Ever Tried Hardware Soup?

I usually use this for brass hardware because it’s predictable on how it will react to the mixture and the cleaning. You can tell if your hardware is brass by holding a magnet to it. Brass is NOT magnetic. You can use this for other metal hardware as well but just know that your results may vary.

Drop your hardware into the mixture and boil on high for 15-20 minutes. The smell can be strong so crack a window!

You should start to see the built up gunk, lacquer, and grime breaking away from the hardware and floating in the water. This is great news that it’s working!

Be careful removing the hot hardware from the pot and lay them on a towel you don’t mind ruining. I let them cool a bit so they are easier to handle.

I start by sprinkling or pouring some of the Bar Keepers Friend over the hardware and scrub the surface with the fine grit steel wool.

Next, I will use my wire brush to work it’s way into all the details until I’m satisfied the pieces are cleaned properly.

Here is a before and after of the front.

And here’s a before and after of the back.

Go grab some of that old brass and give this recipe a try! This also works great on old frames, candlesticks, ornamental pieces and keepsake trinkets!