Shortly after moving in, I tackled the huge pile of random stuff left behind in the old pole barn, including the pirate booty aka a ton of brass knickknacks left in the old tack room and covered in Barn Swallow poop. Most of the stuff is now stored in a couple of tubs (sans the bird poop), but a few bits have been given to people as gifts and another handful have made their way into the house as interesting bits of decor. I mean, how often does one find a brass unicorn in their barn? Or some giant brass eggs and giraffe bookends?
My first round of cleaning such pieces involved soaking them for a few days in a tub of ketchup–rather tedious with so-so results. Then I learned about SimiChrome and Barkeepers Friend. I used them on the “new” table lamps with stellar results, so when I was done with the lamps, I polished up the assorted brass knickknacks.
So now I know: the best way to clean up brass is to use the SimiChrome first, and then a bit of the other stuff. Also, to wear some nitrile gloves. Anyway, here are some before and after pics.
