Cleaning a samovar is not an easy task, since it is important to take into account the age of the product and the material from which it is made. However, with a little effort, you can clean it to a shine and enjoy aromatic tea in warm, spiritual company.
The article contains useful tips and recommendations that will help you clean the product and restore it to its former beauty.
A cleaned samovar will become a worthy interior decoration and will allow you to enjoy a tasty and aromatic drink
Features of cleaning different materials
For each samovar there are certain recommendations and cleaning products. It is important to follow them, otherwise, after treatment with an unsuitable device, the design of the heating device may even break down. In addition to the fact that the inner and outer walls will not be cleaned, if the wrong product is used, they may become discolored or cracked. It is also recommended to use several sponges and rags for cleaning.
How to clean a brass samovar
Usually, when cleaning brass samovars, ammonia or oxalic acid is used. When cleaning, use a soft sponge and a dry cloth. Do not use chemical or sandy products under any circumstances, as traces will remain. After you have treated the samovar with acid or alcohol, wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth, otherwise oxidation will occur.
How to clean a copper samovar
Copper is a soft metal, so only use soft materials. A copper samovar should be wiped with a dry cloth. For the perfect shine, use a squeeze of fresh lemon. Wipe the walls in a circular motion, and use kerosene for hard-to-reach places. Wet the swab and thoroughly clean the desired area. After a while, wipe everything with a dry cloth.
How to clean a stainless steel samovar
Stainless steel can maintain its appearance for a long time, but to do this it must be cleaned regularly. When using powdered products, marks will remain on the walls and the shine cannot be restored. Use a soft cloth and gel dish detergent.
After cleaning with chemicals, you need to boil water several times and pour it out. For greater shine, wipe stainless steel with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Faience and porcelain
Porcelain products contain clay, so when using chemicals, cracks may appear. The outer layer of a faience samovar consists of a glaze that can maintain its shine for a long period, but to avoid reactions, use laundry soap. After processing, rinse the samovar with a wet sponge and wipe with a dry cloth.
How to clean a nickel-plated samovar
Nickel is less sensitive to chemicals than chromium, but its appearance can also be easily spoiled. For cleaning, use substances that are sold in specialized stores.
At home, you can make your own mixture of salt or vinegar. Powdered substances must be dissolved in warm water so that no grains remain. Then the liquid must be cooled and only then used for cleaning.
Chrome plated samovar
The chrome-plated surface of the samovar quickly loses its presentation if not properly maintained. Use store-bought products or mix salt and vinegar to a paste consistency. Coat the entire samovar with it and leave for 30–40 minutes. Then rinse the mixture with water, wipe with a rag and rub until shiny.
Aluminum
A samovar made of aluminum is lightweight and durable, but you won’t achieve the shine of chrome. Soft metal indicates the impossibility of using powdered products. However, aluminum is easily subject to oxidation, so use only appropriate mixtures. The best of them would be an alcohol solution and wood ash.
Gilding
Such samovars are least susceptible to physical damage, so standard detergents can be used. Also, gold plating is less sensitive to oxidation and can be washed with almost any homemade solution.
To effectively clean all small parts, fill your bathtub with warm water and add detergent. Place the samovar for 2–3 hours, rinse, and then dry thoroughly and rub with a cotton napkin.
Universal ways to polish a samovar to a shine
Before washing off stains, determine the material of the product, since the processing method and the choice of cleaning agent depend on it.
Typically, copper, brass or stainless steel is used for manufacturing. Aluminum and nickel-plated products are quite rare. Be sure to find out whether the item has historical value (especially for coal-fired samovars). To do this, carefully examine it from all sides. If you find a mark or ancient inscriptions, contact a specialist and find out the cost of such a relic. If the product is not a rarity, clean it and use it for making tea or conducting themed photo shoots.
When choosing a cleaning method and method, consider the age of the product and the material from which it is made
General cleaning recommendations:
- Disassemble the product by unscrewing all handles, stands, valves and decorative elements. This will make the cleaning process easier and help achieve better results.
- Use gentle cleaning products. Do not use compounds with abrasive particles, even if you need to clean an old samovar. Such products leave scratches, which spoils the aesthetic appearance.
- For cleaning, use only soft sponges or cloth. This will not only help avoid damage, but will also make the product shiny.
- Before using any product, test it on an inconspicuous area and observe the reaction. If the treated area has changed color, use a different solution.
A samovar that has not been cleaned for a long time will first have to be washed with a detergent solution. You can use universal dishwashing detergents, a solution of soda ash or baking soda. Previously, products were polished with sand, after which they “burned,” but scratches appeared on the surface, which accelerated the appearance of patina and oxide deposits.
Heavy stains are removed with gasoline, GOI paste, Metalin, a mixture of 1 tbsp. l. table salt and 1 cup whey. Polish the pre-cleaned surface with a piece of felt or flannel soaked in the selected composition. A brilliant result can be obtained using newspaper.
How and with what to clean the samovar
The samovar has long been considered an antique, so it is quite difficult to find special means for cleaning it. However, you can achieve the desired effect at home using ordinary folk remedies and cleaning products.
