Tips for Keeping Your Boat Ship Shape
Cleaning Brass
There are several home remedies that will remove heavy tarnish, stains and corrosion from brass. First wash brass in hot, soapy water or a weak ammonia and water solution and rinse.
- Dampen a soft cloth in hot vinegar, then dip the cloth in table salt and rub onto the brass.
- You can also make a paste of flour, salt and vinegar. You may need several applications.
- You can also use catsup for cleaning brass. The combination of vinegar and salt in the catsup does the trick. When the item is clean, wash in hot, soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly, then polish with a cloth moistened with lemon oil. If you have corroded areas, dip a slice of fresh lemon into table salt and rub over the corroded area. Wash, rinse and dry carefully. Always test on a hidden area when using any product before cleaning entire piece.
Alternatives to Toxic Cleaning Products
| Aluminum cleaner | 2 tbs. cream of tartar in 1 quart hot water |
| Bleach | Borax or hydrogen peroxide |
| Brass cleaner | Tabasco sauce, Worcestershire sauce or make a paste of equal parts salt, vinegar & water rub on then rinse thoroughly or see above |
| Chrome cleaner & polish | Apple cider vinegar to clean & bay oil to polish |
| Copper cleaner | Lemon juice & salt |
| Detergent/soap | Vegetable or citrus based soaps ... takes more elbow grease |
| Fiberglass stain remover | Baking soda toothpaste |
| Floor cleaner | 1 cup white vinegar in 2 gallons of water |
| General cleanser | Baking soda & vinegar; lemon juice combined with Borax paste |
| Head cleaner | Pour in baking soda & use brush. Or pour in white vinegar pump a few times, then let sit for about 30 minutes before pumping. |
| Mildew remover | Paste of equal parts lemon juice & salt or vinegar & salt |
| Scouring powder | Baking soda |
| Shower cleaner | Wet the surface, sprinkle with baking soda & scrub. |
| Window cleaner | 1 cup white vinegar in 1 quart awarm water (rinse & squeegee) |
| Wood polish | Almond or olive oil on interior wood only |
Submit your favorite tip to tami@saltysailors.com.
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