Here are some good tips for cleaning Fireplace Tools & Brass Andirons--we've certainly given them a good workout this winter! Also tips on removing corrosion from Brass & Copper.

Brass andirons and fire tools that have been long neglected may prove to be a tough job, owing to burned-in resins from your fire. You can use fine steel wool dipped in cooking oil, but it will take plenty of time and elbow grease. Easier to handle and very effective is fine emery cloth of the sort used by metal workers. They are available at hardware stores. Dip the emery cloth in cooking oil and rub in one direction, not round and round, and when it is clean polish it with a Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloth.

Try a piece of lemon dipped in salt, or hot vinegar and salt, to remove corrosion from brass. This is an old-fashioned method but one that I find useful when dealing with articles that are difficult to clean. Provided they are not decorated with materials that hot water will damage, they can also be boiled in water containing salt and vinegar. Most of the corrosion will be loosened or removed. You can then finish with a Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloth to restore the desired shine.

For antique brass, rub with lemon (mineral) oil and polish softly.

Copper can be given a deep-brown or bronze color by repeated wipings, after thoroughly cleaning, with boiled linseed oil.