Vinegar + salt + flour
Mix salt and flour in equal proportions, stir and pour in a little vinegar. You should get a thick mass that needs to be applied to the samovar and wiped with a sponge. Then rinse everything off with water and wipe with a dry cloth until it shines.
Lemon or citric acid
Citric acid cleanses the surface well from stains and plaque. Cut a slice of lemon and rub the walls of the samovar. Then use a toothbrush or a stiff sponge to thoroughly clean the device. Rinse everything off with water and wipe with a dry cloth.
Vinegar
Before using acetic acid, wear protective gloves and try not to splash it. Wet a swab or napkin and apply the liquid to the surface of the samovar. Rub it with a sponge or toothbrush. Then rinse with water and dry with a cloth.
Ammonia
Ammonia is used in the standard way: soak a rag or sponge in it and rub the samovar from plaque. After the procedure, rinse everything with water and wipe with a dry cloth.
Oxalic acid
The substance must be used with protective gloves. Mix the acid with water in proportions of 100 g per 3 spoons. Apply the thick paste to the samovar and leave for 30–40 minutes. Then mix a spoonful of baking soda in a glass of water and wipe the device. Rinse everything off with clean water and rub until shiny.
Paste GOI
GOI paste can be used for polishing brass and copper samovars, which are easily scratched and lose their shine. Apply the paste to a sponge and wipe all areas of the water heater. Then clean the walls of the substance with an alcohol solution and rub thoroughly with a dry cloth.
Coreg tablets
The tablets are intended for cleaning dentures, but they are also used for treating samovars. For maximum effect, use a large container large enough to accommodate the samovar. Pour hot water, add a few tablets to it and wait until they dissolve. Then place the samovar there and wait 2-3 hours. The longer the samovar is in the solution, the stronger the effect will be. Then take it out, treat it with soda solution and rinse with water. Rub with a soft cloth until shiny.
Sweet sodas
Carbonated drinks are used to clean the inner surface of the samovar from scale. Pour Fanta, Pepsi or Sprite into the samovar and leave for one night. In the morning, pour out the liquid and brush the walls. Then rinse with water and wipe with a dry cloth.
Potato peelings
One of the oldest and most effective ways to clean the inside of a water heater. Throw the potato peelings into a samovar with water and boil for 40 minutes. Then leave to cool for 2-3 hours and pour out the contents. Rinse with soda solution and treat with a stiff sponge or toothbrush.
Soda ash for keys and faucets
This option is designed for cleaning small parts of the samovar. Remove them from the structure and place them in a container of water. Then add calcined salt and boil for 30-40 minutes. Let the parts cool and rinse them with clean water. Place the key and taps on a dry towel until completely dry.
Folk remedies
You can use folk remedies to clean both internal and external surfaces. The most popular are:
- vinegar;
- lemon;
- toothpaste;
- coca-cola;
- dentifrice.
You can clean the outer walls until they shine using toothpaste or tooth powder. The principles of action of these substances are no different. When using toothpaste, it is applied to the outer surface of the dirty area and rubbed in. The powder is also used, but before this the outer surface is moistened with warm water. Residues of teeth cleaning products must be thoroughly rinsed off the outer surface, then polish the outer walls with lint-free wipes or pieces of cloth.
Toothpaste will help you clean the samovar until it shines.
A simple drink of Coca-Cola can clean the inside of a samovar. This is a very aggressive product, used only in cases of severe contamination. It helps remove scale from the heating element. This is done as follows:
- Coca-Cola is poured inside the samovar in an amount to completely cover the heating element (plus 2-3 cm).
- Then the samovar is heated for 15 minutes.
- After this, you should cool the Coca-Cola directly in the samovar. When it cools, it is poured out and the internal surfaces are cleaned.
When using lemon, wipe the inner surfaces of the walls. This way they are cleaned of a thin layer of scale. Cleansing is carried out as follows:
- Lemon is cut into thin slices.
- The inner walls are wiped with slices.
- To purify, one portion of water is boiled idle.
If desired, you can use freshly squeezed lemon juice. A cotton wool is moistened in it and the walls are treated.
Lemon will help cope with many impurities
You can also clean the samovar using vinegar. It is advisable to choose 6 percent. In its absence, you can double the cleaning time with three percent, but it is better not to use nine percent - it is too concentrated. A piece of cotton wool is soaked in the essence and the surface is wiped with it. Wipe the outer and inner walls until shiny. The more soiled, the more cotton swabs you will have to change.
How to clean a samovar from rust
Let's look at ways to clean corrosion on samovars made of different metals:
- Copper. Despite the fact that non-ferrous metal does not rust, when oxidized, a corrosive coating may appear on it. To remove it, use a paste with salt, flour and vinegar. Apply the mixture to the affected area and leave for 30-40 minutes for a chemical reaction to occur. Then we wipe everything with a rag and moisten the surface with citric acid. Rinse with water and rub with a dry cloth.
