Very tarnished fireplace surround

tinas

Hi,

I think it's brushed steel. Anyhow, I wiped it down with some wipes that worked really well. But, never again. It's become very tarnished. I've tried using the same wipes again and they got some of it off but only a bit ( I rinsed thoroughly this time!).

The wipes were citrus based so I guess a bit acidic.

Does anyone have any suggestions? It looks awful and I really can't afford a new one.

Thanks for reading

imho

i don't know if this will work so maybe try on a bit of brushed steel you can't see. I would try toothpaste on a damp cloth. You could try those Earaser sponges you can buy in £1 shops or Tesco/ Waitrose

DigForVictory

Again, if you have any not too visible area, try "Salt, Vinegar and Flour: Mixed until you reach a paste consistency" although I note no proportions are suggested.

Or my old favourite, tomato ketchup. Again, test first!

pavlovs_dog

I've found this about cleaning polished cast iron ones if it is of any help

http://www.victorianfireplaces.com/guides/fireplace-care/how-to-polish-cast-iron.html

Emm-in-a-pickle

A friend at work had the same problem you describe, (her tarnish was due to her cat had been injured by a car and had surgery to its mouth but for ages it sneezed grot on the fireplace, cat got better but fireplace didn`t. ) She tried everything then found -
Bar Keepers Friend.
It worked. She told everybody.

eamon

You could repaint uisng a spray paint a different colour perhaps.
In my last house thats what I done with the gas fire by removing as many parts as possible for spraying outside and masking the parts that didn't need painting (or shouldn't be painted).
If you choose this route you will need paint that is heat resistant.

tinas

Many thanks for all of your replies.

I'm all out of ketchup. I might give this a go next week after shopping.

Toothpaste does work. It takes a bit of effort though. I'd recommend it for small bits but my job is just too large (:

I've heard of bar keepers friend. But no where local stocks it. I plan to get some though.

I dis find some Silvo lurking at the back of a cupboard. Not ideal for a fire as its oil based (flammable). It works but will need some cleaning to remove the residue.

Thanks for your help, it is very much appreciated

pavlovs_dog

lakeland sell BKF - you can shop with them online if you cannot get to a store

Emm-in-a-pickle

My friend got her BKF in a supermarket, dunno which one but she does shop in Asda & Tesco.

tinas

Thanks,

P&p would make it expensive. I'd rather wait until I can get it a bit cheaper. It would be the solution if there were no other options..... far cheaper than a new fire!

I'd not thought of asda, I'll be near one late next week so I'll take a look.

imho

Waitrose sells BKF and I think Home Bargains. If it doesn't work on fire surround there be lots of other things it will clean in house so won't get wasted