Cleaning Old Window Hardware

If you think the piece is brass hold a magnet up to it.

Cleaning old window hardware. If you can t get it out with your hand use a hammer. Photo by eric piasecki. 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.

Cover with water add a couple of tablespoons of liquid laundry detergent and turn the heat to medium. If the magnet doesn t stick the piece is solid brass and you can use a brass polish. Start with a gentle detergent and sponge. A mild hand wash dish soap and water mixture can be used to loosen stubborn dirt.

Place the hardware in the crockpot. If you are using vinegar and baking soda first brush the hardware with a layer of vinegar then sprinkle on baking soda. With the hardware fully wet sprinkle on a powdered cleaning product so the metal is completely covered. The mild chemical reaction of vinegar combined with baking soda is what loosens the tarnish.

Tap on the handle of the screwdriver with your hand. Bring to a boil. Otherwise it s probably brass plated metal. I prefer an old school method that i know some folks will disagree with but it works fine for me.

First i ran some water over the hardware then sprinkled the bar keeper s friend on. The next day the paint will be soft and ready to fall off the metal. 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.

Next i took an old cloth that was a little damp and rubbed it around the hardware. Put on the lid and let the contents of the pot cook all night. Place the old hardware and enough water to completely cover them and a generous squirt of dish soap in a pan. Don t use your favorite pan it s going to get disgusting.

Clean carefully remove the hardware at least once a year for a good cleaning. Every couple years they will. Clean water should be used when possible to flush the hardware clean. Then i just rinsed it off and let it dry.

Remove the hinge pin with a screwdriver or a cold chisel. 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.