Zinc can be used to make a wide range of items.There are many ways to clean these objects.Lemon juice, toothpaste, and baking soda are some of the most common ways to clean zinc.If you are going for a look that is not desirable, consider using acidic substances, like lemon juice and vinegar, to remove the patina on your zinc objects.
Step 1: You can use an old rag or cloth.
Use an old rag or cloth to clean zinc objects.You don't want to use a new cloth because it could be ruined.If you don't have a used rag or cloth, you can make one by cutting up an old t-shirt or piece of clothing.
Step 2: If you want to clean your zinc, choose a lemon or vinegar.
Lemon juice or vinegar can be used to clean zinc objects.You will need one or two lemons cut in half to make lemon juice.Use plain, white vinegar if you want to use it.
Step 3: Choose between toothpaste or baking soda paste.
If you want to keep the patina intact, use solutions that are less acidic, like toothpaste or baking soda.Colgate, Arm & Hammer, and Aquafresh are all toothpastes that will work if you choose to use them.If you want to make a baking soda paste for smaller objects, use a small amount to a large amount.Then mix the water with the paste.Gradually mix in the water.Add a few drops of water, mix, and then gradually add more water until you have a paste.
Step 4: You can use an old toothbrush.
Use a toothbrush that you can discard when cleaning hard to reach areas.This can be an old toothbrush that you don't want to use anymore.Store the toothbrush with your cleaning supplies so you can reuse it again.
Step 5: You can put the item on a cloth or paper towel.
If the item is big, place it on a paper towel.If the item is small, put it on a paper towel.Place the larger item on a larger cloth or rag.
Step 6: Rub the zinc object.
Use your cleaning agent of choice to moisten a paper towel or cloth.Rub your cloth over the object.Some areas of the object are dirtier than others.Rub more of the cleaning agent on the dirtier areas.Rub the lemon wedge over your zinc object if you are using a lemon as a cleaning agent.
Step 7: The toothbrush can be used to clean small areas.
If there are small areas on the object, you can use a toothbrush dipped in your cleaning solution to clean them.The smaller areas will be reached by the toothbrush's bristles.
Step 8: Dry with a towel or cloth.
Once you have cleaned the object, use a paper towel or cloth to clean it.Rub the surface area with a cloth or paper towel.Rub off the cleaning solution.Don't use too much water.Remove the cleaning solution and pat dry.
Step 9: A polishing cloth is used.
If you want to polish your zinc objects, use a specially made cloth.You can buy polishing cloths from your local crafts store.A polishing cloth is used for small zinc objects.
Step 10: You can use a metal wadding polish.
Your zinc objects can be polished using a metal wadding polish.Rub the object with the wadding polish.After polishing, avoid handling the object.You can buy a metal wadding polish at a hardware store or a crafts store.Before polishing the whole object, be sure to check the effect of the metal wadding polish on an area.
Step 11: You can use a clean cloth.
It's a good idea to use a clean cloth for outdoor objects.Light cleaning and polishing is what these objects need.After rinsing these objects with water, gently rub them with a toothbrush, and then dry them on a clean cloth.