Forged door handles, candle holders, and other small details add an authentic, period-style warmth to interiors and exteriors alike. However, even a durable and hard-wearing material such as hand-forged iron occasionally needs cleaning and renewal. How should wrought iron be cleaned? And what are the best ways to maintain and restore forged elements so that the craftsmanship is shown at its best?
There are several different methods, and the right approach depends on where the item is used and how long the protective treatment is expected to last under those conditions.
If your outdoor door handles or gate hardware have developed rust, gently scrub the affected areas with a wire brush. To remove rust stains, soak the item in a mildly acidic solution, such as lemon juice mixed with salt or inexpensive vinegar. There are many instructional videos available on YouTube that demonstrate this process. As an example, the user syyenergy7 shows how quickly and easily rust can be removed from metal using vinegar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlcL_vHODkc&t=11s
After removing the rust, rinse off the vinegar or any other acidic solution you used, and then paint or coat the item. This will help ensure that the forged piece remains protected for a long time in outdoor conditions.
But what if your goal is to showcase the natural metal surface—the raw, authentic look of forged iron?
Let’s say a wrought iron candle holder that has stood for years on a fireplace mantel or windowsill has developed a few small rust spots. If the rust is minimal, there is usually no need for aggressive cleaning with a wire brush or chemicals. Simply put a few drops of cooking oil on a paper towel and wipe down the candle holder. Afterwards, dry the surface with a clean piece of paper.
If, however, a steel-forged candle holder has been sitting in storage for decades and you want to bring it back into use, the cleaning process will require more time and effort. Soaking it in vinegar and then scrubbing with a wire brush is an effective method. In this case, wiping the surface with cooking oil alone is not enough, as this type of protection is only temporary.
At home, it is also possible to achieve a finish that comes very close to a traditional blacksmith’s surface treatment. There are several variations of this method, as different blacksmiths have their own techniques—these will be covered in more detail in future posts. The simplest approach is to place the cleaned item in an oven for a short time. Do not use a microwave! A gas, electric, or wood-fired oven can all be used for this purpose. Based on experience, gas ovens may produce slight moisture, which can sometimes lead to light surface rust forming again during heating.
Keep the item in the oven until it reaches a temperature at which candle wax will melt easily on its surface. Then rub the hot metal with candle wax and immediately wipe off the excess with a cloth or paper towel. Be sure to wear protective gloves.