How To Clean Old Metal Toys. Use a cotton swab to remove any dust and dirt from the small crevices of your die cast metal object. Do not use too much pressure just enough to clean off the dirt and grime.
Use a magnet on all parts of the toy to make sure it is all steel. A wire brush would also work well to quickly remove rust and stubborn paint. White vinegar is a safe home cleaner.
Apply your stainless steel or multipurpose cleaning product following instructions on the label.
With a 5050 mixture of white vinegar and mild soap dip your clean cloth in the mixture and use it to wipe every corner of the toy. Use a magnet on all parts of the toy to make sure it is all steel. Put a small amount of soap on the toothbrush just a small drop and begin to give the figure still wet from its soak a gentle scrubbing. The age-old method of half a lemon and salt is excellent especially on a flat surface such as an antique tray.