How to Clean Antique Kerosene Lamps

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Flea-market finds sometimes turn out to be valuable antiques. Even if they're not, a good cleaning removes decades of waxy residue from old kerosene and built-up soot. Here's how to make that luscious find look special again.

Things You'll Need

• Boiling water
• Detergent
• One thin stiff painter's brush
• One or two pieces of fine steel wool
• One can of spray-on vegetable oil
• One soft, lint-free polishing cloth
• Paper towels

Instructions

Fuel Reservoir

1. Empty any old kerosene in the bottom of the reservoir, also known as the font, and discard it according to your local hazardous-waste laws. Put a generous squirt of detergent in the reservoir and fill it with almost-boiling water.

2. After allowing the hot water and detergent to sit for half an hour, dump it out. Repeat the squirt of detergent and hot water treatment once again.

3. Using the stiff-bristled brush, clean inside the nooks and crannies of the reservoir to remove any remaining waxy residue. Rinse with more hot water and turn upside it down to dry.

Metal Components

1. Disassemble and examine them for any damaged pieces. Lay the pieces together on a piece of paper so none of them get lost.

2. Spray each tarnished piece with the vegetable-oil cooking spray. Polish carefully, using a circular motion, to remove stubborn spots.

3. Apply a final coat of vegetable-oil spray and polish the metal parts with a soft, lint-free cloth. Old linen works best.

Globe or Chimney

1. Put warm water and a squirt of detergent into a plastic basin. Completely immerse the globe or chimney and allow to soak for a few minutes.

2. Remove it from the soapy water and use the stiff-bristled brush to dig out any soot and grease caught in odd corners. Rinse in warm water.

3. If there's still a film of soot on the globe or chimney, a cloth dampened with household ammonia will help. When completely soot-free, shiny the glass with your lint-free cloth.