Cleaning Old Window Hardware

Clean water should be used when possible to flush the hardware clean.

Cleaning old window hardware.

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. 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.

After cleaning i like to give the hardware a good soak in boiled linseed oil. Place the screwdriver or cold chisel under the edge of the head of the hinge pin. First i ran some water over the hardware then sprinkled the bar keeper s friend on. I prefer an old school method that i know some folks will disagree with but it works fine for me.

Then i just rinsed it off and let it dry. Photo by eric piasecki. Next i took an old cloth that was a little damp and rubbed it around the hardware. 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.

With the hardware fully wet sprinkle on a powdered cleaning product so the metal is completely covered. Spray a rag with the vinegar solution until it is damp but not. The next day the paint will be soft and ready to fall off the metal. Place the hardware in the crockpot.

Don t use your favorite pan it s going to get disgusting. The mild chemical reaction of vinegar combined with baking soda is what loosens the tarnish. Remove the hinge pin with a screwdriver or a cold chisel. Always rinse the hardware with clean water.

Every couple years they will. A mild hand wash dish soap and water mixture can be used to loosen stubborn dirt. If you can t get it out with your hand use a hammer. Cover with water add a couple of tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent and turn the heat to medium.

Place the old hardware and enough water to completely cover them and a generous squirt of dish soap in a pan. Bring to a boil. Tap on the handle of the screwdriver with your hand. Put on the lid and let the contents of the pot cook all night.

Clean carefully remove the hardware at least once a year for a good cleaning. If you think the piece is brass hold a magnet up to it.