How To Clean Brass Hardware

[@mspalding4605]

This method worked great for my hardware, which was actually fake-patinated with some sort of paint. The vinegar softened it up well enough to scrub most off with a brush. One thing I noticed is it helped to work while the hardware is still pretty hot. Once it cooled off, the gunk wasn't nearly as easy to remove. Also, I did my vinegar bath twice, the second time after a good scrub... because there were some teeny details where the paint petrified and was stubborn. It worked AMAZING. Thank you.

[@funeev]

I’m so glad I found your channel!! Currently giving some French provincial dressers and one nightstand new life. Going to clean my hardware like this. Thanks so much! Your videos are excellent.

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Welcome to my channel! I have found this way to be the most efficient in cleaning hardware.

[@philipatoz]

Great demo of what results can be achieved. However, as I mostly deal with antique pieces (that I like to keep its historical vibe - don't typically want the hardware to look too new), I'm thinking a compromise level that brightens and shines a fair bit less, would be to just use the Barkeepers without the boiling water / vinegar step.

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Thanks for commenting and sharing your thoughts. Yes it’s all a personal preference how shiny one would want the original hardware to become. I personally love getting them super shiny because of the contrast they provide against a darker stained dresser drawer. I usually pair it with a high gloss topcoat as well. I do see how some hardware looks beautiful with some of the original dark patina left on and not scrubbed off.

[@ardismedia4139]

Great videos about pulls. I always sprayed ☹ them until the first video you uploaded now my dressers sales are up Thanks results are amazing 😁

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

That’s awesome to hear!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rahim91a80]

Love the blue light reflections from your lights on your lenses

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@qianagivens7972]

I wish I could share a photo. I followed this process exactly as you described it and WOW! Thank you!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Oh I wish you could share one too!!! I’m so happy this worked for you!

[@emmabelcher4639]

This was incredibly helpful and worked like a charm ✨ Thank you!!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Glad it helped!

[@erinmassey624]

I watch ALL your videos and just love ya girl! You are such an inspiration and amazing teacher! I swear everything I've learned about refinishing furniture I've learned from you ✨

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

How did I miss such a lovely comment???? Thank you so much!

[@TheWritingmom]

I love your work! I have a question about brass hardware on an Ethan Allen piece that was purchased in the 1980's. It had a lacquer coating on it, but over time that finish is wearing off. How do I remove the lacquer before I clean the brass using your method. Thanks!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Thank you so much! I would think boiling the hardware like I did would take the lacquer off. That coupled with the wire brush and the Bar Keepers Friend should do the trick.

[@airamee103006]

This was interesting as im redoing my first antique dresser right now. Of all the videos ive watched yours was fun im gonna have to subscribe and watch more

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

What a nice comment! Thank you for checking out my video and subscribing! How the first project coming along?

[@airamee103006]

@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074 it's definitely a job been discouraged and excited at same time. This thing is pretty beat up it belonged to my wife's great grandma so I'm trying if nothing else and definitely learning alot

[@airamee103006]

I'm am testing out your method now and it really is amazing even the kids are shocked lol anyway once again thanks for making your video

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

@@airamee103006 Hey at least you are giving it and go. Sounds like you have a good attitude that’s half of it.

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

@@airamee103006 I love hearing this!

[@philipmartin3075]

I'm cleaning my brass kitchen cabinet handles. I'll take your advice. Thank you!❤❤❤

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

I hope it works out for you! Best of luck!

[@EliseGeiman]

I have a question for you. I have two antique brass lamps from the 60's. they were my parent. I did the trick before I started polishing them. the magnet did not stick. I used bar keeper and Brasso. After cleaning the lamps there are areas that the gold came off and gray showing. Can you tell me why this happened?

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Your lamps are probably not solid brass. Maybe just plated? If they were solid brass there would be no gray showing.

[@EliseGeiman]

@@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074 Thanks. Yes. the trick with the magnet with brass is not always true. I did call a local lamp repair shop, and he explained that it probably has aluminum in the base, and aluminum is not magnetic either. If I knew the were not brass, I would have left them alone. He told me if I didn't like how it turned out I would have to put a primer on and paint them in a different color. I really don't want to do that, but I don't want to throw them out either.

[@steven6068]

What type of brushes did you use? Stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, plastic bristle brush or something else?

[@Funkensense]

Great tutorial! Love your channel btw 💚

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video and my channel! 😊

[@nancyrionnr]

What kind of brush are you using, is that a wire brush? Will it scratch the brass?

[@ClassicRoyal]

If using industrial strength vintage wear gloves, and turn in a vent or fan, but still take care with your hands …the vinegar got into my fingertips Yes, even through the gloves!… and aggravated the skin! It toks several weeks for my hands to return to normal! Also use 0000 steel wool to polish the brass. It is amazing, the transformation!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

I just use grocery store cleaning vinegar but I always wear gloves. Good advice within your comment. Thanks for watching!

