mixture can be used to loosen stubborn dirt. Bring to a boil. Don t use your favorite pan it s going to get disgusting. Clean water should be used when possible to flush the hardware clean.

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. First i ran some water over the hardware then sprinkled the bar keeper s friend on. 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. Tap on the handle of the screwdriver with your hand.

Place the old hardware and enough water to completely cover them and a generous squirt of dish soap in a pan. The mild chemical reaction of vinegar combined with baking soda is what loosens the tarnish. Photo by eric piasecki. Always rinse the hardware with clean water.

Particular attention should be given to cleaning dirt from slides in window hinges and from the track where the patio door rollers glide. With the hardware fully wet sprinkle on a powdered cleaning product so the metal is completely covered. Start with a gentle detergent and sponge. After cleaning i like to give the hardware a good soak in boiled linseed oil.

Otherwise it s probably brass plated metal. Place the hardware in the crockpot.