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Cleaning brass locos

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We get all sorts of questions in our Just Ask inbox, and this is just one that at first glance doesn't seem to have anything to do with Cheapskating. But you know we try to help, no matter what. As it happens I'm married to a model train crazy man (FYI he models HO scale NSW locos and rolling stock) so getting the answer really wasn't that tricky or complicated.

Q. I have several model railway locomotives in unpainted brass. They have lots of detail, so I can't use a rub-on cleaner, they need to be dipped. One of the Easy-Off Bam TV ads shows a copper coin being dipped and coming out clean, but all the bottles in supermarkets say not to use on copper or brass. A couple of models are victims of rising damp and they are green! I've thought about getting a hydrosonic cleaner.  Ian Grant

A. My resident model train expert asks what you want to do with them, as most modellers paint their locos, they don't generally stay in a brass/white metal/plastic condition? 

He also asked how old they are as brass locos these days are lacquered to prevent tarnishing?  

If you are going to paint them he suggests you strip them down and dip the main body in acetone to clean it and then if the parts need to be cleaned (chassis etc.) paint the acetone onto the parts with a small paintbrush or cotton bud. Good luck!

Now, if you just need a brass cleaner for around the home (all those 1980s pot planters and wall plaques spring to mind) here's an easy to MOO and very inexpensive method.

​HOW TO CLEAN BRASS  (from TIP STORE: CLEANING: METALS)​The tarnish removal process is not without some “ugliness”; after all, you'll be removing years of dirt! Items Needed: Large container (large enough to put each leg of the table in) (try Bunnings etc.) - you can do each leg one at a time.

​You will need:
White vinegar
Table salt
Hot tap water
Rubber gloves
Soap/steel wool pad (‘Brillo', ‘SOS', etc.)
Clear enamel spray paint (optional; only for non-food, non-heat use items).

Instructions:
Place the brass piece(s) in the container. Pour in approximately 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of table salt. Add enough hot tap water to cover the brass piece(s). Let soak for 15-20 minutes.

Final Clean:
Since the salt, vinegar and water solution can be quite strong on skin contact, you may want to wear rubber gloves for this part. Remove piece from container (I usually take out just one item at a time, allowing the rest to soak a bit longer). Using soap-pad and warm, clean tap water, gently rub the brass piece until you see the shine come through. Repeat all around the object until entire surface shines equally. Rinse under warm, clean water. Dry immediately with soft cloth or towel, to prevent water spotting.

If the piece(s) you've just cleaned are purely “decorative” and are not designed to be used for any foodstuffs nor to be subjected to heat, you may want to preserve the new “shine” by spraying the piece(s) with a clear enamel, available at most home centres or hardware stores. Remember to spray two or three light coats rather than one heavy coat, to prevent “runs”.
Contributed by Carla

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  • Home
  • Join the Club!
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
    • Gift Memberships
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • Handmade Christmas Central >
      • Handmade Christmas 2025 is about to start
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Articles
    • Back to Basics >
      • Back to Basics
      • Back to Basics Index
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
  • SAVING REVOLUTION
    • 2025 Saving Revolution Index
    • Saving Revolution Resources
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2025
  • Saving Money
    • Bill Paying System
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Top Tip Competition
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
    • Help Files