How to Remove Paint With Baking Soda

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Soak metal hardware in a mixture of boiling water and baking soda to remove paint.

For non-toxic paint removal, try using a solution composed of baking soda and boiling water. Although consistently effective when used with metal hardware such as hinges and doorknobs, it doesn't remove paint on non-metal surfaces like the walls in your home. But it will refresh the look of your wall paint and remove the paint on those hinges you covered by mistake, without costing a bundle or filling your house with the unpleasant fumes created by chemical based paint removal products.

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Step 1

Fill a large pot with 1 quart water. Be sure to use an old pot you no longer want to use for cooking.

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Step 2

Place the pot on the stove. Add the 1/4 cup baking soda and allow it to fall to the bottom of the pot. Do not stir the baking soda into the water.

Step 3

Turn the stove on and bring the water to a simmer, or low boil. While waiting for the mixture to simmer, set up an area in your kitchen where you can dry your metal hardware pieces by laying down dry cloth.

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Step 4

Place the pieces of hardware into the simmering water using tongs. Do not let any of the hardware pieces touch each other or the sides of the pot.

Step 5

Remove each piece of hardware from the water using the tongs, once the paint has fallen off. This should take approximately 15 minutes. Use an old toothbrush or cloth to scrub off any minor paint remaining on the piece.

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