Carried away cleaning Gillette SS

[danfred]

Was given a nice little Gillette SS early 50's made in England. I was really excited to get this razor so decided to put it in a solution of vinegar and water for cleaning overnight

Well the next day let's put it this way it didn't quite look the same as the night before. The underside of head as well as inside the head is all discoloured.
I suspect too much vinegar and not enough water? Just about broke my heart although I don't think it's a valuable razor but it was one of my first razors I collected
Can the members give me their thoughts on what went wrong here, and more importantly is there anything I can do to restore this razor

Thanks

Dan

 

[Ruck]

Pictures of the result? Those who know won't be able to help if they're working in the dark.

 

[Rumbaldi]

I'm no expert but vinegar is an acid, you might have removed some of the plating.

 

[Oldguy]

I cringe every time I hear of a razor soaking over night in anything. Not a good idea. In many cases the finish is degraded and sometimes totally ruined.

Len

 

[luvmysuper]

All may not be lost. Discoloration can often be removed with the proper cleaning and mild polishing if it isn't too bad.
As mentioned, pictures can help, because extent and color of the problem can tell a lot.

 

[The Last Chimney]

That's odd. I've found vinegar to be a very mild cleaner. I soaked one of my Aristocrats in vinegar (undiluted) overnight once, and there was no damage to it at all.

Have you tried going at the discoloration with scrubbing bubbles or something? It could just be stained, especially if you used something other than white vinegar.

 

[Slash McCoy]

Pics would help.

I suspect that the discoloration you see is permanent. Of course, the razor will still shave as good as before, but you damaged it, for cosmetic purposes. If you are really attached to it you might look into replating it but I certainly wouldn't go through all that expense.

You could try buffing it with a very fine abrasive and a soft toothbrush or something. What do you got to lose? But I personally wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Swampfox]

that's odd. I've found vinegar to be a very mild cleaner. I soaked one of my aristocrats in vinegar (undiluted) overnight once, and there was no damage to it at all.

+1

 

[pauls51]

As has been stated use a very mild polish (stay away from polishes like Autosol etc)

 

[danfred]

Thank you to all of you for your input. If the damage is done yes your quite right in not worrying about it. Will endeavour to buff with some mild polish and keep you all informed.
Yes, in the past I too have used vinegar and water with no harmful results, but I'll think twice in future

Regards

Dan