- Brass. Samovars made of this metal are more susceptible to rust, so if there is constant corrosion, change the storage location of the samovar, with a lower percentage of humidity. The best means for recovery would be ammonia, tooth powder and distilled water. Mix the ingredients and apply the finished mixture to the affected areas. Leave the samovar in a dark place for 1.5-2 hours for the reagents to react with corrosion. If rust remains, then repeat the procedure. Rinse off the solution with water and soda, then wipe everything thoroughly with a dry cloth.
- Nickel and chrome. The use of acidic substances is excluded, since the chrome plated metal will tarnish. To remove corrosion from such material, it is better to use special pastes. Alternatively, you can use a saline or soda solution. If not all rust has been removed, then use fish oil. After applying to the affected area, leave the samovar for 24 hours, then wash off with water and detergent.
- Aluminum and gold plated. Pure aluminum can be restored with an alcohol or vinegar solution. For greater effect, add sodium tetraborate to the liquid. If the walls are covered with gold, then mix sodium hypochlorite with egg white. Apply everything to the affected area and leave for 5-7 hours. Then rinse with water and wipe until completely restored.
Household products
Household products are also used to clean samovars. The most popular are:
- liquid laundry soap;
- dishwashing detergents;
- soda solution;
- solid laundry soap;
- dishwashing powders.
Some types of samovars cannot be cleaned with abrasives. These include dishwashing powders and baking soda. What materials cannot be cleaned with abrasive particles are described in the sections above.
You can use laundry soap to clean external dirt such as grease stains or food stains. In this case, liquid laundry soap is applied in a thin layer, and a sponge is soaped with solid soap, which is used to treat the surface. Contaminants should be cleaned using hot water or even boiling water - this way they will come off better. Remaining soap should be rinsed off thoroughly.
It is not recommended to clean internal surfaces with laundry soap. They will not be able to remove scale on the walls or heating element. In addition, the smell of soap is difficult to dissipate.
Dishwashing detergents are used in the same way as liquid laundry soap. They are considered the best for cleaning stainless steel samovars. The stainless steel device can be cleaned with dishwashing detergent both outside and inside. It is advisable to choose products that are odorless. Otherwise, it is necessary to leave the samovar open, and also boil 2-3 portions of water after cleaning. Dishwashing detergent will not be able to remove deep layers of scale. It helps remove thin greasy deposits or film on the inner walls.
Soda solution can be used in combination with other ingredients or alone. For independent use, a small amount of baking soda is mixed with a few drops of water. For one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of water is enough. This mixture is applied to the outer walls of the samovar, the material of which allows it to be cleaned using abrasive particles. Then, using a kitchen sponge or scrubber, baking soda is used to remove dirt from the outer walls. It is not recommended to clean the inner walls with soda, and it is prohibited to use soda on heating elements.
Cleaning the samovar both inside and outside is possible using improvised means. In this case, the material used to make the device and the location of the contaminated parts are important. With timely cleaning, you can extend the service life of even vintage devices for a long time!
An effective samovar cleaner
How to get rid of scale in a samovar
The best descaling agent is citric acid. For maximum effect, follow these instructions:
- Fill the samovar reservoir with water and bring to a boil;
- add 100 g of citric acid;
- leave for 3-4 hours;
- Boil the water again and let it cool;
- pour out the contents and evaluate the result.
If the scale is not completely removed, then repeat the procedure. The remaining layers are easily removed with a sponge. After this, rinse the tank with water.
A similar method is the use of acetic acid. In some cases, it is more effective than lemongrass, but it leaves behind a pungent odor. The removal procedure occurs by boiling water with vinegar.
How to clean a copper samovar from green deposits
Copper often develops a green coating called patina. There are several methods to remove it:
- Lemon juice. Cut the lemon into slices, treat the affected surface with them and use a toothbrush or sponge with a hard surface. Then rinse with clean water and rub until restored.
- Soda. Pour 0.5 liters of water into a container and add 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Apply the solution to the affected areas until the green color begins to fade. This substance is also good for cleaning faucets and samovar keys. They need to be put into the solution and left to sour for 3-4 hours.
- Vinegar. We wet a piece of cloth in 5% acetic acid and treat the damaged areas with it. There is no need to apply force, just apply the liquid to the surface. After achieving the result, wash everything off with clean water and wipe with a dry cloth.
How samovars were cleaned in ancient times in Rus'
In the old days, the samovar played an important role in every home, so it was regularly wiped until it shined. Sorrel leaves were most often used. They were taken in a bunch and squeezed, then the samovar was wiped. In winter, fresh sorrel was impossible to find, so frozen cranberries were used. They were defrosted over the fire and the walls of the samovar were rubbed in a circular motion. A little later, salt, clay and chalk came into play.
The samovar was once the main thing in the kitchen of every family. Today it is used more often by lovers of antiques, although its tea-brewing qualities are in no way inferior to modern devices. If you suddenly decide to purchase or take a samovar out of the pantry, then do not worry about its appearance, because there are a large number of methods for cleaning it and polishing it to a perfect shine.
