Since my article on cleaning insulators appeared in the June, 1986 issue, I have received several letters from collectors requesting answers to questions not covered in the article.

First of all, I recommended not using Brillo pads, because they are too coarse for glass. I have used this product in the past, and found superficial scratches on insulator surfaces. These scratches could most likely be removed by fine polishing, but that's quite tedious and time consuming. Brillo, however, does market an alternative product that does a super job. It is called Brillo Nylon Scrubber. This product is a tightly woven nylon pad, about four by six inches in size. It is very cheap. It will last a long time, and it will not scratch the surface of the insulators you are scrubbing. But you should sprinkle some kitchen cleanser on the pad and the insulator to be scrubbed.

Next, as you remove insulators from your soaker bucket, you will notice an accumulation of B.K.F. (Bar Keeper's Friend) on them. This is because the cleanser and acid contained in the B.K.F. does not go into solution when mixed with water. It is simply held in suspension. Therefore, it gradually settles to the bottom of your soaker bucket. When this happens, you will need to stir your soaker bucket to re-distribute the reducing agent. This is best done just before you immerse the next bunch of dirty insulators.

Lastly, let me assure you that B.K.F. is a kitchen cleanser type of product. It is available at most full line grocery stores. You do not have to seek out a chemical warehouse, or an explosives supply company to obtain it. This product will NOT detonate when added to water. It also will NOT cause severe burns. Nor will it predict the winner of the 1988 presidential election. It is simply a cleansing product used by hundreds of housewives and dish washers each day. The added bonus for us collectors is that is CHEAP, SAFE and really WORKS! 1