Also, how much tarnish you remove is entirely up to you; some people prefer an aged patina, while others prefer to keep the bed frame free of tarnish and polished to a high shine.
Things You Will Need
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Place the bed on a drop cloth to protect floors and help keep the mess to a minimum.
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Remove grime and dirt by gently wiping the bed frame with a soft cloth dampened with vinegar or cola. Rinse well with warm water after the initial cleaning. It is important to remove all of the dirt before beginning to clean and polish the bed; residual dirt may be gritty and could scratch or etch the brass.
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Test the cleaning method you choose on an inconspicuous area of the bed. If it appears to scratch or etch the brass, discontinue using it and select another method. If the brass has a lacquered finish, rub the finish with a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol to remove it if desired.
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Make a vinegar paste by mixing 1/2 cup salt, 3/4 cup distilled vinegar, 1/2 cup detergent powder, 1/2 cup flour, and 1/2 cup warm water. Apply the paste to the brass bed and let stand for 15 minutes. Rinse the paste away with lukewarm water and a clean, soft cloth. Polish the brass with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
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Spread ketchup onto the brass and let it dry. Remove the dried ketchup with a soft, dry toothbrush. Rinse well with water and buff with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce to the ketchup will boost the cleaning power of the ketchup.
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Saturate a sponge or soft cloth with distilled vinegar or lemon juice and sprinkle it with salt. Rub the cloth on the tarnished brass until it is clean. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Buff to a shine with a soft, dry cloth.
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Coat the brass with unflavored, natural yogurt and let stand until it is dry. Wash it off with warm water and buff with a soft cloth.
The Drip Cap
- Old brass beds can be a challenge to clean, especially if the tarnish buildup is decades old.
- Also, how much tarnish you remove is entirely up to you; some people prefer an aged patina, while others prefer to keep the bed frame free of tarnish and polished to a high shine.
- Spread ketchup onto the brass and let it dry.
- Rinse well with water and buff with a clean, dry, soft cloth.
- Adding a small amount of Worcestershire sauce to the ketchup will boost the cleaning power of the ketchup.
- Buff to a shine with a soft, dry cloth.