An unusual cleaning question.

[polkanut]

Recently, a kerosene lamp that my paternal grandparents received as a wedding gift (11/1936) has come into my possesion.  But, the lamp has sat for many years, unused.  Over time, the kerosene in the lamp base has evaporated, leaving a brownish residue behind.  My question is this, what can I use to safely clean the residue out, and what can I use to safely clean the brass burner without removing any of the patina?  I have thought about putting the glass base in the dw, but don't want to cause an explosion if any kerosene should be present. 

 

[tlee618]

Not sure about this Tim but I have heard that denture cleaning tablets work great for things like this.  At least I know it would not cause any damage on the glass bowl.   

 

[mielabor]

Is it a glass font on a stem? Be very careful with that. In some cases the stem can easily separate from the font just by using warm water for cleaning. I would not place it in a dishwasher.

 

[iheartmaytag]

My mother had an old lamp with same situation.   Me being stupid as I am, I put it in the dishwasher.  Luckily nothing happened,  My drift was, the explosive part of Kerosene is the vapors, after everything has evaporated out explosion hazard is minimal.  

 

 

 

[gmmcnair]

Try kerosene first.....put enough in the bowl to cover the residue, and let it soak....it may loosen it to the point where you can carefully wipe it out. I'd try that first with the burner as well. You know that the lamp was made to handle that.

 

[polkanut]

Theo,

It's not on a stem, it's just a glass bowl or reservior with a finger grip on the one side.  It is pressed glass, and would withstand a trip through the dw if I knew the residue was non-flammable.  Any thoughts on how to clean the burner without harming the patina?

 

[gansky1]

I have the kero lamp that my grandmother learned to read by, fortunately she kept it up over the years.  I used a little Brasso on an old toothbrush to clean the burner & shade support.  It worked well, shined it up nicely but the "patina" returns quickly when in use.  It's shocking how much light those things can put out when in use, have fun with it!

 

[polkanut]

Well I tried it, I put a

concentrated dish soap solution in the reservoir and let it soak overnight to remove the kerosene residue.  Then, I ran the base, and chimney, through the dw, and it all came out sparkling like brand new!

 

[toggleswitch]

oh my--- putting poisonous hydrocarbons in the dishwasher!

I have always wanted a dedicated DW for not-cutlery, non-crockery items!

 

[norgeway]

My Mother!

Told me about my Aunt and Her doing homework by kerosene lamp until electricity came to the rural area where they grew up in 1938, I still have the bill for wiring the house...52.00!!! This is the same house I grew up in!

 

[toggleswitch]

Yah but rent in the 1950's was about that much in NYC for a 5-room apartment

Prices are relative to income and taxes!

 

[maytagbear]

A useful website----

westegg.com/inflation.

Very handy inflation calculator. In 1938, 52.00 was a chunk of money.

Link included.

Lawrence/Maytagbear

The Inflation Calculator

The following form adjusts any given amount of money for inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index, from 1800 to 2024. Enjoy!

westegg.com