Westinghouse percolator

[imperial70]

Hi
I found this very old Westinghouse percolator at a flea market in Grafton MA. It was only $3. I tested it with water and it works. I am concerned about the sump. Does that look like rust? If so I probably should not use it. Not sure it can be removed. Any vintage percolator experts out there that may have suggestions. I was thinking Dipit (If they even make that any more).

Thanks,
paul

 

[jamiel]

Looks like normal crud in the bottom of a percolator...run a cycle of DipIt (or just a dishwasher detergent tab since it seems like the maker is stainless steel) and be done with it. If you're really fastidious you could probably rub a Scotch-Brite in the sump to clean it up.

 

[imperial70]

Jamiel, thank you for the advice. I'll give it a try.

 

[polkanut]

I've found that a good chlorinated dishwasher detergent will loosen and/or remove just about any built up crud in a percolator.  It may take more than once to get the results you want but, it works miracles in the end.

 

[imperial70]

Thanks Tim. I have some chlorinated Cascade that I will use with hot tap water (about 130 at the tap).

 

[ea56]

I collect percolators and other coffee pots as well and I have been using dishwasher detergent to clean them for at least 15 years. It works like a charm, every time. And since I have started using the dishwasher detergent pods I just put one in the basket, fill the pot to max level with water, run a brew cycle, either take the pot off the heat or unplug it if its an electric and let the solution sit for 30 mins. Pour out the solution, and boy will it be dirty and then rinse the pot, stem and basket thoroughly and you are back in business. I stem cleaning brush is also an handy tool to have and they are readily available on ebay.
Eddie

 

[imperial70]

Soaking the pot in hot water with a detergent did an excellent job.
I think I'm going to put the pot through a cycle like Eddie suggests.

Thanks again for all the great advise.