Those things made of brass, bronze and other metals that hang, dangle and more or less sit around your home and hearth gathering dust need some attention every once in a while. You may have to pick a day when you don’t have much to do (ha!) and tackle all of them at once. They like a united front. The strategy you choose can only be yours, but these tips are for everyone, and here they come, ready or not.
Brass Door Knockers
For most brass items, ammonia cleans very well. Apply some to a soft cloth and rub the item gently. (No genie will appear, but things will still get better.) Car wax will prevent the knocker from tarnishing quickly. In a pinch, you can also use lemon oil or furniture polish.
Bronze Fittings
A good protective finish for bronze can be applied with a soft cloth and some brown shoe polish. To clean bronze, wipe the item down with a little boiled linseed oil. Never clean bronze with ammonia.
Cleaning Chandeliers
Put a drop cloth under the chandelier before you attempt this cleaning tip. Mix 4 tablespoons ammonia into 2/3 of a glass of white vinegar. Hold the glass over each individual crystal piece until it is totally immersed. Let drip dry but leave the room (The dripping will otherwise drive you mad. It’s the good old Chinese water torture, or something like that.)
Cleaning The Fireplace
Save those wet coffee grounds and sprinkle them on fireplace ashes before attempting to sweep them up. This may not be so refreshing to drink, but it will help keep the ash dust from spreading. Scrub the face of a stone or brick fireplace with 2 cups distilled white vinegar; 1-cup ammonia and ½ cup baking soda. For fireplace glass doors, use a little oven cleaner with a damp cloth to the cool window. Rinse well with clean water.
Do you have any tips to add to this list? Please share.
Related Reading:
“Washing Windows: A Carefree Diversion”
“Cleaning Those Wooden Floors”