Currently, I am reconstructing a set of antique sleigh bells dating back to 1880-1920’s. The bells are brass and in need of cleaning. From left to right you can see the results of the process. The first bell shows the condition of the bells when I received them. The second bell is the result of two steps: soaking in warm water with dish soap for 12 hours and cleaning with a toothbrush. Then soaking in 1:1 solution of water and distilled white vinegar for 12 hours and again cleaning with a toothbrush. The third bell is the final step of polishing with Barkeeper’s Friend using a folded up wet paper towel, warm water and elbow grease. The fourth bell was an experiment that worked out very well. Instead of soaking in a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar, I soaked this bell for 24 hours in distilled white vinegar straight out of the bottle, scrubbed with a toothbrush, rinsed, and polished with Barkeeper’s Friend. Much brighter! If I had to do it again, I would try using a dremel tool with a soft burnishing pad during the polishing stage to save time.
The process: Soak in warm water and dish soap for 12 hours, clean with toothbrush, rinse. Soak in full strength distilled white vinegar for 12 hours, clean with toothbrush, rinse. Polish with Barkeeper’s Friend, warm water, wet paper towel and elbow grease, rinse and dry. Do not use SOS pads or brillo they will scratch the metal. The soap and water will loosen the dirt and the vinegar will break up the green and black tarnish and some of the rust.
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