Cleaning Old Window Hardware

Place the old hardware and enough water to completely cover them and a generous squirt of dish soap in a pan.

Cleaning old window hardware.

Otherwise it s probably brass plated metal. After cleaning i like to give the hardware a good soak in boiled linseed oil. Cover with water add a couple of tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent and turn the heat to medium. First i ran some water over the hardware then sprinkled the bar keeper s friend on.

These pieces had some nooks and crannies so i took an old toothbrush to really get into those. If you can t get it out with your hand use a hammer. Bring to a boil. Every couple years they will.

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 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. Place the hardware in the crockpot.

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. Clean water should be used when possible to flush the hardware clean. Photo by eric piasecki. Clean carefully remove the hardware at least once a year for a good cleaning.

Start with a gentle detergent and sponge. Tap on the handle of the screwdriver with your hand. If you think the piece is brass hold a magnet up to it. Spray a rag with the vinegar solution until it is damp but not.

Always rinse the hardware with clean water. Place the screwdriver or cold chisel under the edge of the head of the hinge pin. Particular attention should be given to cleaning dirt from slides in window hinges and from the track where the patio door rollers glide. Remove the hinge pin with a screwdriver or a cold chisel.

I prefer an old school method that i know some folks will disagree with but it works fine for me. Next i took an old cloth that was a little damp and rubbed it around the hardware. With the hardware fully wet sprinkle on a powdered cleaning product so the metal is completely covered. Don t use your favorite pan it s going to get disgusting.

A mild hand wash dish soap and water mixture can be used to loosen stubborn dirt. Put on the lid and let the contents of the pot cook all night.