How To Clean All Kinds Of Metal In Your Home

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How To Clean All Kinds Of Metal In Your Home

By : Kate Windle

There is no denying that metal objects, including door hardware, appliances, cooking utensils, bathroom fixtures, etc., can add a unique style to a home’s interior. The most common types of metals used in household objects are copper, chrome, brass, aluminium, and silver, which add a touch of elegance to the entire look and feel of a space.

Eventually, these objects require regular cleaning to remove dust, dirt, grime and other stubborn stains. Preventing tarnish is crucial to maintain the metal’s pristine shine and structure. Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that can cover the surface with a dull, grey and black film. This happens due to oxidation. Of course, the market is packed with corrosion protection systems and commercial products to clean metals, but try to find eco-friendly products that contain no harsh chemicals or toxic fumes.

Here is a complete guide to help you clean all kinds of metal in your home. We will explain how to use warm water, mild dishwashing soap, vinegar, salt, etc, to clean different metal types like a pro.

Let’s Get Started!

1. Metal Care Tips: Things to Consider Before Cleaning

Remember a few important things to prevent your metal objects from becoming damaged, dull, or scratched.

  • Read the manufacturer’s care instructions for the appropriate cleaning method.
  • Test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the metal object to ensure utmost protection.
  • Never use abrasive cleaning products or tools to prevent scratching.
  • Hire experts for a professional end of lease cleaning Sydney for doorframes, bathroom fixtures, fittings, kitchen appliances and other metal objects. They also spruce up the entire property according to the pre-approved cleaning checklist to help tenants secure full bond money.

2. Cleaning Supplies You Will Need

woman with some cleaning supplies ready to clean

Make sure you arrange the following cleaning supplies to remove tarnish, grime and gunk from different metal types and objects. All you need:

  • Soft-bristled brush
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Electrostatic dusters
  • Dishwashing liquid
  • Lemons
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Table Salt
  • All-purpose flour
  • Aluminium foil
  • Warm water

Tip: You can also use store-bought metal polishes for sparkling results. But be careful and wear a face mask if you are allergic to strong fumes.

3. Clean Aluminium Objects with Dishwashing Liquid, Vinegar & Lemon

Aluminium is one of the most common metal types in a house. It makes pans, pots, window frames, appliances, cutlery, and outdoor furniture. Unfortunately, oxidation can cause discolouration over time.

If you want to restore the original finish of all aluminium objects, regularly clean them with water and mild dishwashing soap. Gently scrub the cookware to remove grease and gunk.

Mix white vinegar, dishwashing soap, lemon juice and warm water in a spray bottle for pots, window frames, and outdoor furniture. Apply the solution and gently remove the tarnish and other grime. Rinse and dry the surface to achieve a pristine shine. This solution can help you keep your rental property in top shape and help you get full bond back.

4. Sparkle Brass Objects using Vinegar, Salt, and All-purpose Flour

Brass is made of copper and zinc. It is commonly used to make elegant decorative pieces, doorknobs, cabinet hardware, faucets, and sinks. Cleaning brass objects is quite simple, as you don’t need any fancy products or tools. Shiny faucets, sinks and other brass hardware items can take your bathroom style to the next level.

The first step is to clean the surface with dishwashing soap and water. This will remove mild dirt and grime. You can prepare a paste using all-purpose flour, salt, and vinegar to tackle stubborn stains and grime. Make it a thick paste and apply it over the surface. Leave it for 10-20 minutes to break down stains and tarnish. The combination of lemon and vinegar can degrease gunk and leave the surface shiny. Ensure you scrub the metal object using an old toothbrush, especially when cleaning sinks and faucets.

According to end of lease cleaning Sydney experts, you can also store-bought cleaner and buff off the surface for an ultimate shine.

Tip: Do not use excessive water or a water-based solvent when cleaning brass. This can damage the metal surface.

5. Remove Stains and Gunk From Copper: Use Lemon and Salt

Maintaining copper objects’ shine and natural colour can make a huge difference. This type of metal develops a beautiful patina that can make objects, such as decorative pieces, cutlery, etc., look shiny, bright, and elegant.

All you need is lemon and salt. Dip half a lemon in salt and gently on the copper surface in circular motions. You can also apply a generous coat of commercial cleaner to get rid of stubborn tarnish.

6. Use Baking Soda for Chrome Surfaces

Chrome is a coating applied to a base metal object. It is commonly found on bathroom fixtures such as showerheads, faucets, sinks, and towel rails.

Regular sprucing with natural cleaning products can keep them shiny all year round. You can sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda and scrub using a soft-bristled brush to loosen stuck-on grime.

7. Clean Gold with Soapy Water

Removing dirt and gunk from gold jewellery or gold-plated items becomes easy. You just need to soak the object in warm, soapy water. Leave it for a few minutes and rinse in clean water.

Do not forget to dry it with a microfiber cloth to restore its lustre and shine.

8. Clean Silver Objects With Baking Soda and Salt

Tarnish appears on silver objects or silver-plated decorative items due to oxidation can make them look dull and dingy. To keep the metal streak-free and shiny, soak it in an aluminium foil-lined pan with warm water, 2 tablespoons of salt and baking soda. This will remove stains and tarnish without causing any damage to your precious silver.

9. Clean Stainless Steel With Vinegar, Baking soda or Lemon

Stainless steel is one of the easiest metal types to clean and disinfect. It is commonly used in kitchen appliances, sinks and faucets, cookware, etc. One of the best ways to clean stainless steel is by using vinegar and lemon solution. You can use this powerful recipe to clean your microwave, refrigerator, and other appliances.

There is another viral cleaning hack you should try for cleaning stainless steel. Use baking soda and lemon to remove gunk, food particles and grease from oven and pans. This will leave your objects streak-free. Professional end of lease cleaning Sydney experts recommend using the right techniques to buff dry the stainless steel objects. You should always use a microfiber cloth for extra shine.

Tips to Clean All Types of Metal in Your Home

Cleaning All Kinds Of Metal In Your Home

Wrapping up

Cleaning all kinds of metal in a home can be tricky. However, this guide will help you remove tarnish, gunk and grime from almost all metal objects using safe and sound products. Follow these simple tips and achieve a shiny, streak-free and gleam house.