Some well known uses for baking soda include odor remover, disinfectant, household cleaner and toothpaste alternative. When mixed with water, it can strip paint from metal surfaces too. This comes in handy when you need to expose screws or other metal hardware buried under layers of paint, like doorknobs, closet hinges and locks. The baking soda paint removal formulation is also much less toxic than most paint removal products you may purchase at a home improvement store.
Instructions
1. Boil one quart of water in a pot on top of your stove. When the water reaches a roiling boil, add the the baking soda and stir with a spoon until it dissolves.
2. Remove the piece of metal you want to strip the paint from and place it in the baking soda and water solution. For example, if you want to remove paint from a door hinge, then remove the hinge and place it in the boiling water.
3. Boil the piece of hardware in the water and baking soda solution for 15 to 20 minutes. As the time expires, you will see the paint peeling off. Drain the pot by pouring the water in the sink and let the piece of hardware cool.
4. Peel or scrub any remnants of paint off the hardware to give it a polished and clean look.