Paint strippers can be caustic and expensive especially when you are restoring eighteen double sash windows and all of their hardware. I tried this solution to salvage my vintage window hardware. It’s simple, easy and works like a charm.

Supplies: Old cooking pot, DAWN original dish washing liquid, wire brush and a few hours.

Simply place the hardware in the pot and fill with water. Add a few table spoons of DAWN. Set to low on the stove. Bring to a shimmer NOT a boil. A boil will cause it to bubble over. Now let it on low for four to six hours testing and adding water occasionally.

I used a pair of pliers to hold the hot (be careful!) hardware while I scrubbed with wire brush. Viola! Paint be gone and any old gunk too. At this point, you can polish if you want them to look “new.” I prefer the existing brass patina and simply rubbed them dry.