Put on the lid and let the contents of the pot cook all night.
Cleaning old window hardware.
Spray a rag with the vinegar solution until it is damp but not.
Tap on the handle of the screwdriver with your hand.
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.
Cover with water add a couple of tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent and turn the heat to medium.
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.
Start with a gentle detergent and sponge.
Always rinse the hardware with clean water.
Clean water should be used when possible to flush the hardware clean.
If you are using vinegar and baking soda first brush the hardware with a layer of vinegar then sprinkle on baking soda.
Next i took an old cloth that was a little damp and rubbed it around the hardware.
If the magnet doesn t stick the piece is solid brass and you can use a brass polish.
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.
Photo by eric piasecki.
Every couple years they will.
If you think the piece is brass hold a magnet up to it.
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.
Particular attention should be given to cleaning dirt from slides in window hinges and from the track where the patio door rollers glide.
Clean carefully remove the hardware at least once a year for a good cleaning.
The mild chemical reaction of vinegar combined with baking soda is what loosens the tarnish.
Bring to a boil.
Place the screwdriver or cold chisel under the edge of the head of the hinge pin.
Otherwise it s probably brass plated metal.
The next day the paint will be soft and ready to fall off the metal.
Place the hardware in the crockpot.
Remove the hinge pin with a screwdriver or a cold chisel.
With the hardware fully wet sprinkle on a powdered cleaning product so the metal is completely covered.
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.
