Cleaning old brass beds can be arduous. This is especially true if the build-up of tarnish is decades old. You will need an effective and gentle metal cleaner for the job. You can find many commercial brass cleaners in the market that can be used to clean your old brass beds. However, if you prefer environmentally friendly and less expensive methods, you can have many options.
Also, the level of tarnish you remove is completely based on your inclination. Some people prefer an aged patina on their brass furniture while others prefer to keep their brass beds polished to a shine. Whatever be your preference, follow the steps shared below to clean your old brass bed.
Step 1
Place the brass bed on a drop cloth to ensure protection to the floors. This can also help to keep mess to a minimum.
Step 2
Get rid of dirt and grime by wiping the bed frame with a soft cloth that is dampened with cola or vinegar. After the initial cleaning, you can rise well with warm water.
Step 3
Test the cleaning method that you are planning to use on an inconspicuous area. If the method is etching or scratching the brass, use another method to clean the bed. If your brass bed has a lacquered finish, you can rub it with a cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol if you wish to get rid of the layer of lacquer.
Step 4
Make a cleaning paste by mixing half a cup of common salt, half a cup of detergent powder, ¾ cup distilled vinegar, half a cup of flour, and half a cup of warm water. You can apply this paste to the brass bed and allow it to stand for about twenty minutes. After that, you can rise the paste away with warm water and then clean the bed properly with a soft cotton cloth. Polish the brass bed with a soft cloth that is clean and dry. Make sure to clear out all the dirt before cleaning and polishing the brass bed. This is because residual dirt can be gritty and may etch or scratch the brass.
Step 5
Dip a soft cloth or sponge in lemon juice or vinegar and then sprinkle it with salt. Rub the sponge or cloth on tarnished brass to clean it. After the brass is cleaned, rinse the bed with lukewarm water. You may then buff the brass bed to a shine with a dry and soft cloth.