Getting things clean doesn't always necessitate a trip to the grocery store, or drug store. Click through the jump to see how some of the above household items can get your dirtiest metal items clean....
How To: Clean The Metal Around Your House
Use a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Wipe the mixture onto the surface with a clean cloth. Rub until clean, rinse and dry. This method is NOT for use on brass-plated pieces.
You may either use Ketchup or Worcestershire sauce. Simply rub on until clean, rinse and buff.
On small pieces, use any nongel toothpaste and a soft brush. Your old toothbrush works out fantastic for this type of project. Rinse well. You may also use any household ammoniated cleaner mixed 50/50 with water.
Wrap a small piece of aluminum foil around your index finger. Buff all of your chrome fixtures, doorknobs and even car parts with this trick. Make sure to rotate your piece of foil if you are doing a large object. You may also wipe with a dry, USED dryer fabric softener sheet. If the sheet has not been well used, you will merely be buffing fabric softener onto your chrome.
You can check out this previous post on cleaning stainless sinks. You may use all of the techniques mentioned with peace of mind.
Photos by: lemons, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, toothpaste, aluminum foil, salt
Do you have a question about cleaning something else? From bathrooms to kitchens and garages, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line to let us know your cleaning woes. Don't be afraid to send us a picture!
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How To..., Polish, Cleaning, Metal, Brass, Chrome, Copper, GoldRelated Links
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what about silver?
view firegardeneve's profile
Toothpaste works on silver too.
view Sarah122's profile
i know you're talking kitchen-chemistry here, but barkeeper's friend is a godsend for most things metal in my home... and wenol.
view redneckmodern's profile
In order to rid polished chrome of pitting, 0000 grade steel wool works wonders and doesn't scratch or dull the brilliant finish.
As for hard water deposits on polished chrome faucets and shower fixtures, apply white vinegar to a soft cloth and polish the fixture until it retains its shine.
view Seaside's profile
Don't use toothpaste on silver. Toothpaste is too abrasive and will scratch it.
view Erika in Seattle's profile
love barkeepers friend!
view brandy's profile
Has anyone found a "magic cure" for dingy aluminum? My screen door really needs some TLC, and I don't want to replace it!
(BTW, I sometimes use toothpaste on my cheapo earrings when I'm rushing out the door. Love it!)
view rockypondgirl's profile
Mr Clean Magic Eraser - works wonders.
If you do use Lemon, be sure not to get it on your marble countertops.
view bepsf's profile
Clambake?
view rock sand's profile
Ooooh, I could make my pocket change smell like a BBQ!
view islek's profile