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I have an old Valve/Rotor contra bugle that's been sitting in a shed for a while, it's absolutely filthy and I want to clean it up for an exhibit on Saturday (it doesn't need to be fancy, just not grungy. Nickel plate finish, there's a bit of surface corrosion around the back of the bell I'd like to knock off if possible.

Eventually I may send it in for a full overhaul to playability, but that's a someday thing.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Ken

edit: disregard, sorry

It's probably chrome plated OVER nickel plating OVER brass.

You can be pretty aggressive with chrome without scratching it.

You should know that a mixture of a couple of strong acids will dissolve chrome and even a really strong alkaline - such as stuff similar to paint strippers (oddly) well dissolve chrome as well.

... so I think I would avoid super alkaline cleansers such as Purple Power or Super Clean on chrome, as well as really strong acids.

I know you don't want to scratch it, but I think I might be tempted to use Comet - with a sponge or rag and some hot water.

Barkeepers Friend works great on slightly grungy and corroded chrome.