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Need quick cleaning ideas for brass bed

Intro / synopsis: Before starting you should know whether the bed is brass plated steel (magnetic) or solid brass (non-magnetic). Either metal polishes, steel wool, or household ingredients like ketchup can be used to clean brass beds, but one needs to be cautious with plated brass because it is thin and easily worn away. Household stuff works, but may not leave brass salmon colored rather than golden colored, and need final polishing with a commercial polish.

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.

Janie Morris
- Linden, Virginia
2003


Vintage Brass Beds & Parts on eBay

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 [adv: Wenol on eBay or Amazon] 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,

Susan Gore
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
2007

A. Hi, Susan. It you like the Wenol, it is available in large cans at a far lower cost per ounce, and even 6-packs of large cans for the lowest cost per ounce [on eBay or Amazon]

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., 00 steel wool [on eBay or Amazon]

As for home brew, ketchup or vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon] + salt + flour are very 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