Things You Will Need
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Wipe off as much dry dirt from the kick plate as possible using a old rag.
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Squirt a little mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water, swirling it around with your hand or a sponge. Dip the sponge into the soapy solution and wipe down the kick plate thoroughly. Rinse the sponge and wipe down the brass again, then dry the kick plate with a soft cloth. If the kick plate has a lacquer coating, this is all the cleaning it needs, as additional cleaning materials may damage the lacquer. Lacquer looks like a clear coating over the brass.
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Mix several tablespoons of salt into a 1-pint spray bottle filled with white vinegar. Replace the lid and shake or stir to dissolve the salt.
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Spray the salty vinegar over the brass and allow it to sit for 10 minutes or so. Wipe away with a damp sponge, then towel dry the brass.
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Polish the kick plate by wiping it down with linseed or mineral oil applied to a soft cloth. Start with a very small amount of oil, such as a squirt or two, as a little may go a long way.
The Drip Cap
- Rain, pollution and dirt kicked up during storms cling to a brass kick plate, hiding its shine.
- Dip the sponge into the soapy solution and wipe down the kick plate thoroughly.
- Polish the kick plate by wiping it down with linseed or mineral oil applied to a soft cloth.