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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2024
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Need quick cleaning ideas for brass bed
Quickstart: Before you start, determine whether the bed is brass plated steel (magnetic) or solid brass (non-magnetic). Metal polishes, steel wool, or household ingredients like ketchup can be used to clean brass beds, but be cautious with brass plated steel because it is thin and easily worn away. Household stuff works, but may be too aggressive or may leave brass salmon colored rather than golden colored, needing final polishing with a commercial polish.
Q. I have a very old and uncared for brass bed and it is way to big to dip and covered in tarnish that is almost black in color. Is there anything I can use that will remove the tarnish easily, at home in the room where the bed is used? I have tried a few cleaners but nothing really works fast and thoroughly. It seems that there is no answer but elbow grease and I am hoping for a quicker and easier solution. I am renting the home and this is a part of the furnishings provided. I want to clean it but not harm it in any way as it does not belong to me. Cost is an issue too as again the bed is not mine. Thanks for any tips in advance.
- Linden, Virginia
2003
Vintage Brass Beds & Parts on eBay [affil link]
Q. I have a beautiful brass bed that I designed and had made for me almost 20 years ago.
I moved and stored in my garage for 13 years. Besides needing a good cleaning I think it's pitting.
Questions - is there anything out there I can use to clean the bed that is not going to cost me a small fortune - perhaps a home made concoction? I would need several dozen tubes of Wenol
⇦ this on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil links]
to clean this bed.
Can I use a very fine steel wool on the areas that seem to be pitting or on very stubborn stains? I do not want to ruin this in any way.
With your reply I would be so grateful as I have been searching for answers for months.
Thanks,
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
2007
A. Hi, Susan. It you like the Wenol, it is available in large cans at a much lower cost per ounce, ot even 6-packs of large cans for the lowest cost per ounce ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links]
If the bed is solid brass (check with a magnet: brass plated steel would be magnetic, solid brass would not), then I don't think you'll hurt it with fine steel wool, i.e., 000 steel wool ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links]
As for home brew, ketchup or vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] + salt + flour are aggressive brass cleaners, but will probably leave it raw looking and you'll probably want to finish up with Wenol or another brass polish anyway. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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