[@patb5889]

Just found u love all u do.getting ready to top coat my dresser ur way.Thanks.

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Thank you! Welcome to my channel! I’m happy you are finding my videos helpful.

[@techbop]

Worked like a charm! Thank you!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Wonderful to hear!

[@christinaarcher1712]

Just found your channel and it’s been very informative so far! Is there a method for getting that gold look without the scrubbing or dremmel? I have carpal tunnel and am always looking for ways that are easier on the hands. thank you!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Hi Christina! Welcome to my channel! You could use Rub and Buff. You would just apply it over the hardware with a cloth. They have some pretty metallic colors like bronze, gold and silver. You could also spray paint them as well.

[@christinaarcher1712]

@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074 Oh thats a good idea, I have some rub and buff too. Thank you!!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

@@christinaarcher1712 You’re so welcome!

[@gordonfreeman7973]

Great video! Thanks for the advice

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

You’re welcome!

[@patb5889]

Really good tip

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

This is the only way I clean brass hardware and it works like a charm every time.

[@Tulku]

You can probably skip the vinegar all together and just use the Barkeeper’s Friend. I polish a lot of metals and I use the liquid version. I finish it off with a polish with cape cod polishing cloths.

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

I usually find the hardware I pull off needs a good boil in the water/vinegar solution. The gross stuff falls off in the water/vinegar. You are correct though the liquid version of Bar Keepers Friend is amazing stuff as well.

[@dianekelly3452]

Thank you! I’m trying to restore my Dad’s 300 lb wood office desk from the 1940s(?).😂

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

You can do it!

[@susanthompson3751]

We dont want to hear how wonderful you think you are.. in your never ending shrill…..only how to clean hardware God almighty

[@kelleychilton2524]

@@susanthompson3751 ❓❓ God almighty Susan ... is it your time of the month???

[@alexmaclean1]

So glad to find your video. Our place is filled with beautiful brass hardware from the last owner but it's frankly looking a little depressing. Can't wait to try this tomorrow but I'm gonna boil the pan of vinegar outside on the bbq instead though lol

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

How did it go? Were you able to get it clean?

[@alexmaclean1]

@@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074 it worked so well! I almost forgot that brass isn't supposed to be dull and sad looking lol thanks again for the idea!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

@@alexmaclean1 Whoo hoo!!!! I’m so glad to hear it worked for you!

[@napaea9460]

Ahhhh metal brushes are the secret!!! I have been pouring bras so, ketchup, citric acid, vinegar on my brass dish and then I just gave up and went in with the baking soda and even that took me 10 mins of scrubbing in one spot with a toothbrush !!! There is some strange built up grime in between the engravings that just won’t come out! I need a metal brush too

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Yes it works for me like a charm!

[@ClassicRoyal]

Yes forget all that! This is the bomb!

[@stevensboxfpv5762]

A magnet is not a good test of checking for brass or copper. Only ferrous metals (containing iron) are magnetic. Cheep hardware (and modern pennies) are often made of tin, which is not magnetic.

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

Yes it is. It’s worked well for me in my business to determine if the antique hardware is brass or not. Solid brass is not magnetic. If the magnet sticks, the item is usually steel or cast iron, with a brass plating. If the magnet does not stick, you can test further by scratching a hidden area with a sharp tool. If you see a shiny yellow scratch, the item is likely solid brass. Then I know I can scrub it clean with amazing results.

[@othercousin]

@@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074 Only if you already know it's vintage. Careful of replicas made to look like vintage. They won't respond to the magnet. The magnet is deceiving. Most things made since the 90's are a mix of trash metals and won't respond to the magnet. A good example of this is the wings that hold the blades on all ceiling fans. I have come across numerous bogus "antique" light switch covers. If you can scratch in a place that won't show..

[@kelleychilton2524]

@@othercousin Usually replicas are identifiable from a careful visual inspection.

[@mavimcrobert7131]

It’s helpful but extra long video!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

@@mavimcrobert7131 I’m not a throw fast content up type of creator. My goal is to thoroughly explain why I’m doing something and the appropriate steps. If someone find my videos are too long so be it. People can always fast-forward them. Thank you so much though for tuning in. 😄

[@janice5108]

I like it better before you cleaned it

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

To each their own.

[@maureenmcginty249]

Talks too much!

[@madelinejeanantiquesrestor9074]

It’s called the fast forward button 😉 Or you could just exit out.

[@kelleychilton2524]

I'll bet your husband says the same about you.

[@kelleychilton2524]

Maureen's husband ... "my wife NEVER shuts up, even talks in her sleep!!!"