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.

If the magnet doesn t stick the piece is solid brass and you can use a brass polish. After cleaning i like to give the hardware a good soak in boiled linseed oil. If you can t get it out with your hand use a hammer. If you think the piece is brass hold a magnet up to it.

Start with a gentle detergent and sponge. With the hardware fully wet sprinkle on a powdered cleaning product so the metal is completely covered. The next day the paint will be soft and ready to fall off the metal. Every couple years they will.

Then i just rinsed it off and let it dry. If you are using vinegar and baking soda first brush the hardware with a layer of vinegar then sprinkle on baking soda. A mild hand wash dish soap and water mixture can be used to loosen stubborn dirt. Spray a rag with the vinegar solution until it is damp but not.

Photo by eric piasecki. Place the screwdriver or cold chisel under the edge of the head of the hinge pin. The mild chemical reaction of vinegar combined with baking soda is what loosens the tarnish. Clean carefully remove the hardware at least once a year for a good cleaning.

Place the hardware in the crockpot. Bring to a boil. I prefer an old school method that i know some folks will disagree with but it works fine for me. Otherwise it s probably brass plated metal.

Next i took an old cloth that was a little damp and rubbed it around the hardware. 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. 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.

Don t use your favorite pan it s going to get disgusting. Always rinse the hardware with clean water. First i ran some water over the hardware then sprinkled the bar keeper s friend on. Particular attention should be given to cleaning dirt from slides in window hinges and from the track where the patio door rollers glide.

Tap on the handle of the screwdriver with your hand. Remove the hinge pin with a screwdriver or a cold chisel.